How To Prepare Your Teen Driver For The Road

Teaching your teenager how to drive is a significant milestone. As exhilarating as it is for them, it can be equally nerve-wracking for parents to prepare their teen driver for the road. 

At Boggs Automotive, we understand the importance of equipping teen drivers with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe on the road in Warsaw, IN, and beyond. Here’s our guide to preparing your teen driver for the challenges of driving:

1. Start with the Basics

Begin with teaching your teen the fundamental rules of the road. This includes understanding road signs, signals, and basic car operations. 

Be sure they’re familiar with the vehicle they will be driving by practicing in a safe, controlled environment like an empty parking lot.

2. Enroll in a Driver’s Education Course

A formal driver’s education course is invaluable. These courses provide structured learning and cover a broad spectrum of driving situations that help build a teen’s driving competence and confidence.

We recommend Road Skills in Warsaw, IN as we’ve been impressed with their training for new drivers. They provide one-on-one in-car instruction designed to minimize distractions and ensure your teen gets the training they need. 

They also offer an online class option and make it easy for students to take their driving test with one of their instructors instead of having to go through extra testing at a BMV branch. 

3. Practice Consistently

Consistency is key when learning to drive. Make sure your student driver has plenty of practice hours under various driving conditions: rain, sunshine, light traffic, and busy roads. The more diverse the experience, the better prepared your teen will be, so be sure to make sure they meet their requirements to drive during daytime and nighttime hours as well.

4. Discuss the Dangers of Distracted and Impaired Driving

It’s crucial to discuss the risks associated with distracted driving (like texting) and impaired driving. Emphasize the importance of focusing solely on driving and the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel.

5. Teach Defensive Driving

Equip your teen with defensive driving skills. Teach them to always be aware of their surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and maintain a safe following distance. 

Defensive driving courses are also available for drivers of any age and can provide valuable practical lessons.

6. Set a Good Example

Children and teenagers learn a lot by observation. When they’re riding in the car with you, be sure to demonstrate good driving habits such as wearing your seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and using turn signals. 

Your behavior can significantly influence how seriously your teen driver takes their own driving responsibilities when they get behind the wheel.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

Make sure your teen knows what to do in case of a driving emergency. This includes knowing how to change a tire, jump-start a car, and what to carry in an emergency kit. 

Familiarize them with emergency procedures and ensure they know how to contact roadside assistance and who to contact in an emergency.

8. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Leverage technology to monitor and improve your teen’s driving habits. Apps and devices can track speed, braking patterns, and provide real-time feedback. This can be a helpful tool in coaching your teen toward safer driving practices.

9. Encourage Responsibility with a Driving Contract

Consider creating a driving contract with your teen that outlines the rules and responsibilities of driving. This can include agreements on safe driving practices, curfew times, and the consequences of unsafe behavior. 

A driving contract helps reinforce the seriousness of driving and ensures that both you and your teen are on the same page regarding expectations.

10. Keep Communication Open

Always keep the lines of communication open. Encourage your teen to ask questions and express any concerns they might have. The more comfortable they feel discussing driving, the more likely they are to share their experiences and seek advice.

Get Your Teen Driver On The Road Safely

Preparing your teen driver is about more than just teaching them to operate a vehicle; it’s about instilling safe driving practices that will last a lifetime. 

At Boggs Automotive, we are committed to supporting you and your teen every step of the way. 

Visit our convenient Warsaw locations for all your automotive needs, and remember, no appointment is necessary for oil changes. For all other services, we’re just a call away!