Learning to drive is an exciting opportunity for young adults who want independence. Although teenagers may take driver’s education, you, as a parent, should take extra measures to teach your teen the basics of safety, maintenance, and courtesy.
Here are 15 useful things every parent should teach their young driver.
Adjust the Mirrors
Teen drivers need to know that their vehicles’ essential safety features won’t always be customized to their liking. Teach them how to adjust the mirrors, whether powered or manual, so they can see their surroundings properly from their height and seating position.
Buckle Up
Don’t just teach your young drivers to buckle up; make it a number one priority. Whether they are drivers or passengers, buckling up first is an excellent, safe driving habit.
Check Oil Levels
Young drivers need to know how to read an oil dipstick since oil is essential for their engine. Grab a cloth or some paper, open the hood, and have them locate the dipstick. Knowing the warning signs of low or dirty oil is critical for young drivers.
Night Driving
Night driving is dangerous for all drivers, including teens. Drive with your young driver and show them the importance of slowing down and being more observant at night.
Driving in Bad Weather
Snow, heavy rain, and even fog can make driving scenarios challenging for young drivers. Teach them to slow down when stopping distances are longer. Another good idea is to drive them to an open lot in the rain or snow and have them practice. It’s also good to let your teen driver know it’s OK to pull over and stop in bad weather.
Handling Stress
Stress is natural. Studies show that stress-sensitive teens are better drivers. That said, there is a big difference when it comes to reacting to other drivers. Tell teens not to overreact to cars who cut them off, don’t take their turn at a stop sign, or are otherwise inconsiderate. Just stay calm.
Safety Check
Teach your teens to quickly walk around a vehicle before taking off. A quick scan around all sides of the car will reveal objects they could run over, including children playing in the blind spots and hazards like toys and nails. A walkaround is also a good way to spot a tire that could use some air.
Pumping Gas
Pumping gas might be common sense to older drivers, but it might not be to young drivers. Ask them to read the manual to know what gas their vehicle needs. Teen drivers should also learn to avoid running the tank too close to empty, as fuel does help cool engine parts like the fuel pump.
Spare Tires
Teens shouldn’t just know they have a spare tire; they should be able to put it on. While many insurance plans have roadside assistance, knowing how to use a jack to put on a spare tire is a fantastic, time-saving skill. This is especially important if your teen driver lacks cell phone coverage or needs to reach their destination quickly. You could practice in your driveway or garage.
Driving While Tired
A recent study suggests that one in six teens have driven while drowsy in their first two years of earning a license. Teens who work late and have school assignments are said to be contributing factors. Talk to your teen and make a plan to conquer driving while tired.
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is usually part of the driver’s test, but it remains a critical practice afterward. This is especially true for students who frequently drive in urban environments. Have teens practice parallel parking between objects like trash cans. In this scenario, it is essential to avoid stress and fender benders.
Getting Pulled Over by Police
Teens need to know what to do if the police pull them over. Aside from knowing how to behave and interact with police, they should always know where their license, registration, and proof of insurance are.
Clean the Vehicle
Adults have messy vehicles, too, but teens need a good starting point. Teach your young drivers to keep a garbage bag in their vehicle and instruct them on how to use upholstery or leather cleaner in case of spills.
Drunk Driving
Teens and young adults may be tempted to drink and drive. Parents, be sure to make your teens aware of the consequences of drunk driving, ranging from the potential of causing injury to someone to the legal expenses of a DUI.
No Phone Use While Driving
You’ll see many statistics about teen phone use while driving, as well as many roadside billboards and radio messages. That’s because ensuring your teen drivers keep their eyes on the road is paramount. There are many distracted driving laws in part because teens and adults continue to get injured or worse due to phone use.
Safety, Experience, and Some Mechanical Knowledge Can Go Far With Young Drivers
As young drivers hit the road, they should know the basics of vehicle safety, including maintenance. Parents who teach their kids these life lessons can feel more confident that their teen drivers are prepared to be safe, courteous drivers.
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