4 THINGS EVERY NEW DRIVER SHOULD KNOW
Learning how to drive is an exciting rite of passage for a young person, and it helps to have a good teacher by your side.
If you have a teen who’s ready to start driving, how can you be that teacher for them? Start with these four steps.
Start With Road Safety
All drivers, new and seasoned, should adhere to the principles of safe driving. Talk to the new driver in your household about distraction-free driving. Emphasize the importance of buckling up, and be sure to discuss speed limits and traffic signs. Familiarity and comfort with the rules of the road are an essential first step.
Review the Basics
Once your teen is in the driver’s seat, take the time to walk through the basics of the car’s controls. They know where the gas and brake pedals are, but do they know how to adjust their mirrors? Can they read the car’s gauges? They should recognize and understand the functions they’ll be using before getting on the road.
Start Slow
You can help a new driver get comfortable behind the wheel in a small, more controlled setting like a parking lot or lightly trafficked residential street. As they gain confidence, you can start practicing on busier streets with higher speed limits and multiple lanes. Eventually, they’ll have worked up to more challenging driving situations like highways, night driving and wet roads.
Discuss Car Maintenance
While teens are probably just excited to be behind the wheel, they should know some of the basics of how to keep those wheels rolling. Introduce them to the basics of car maintenance: oil changes, checking the tire pressure, windshield wiper replacement.
Remember, when you have a new driver in your household, you’ll need to update your coverage. Get in touch if you need to change your insurance or have questions about your policy.
