Six Things Your Child Should Know When Learning to Drive a Car

One of the most challenging parts of parenthood is teaching your children how to drive and be safe on the road. For many parents, it can be difficult to trust their child behind the wheel and allow them to have independence with driving. Learning to drive is a big responsibility, to ensure that you equip your child with the knowledge and skill needed to operate a vehicle, there are a few things your child must know beginning the new step.

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1. Avoiding Distractions

Between changing the radio station to applying makeup, it’s common for new drivers to be involved in accidents due to distractions. The accident rates are highest for those ages 16 to 19 years old, making it important to teach your child about avoiding distractions when operating the vehicle. This includes avoiding cell phone use and looking at other passengers while driving.

2. Defensive Driving

Even as a skilled and experienced driver, an accident can occur due to other drivers on the road. Teach your child about driving defensively, which includes scanning the road, watching for cars while passing through intersections, and paying attention to other vehicles that are behind the vehicle.

3. Avoiding Late-Night Driving

When driving at night, it’s important to avoid getting in the car after midnight, which is when drunk drivers are more likely to be on the road. Drunk driving currently contributes to 30 percent of all accidents, which often occur between the hours of midnight and three a.m. Set a curfew for your child and explain the risk of getting in a collision at late hours.

4. How to Get License and Registration

Allow your child to have more confidence by teaching them how to get their license and registration for their vehicle. You can help them to study and learn how to research what is required through the local DMV or on websites like Registrations Are Us.

5. Driving in Bad Weather

It’s important for your teen to feel confident behind the wheel when it’s raining or snowing outside. Enroll them in a driving course that allows them to learn how to drive on wet roads or how to control the vehicle if it begins to hydroplane.

6. Inspecting the Vehicle

New drivers should learn how to inspect a vehicle and check for flat tires, issues with the engine, or faulty lights. Teach them how to properly inspect a vehicle and allow them to learn how to change a tire, replace the oil, or add new windshield wipers.

By equipping your child with the right tools and knowledge with driving, it will allow them to feel more confident on the road to reduce their risk of causing an accident. They’ll become more aware of possible dangers when behind the wheel and how to safely operate their vehicle.