Teach your Teen to drive : Part 1

BECOME THE COPILOT AND STAY COOL!
BEGIN WITH THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND

GET A VIEW FROM THE COPILOT’S SEAT
The curb isn’t quite as close as it seems, however, if you are generally the driver, it may look as though your teen driver is going to run into it.

Drive in the passengers’ seat prior to experiencing it with your new driver for the first time. This way, you will have a better feel for what the road looks like from the passengers’ point of view, and you will have one less surprise when your teen takes the wheel.

Example: It can be difficult to tell from the passenger seat if the vehicle is centered in its lane if you normally see the road from the driver’s seat.

Take note: The road looks very different from the passenger side.

PLAY THE ROLE AS THE “NEW DRIVER”
You act as the “new driver” with the experienced driver giving you instructions. You may find being told what to do, for e.g. “turn left”, “stop there”, can be awkward and annoying! This exercise will help you understand how the new driver may feel and what they hear once your practice sessions with them begin.

STAY ALERT
It’s vital for you to stay alert.
Take note: the minute you may start to relax may be the minute your teenager requires your help. Be comfortable, but be alert.

REMEMBER WHAT YOUR GOAL IS
It is important that you acknowledge that only so much can be taught about driving in a limited time-span. However, practicing with your teen can pay off in the years to come and you can help them make decisions and judgments rather than rely on trial – and sometimes error.

FIRST PRACTICE SESSIONS
Attempt to practice as often as possible. Start off with sessions of 15-20 minutes then increase the practice periods to lasting approximately an hour. Practice during daylight hours and then at night and during poor weather conditions as well. Take advantage of the opportunity to practice every time you get into the vehicle with your new driver. Take a break when you or your teen become tired or frustrated. Driving will not improve under tense conditions.

START IN A PARKING LOT
Empty parking lots are a great environment for you to see whether your teen can drive in a straight line forward and backward, start up and drive a short distance, and stop the vehicle smoothly.
Test your teens' ability to turn the wheel and accelerate. Decide on a point in the parking lot to turn right. Make sure they turn without cutting the corner or first drifting to the left . Make a left turn the same way, then try making a right or left turn after coming to a complete stop.