8 Tips for Teen Drivers
Sensible parenting involves letting your teen learn to drive. Show the child that you trust him with your car but take a few minutes to teach the child all about safe driving and safety. All children have to grow up sometime and child development gurus recommend that it is best they grow along with the support of their parents.
Teach your child the responsibilities of driving. Ensure that they read the AAA website and the website relevant to the state or country you reside in. It is important that a child follows driving rules and updates his knowledge of road safety and safe driving tips given by experts. Insure the child well and drive with the child until you are sure that he or she is a competent driver.
The first step is to enroll the child in a reputable driving school and even after he or she passes the driving test ensure that the child knows:
1. All about basic car mechanics. Ensure that the child knows about pumping gas, changing oil, changing a tire, fixing windshield wipers, about using the car heater safely and more.
2. How to use the tool box and emergency kit. He or she must know what each tool is for and what the contents of the emergency kit are for.
3. Learn what to do in case of a break down and how to jump start a car.
4. Master reversing, left hand turns, three point turns, and parking in a small space.
5. The child must know how to read maps and the use of the GPS system if you have one.
6. Learn the rules of safe driving and promise to abide by the rules. Inculcate knowledge about speeding, drinking and driving, driving under the influence of drugs, and so on.
7. Set rules about never taking the car without permission. The child must always inform you where he or she is going and what time he or she will return. Make sure the child knows that he or she must call you if they are going to be later than promised.
8. All about respecting the car and looking after it properly. The child must help wash the car, keep the interiors polished, never litter the car or scratch the paint or interiors. Let the car become the child’s pride and joy and encourage the child to learn all about the mechanics of the car. Encourage the child to do small repairs and if possible take a short course on car repair.
A wise parent is one who encourages a child to spread its wings safely.