Driving can be a significant achievement for your teen, increasing their sense of freedom and responsibility. Establishing good driving habits early on enhances the safety of teen drivers and those around them. There are many tools and resources, including online driving schools, that can help teens learn how to drive safely. Here are several ways to instill good driving habits among young drivers:
Choose a Reputable Driving School
Select a driving school that is approved by your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Check to see if the school meets your area’s requirements for obtaining a driver’s license and provides the necessary certification. Look for driving schools with experienced educators and adequate support and resources for new teen drivers. Consider an online driving school for the convenience of learning road safety rules from home. Some online driving schools offer flexible coursework so your teen can work at their own pace, allowing them to return to past sections and review information as needed.
Educate Teens on the Basics of Road Safety
You can support your teen’s driving school education by demonstrating the basics of road safety in your own driving. This includes wearing a seat belt, following the speed limit, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Help your teen learn to scan the road ahead and anticipate potential dangers. Your parental example can help teens understand what is appropriate and what is not when driving.
Encourage Continuous Practice
Getting better at driving and gaining confidence behind the wheel requires consistent practice. Schedule regular times during the week for you to go driving with your teen. Practice driving with them in an open space, such as an empty parking lot. Provide your teen with driving advice on accelerating, braking, parking, and blinkering. These frequent lessons, along with their driving school program, can help young drivers learn and rehearse driving maneuvers in a low-risk environment.
Limit Interruptions and Distractions
Teenagers are more susceptible to distractions while driving, with one in three teens who text admitting to doing so while driving. Encourage teens to plan ways to deal with distractions ahead of time. They can turn off their cell phones, avoid listening to loud music, and limit passengers riding in the vehicle. Remind your teen to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel the entire time.
Teach About the Dangers of Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other impairing substances is unlawful and can be hazardous. Students attending online driving lessons will likely be taught about the dangers of impaired driving, and parents can help remind teens of the related consequences. As parents, you can also set clear rules and expectations for your teen, encouraging them to never get behind the wheel while intoxicated or otherwise impaired.
Utilize Modern Technology
Some modern cars have technology installed to assist drivers in staying safe and focused on the road. These features can help teens by reminding them of the speed limit and alerting them if crossing over a painted line on the road. Phone applications and other technology can also alert parents if their teen isn’t following their set rules.
Have a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement
A parent-teen driving agreement is a great way for parents to help their teens understand road safety rules and expectations. The discussion can set expectations for following speed limits, avoiding distracted driving, and wearing a seatbelt. It can also outline a curfew for weekdays and weekends. The agreement serves as a reminder of the teen’s driving responsibilities and sets clear boundaries and potential consequences.
Enroll Your Teen in an Online Driving School Today
Teaching teens the basics of road safety can help keep them safe on the roads. Encourage your teen to complete their driving school lessons, practice driving frequently, limit distractions behind the wheel, and never drive impaired. Contact an online driving school and help your teen develop habits for becoming a safer and more confident driver.
