How should you begin teaching your teenager to drive?

Approaching the topic of driving with your teenager may be met with excitement and anticipation from them and anxiety and hesitation from you. Being the parent, you know firsthand the risks of driving in North Carolina and how those risks can be magnified if your teenager becomes distracted or careless. One of the best things you can do is to teach through your example and take your time teaching the concepts that are most important.

Discussing safe driving practices is something you can begin even before your child reaches the age where he or she can legally drive. You can talk about the dangers of being distracted including talking with friends, texting, eating or manipulating the radio. Inform your child about what can happen if they participate in dangerous behaviors while driving and how their actions could potentially hurt themselves and others.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company suggests that you have your teenager sit down inside of the vehicle before driving away. Introduce them to the basics of the vehicle; show them the mirrors, blinkers, lights, gas and brake pedals, hazard lights and how to clean the windshield. Have them begin practicing in a place that does not have a lot of traffic and is pretty open. For example, you can take them to a large parking lot and have them practice accelerating and braking.

Teach your child the importance of being a responsible driver and how to be courteous to others. Talk with them about being a defensive driver and staying vigilant to be able to recognize hazards before they become dangerous. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.