3 Important Lessons to Teach Your Kids About Driving

Remember that little boy who wanted to watch the movie  Cars  over and over on DVD or that tiny girl who look a few Hot Wheels cars with her wherever she went? Well, they’re now both teenagers and are quickly approaching the age when they’ll actually be driving a car — not just playing with one or watching them on TV.

It may be hard to believe your kids are old enough to learn to drive. But, as their mom, you’ll want to be involved in this learning process and teach them as much as possible. Consider starting with the following lessons:

1. Let Them Get to Know Your Car

For years, your SUV has been the vehicle to get your kiddos from Point A to Point B. However, now it’s time for them to get to know the car in a more in-depth way. For instance, explain to your teen that part of learning to drive involves understanding some basic car maintenance.

Thus, teach them the importance of making sure all four tires are properly inflated, aren’t bald or damaged in any way and are rotated on a regular basis. Then, review how properly  rotating and maintaining their tires  will help the car handle better and keep your loved one safe on the road at all times.

Moreover, let your teen know tires that aren’t regularly rotated will wear out thousands of miles sooner, which means you’ll have to shell out for replacements much sooner. With that in mind, explain you can either rotate your own tires or take the car into an auto shop, and then encourage them to keep tabs on the car’s mileage and remind you when it’s time to get serviced.

2. Go Over the Rules of the Road

Take your teens to your local DMV and pick up a copy or two of a driver’s license manual. Then, sit down with your teen and read over the booklets together, pointing out the different sections and how they can take the provided quizzes to test their knowledge.

From there, point out that while these tutorials contain plenty of basic information that might feel like common sense — like slowing down in a school zone or pulling over when an emergency vehicle is behind you — the manuals also include less common information, like how far to park away from a fire hydrant.
Using the tests in the driver’s manual, give your teen a “pre-test” to see what they already know, and then encourage them to study more to improve their knowledge. Your teen can also download an app like the  DMW Genie Permit Practice Test, so they can read up on the rules of the road and take practice tests on their smartphone or tablet.

3. Teach Them About Safety and Defensive Driving

Before your teen gets behind the wheel, teach them all you can about  being a safe and defensive driver. In addition to making good decisions like following the speed limit and not texting while driving, your teen should also be acutely aware of other drivers in their vicinity.

Experts say the first defensive driving lesson you, as a parent, should focus on is patience and grace. Thus, hammer home the point that roads aren’t places to “prove a point” or insist on getting your way. Even if another driver is driving recklessly or cuts off your teen, teach them to take a deep breath and let it go.
To help drive this lesson home, be a good role model while in the car with your kids by avoiding the temptation to swear or yell at other drivers. Also, use your horn sparingly, if at all.

Remember That Learning Never Stops

Teaching your teens about driving is an ongoing process — and it’s one you will work on for years. By starting with the basics of care and maintenance, the rules of the road and the importance of being a defensive driver, you will give your teens a good foundation that you can build upon over time

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