How to Make Your Teen’s Driving Lesson More Engaging

It’s likely hard to believe that your teenager is all grown up and driving. While this milestone can be exciting, it can also be dangerous. Getting out on the road with your teen for the first time might be a frightening experience for both of you.

However, the best way to ensure they’re paying attention during your lessons and don’t feel stressed is by making your time together as exciting as possible.

Work up to a Faster Pace

You shouldn’t start your teenager out on a dangerous road right away. You’ll want to begin on a slower route with less traffic so they can get used to handling the vehicle before taking on a more challenging street. Contrary to what many may believe, most driving anxiety doesn’t come from being in a crash, which could explain why some people feel anxious behind the wheel for seemingly no reason.

Once your teenager gets used to driving at a slower pace, head to somewhere more fast-paced for them to test their skills. It’s OK to go back — just remember your child is comfortable.

Let Them Check the Car

Your teenager should know everything they can about cars, especially if they’re going to get one once they have their license. One of the best ways to teach your child is to inform them about insurance and how high rates are when a teen driver is added to the family plan.

Rates are typically higher because many teenagers are fearless and reckless on the road, but your child should know how to handle their car and what to look for when something seems wrong. Have them check the vehicle before setting out on every driving lesson to ensure there’s nothing visibly wrong with it.

Make the Lesson a Road Trip

One of the easiest ways to get your teenager excited about driving is to take a road trip. This allows your child to drive through various conditions, from sunny to rainy to evening to rush hour, and it’s an excellent way for them to see new places. Take your family out to see the sights during a long weekend.

Road trips offer a fun experience to your teenager while helping them hone their skills. It’ll also allow them to drive through different cities and states, which may have other laws than what they’re used to.

Look for something that will encourage your teenager to drive when searching for the right road trip destination, such as:

  • California: A trip to a theme park like Disneyland will help your teenager realize that a long journey can have a big payoff.
  • Maine: This state’s renowned historic lighthouses and delicious seafood can keep anyone’s attention, especially if your kid is a history buff.
  • National parks: Nature lovers will jump at the chance to see native flora and fauna in action. Your destination can be as far as your teen feels comfortable driving.
  • The Big Apple: Offering them a trip to fast-paced New York City can encourage a teen to learn to drive in traffic.
  • Washington, DC: Any teenager invested in politics should be interested in a trip to DC. They can get experience parking in the city or riding the Metro, too.

Upon visiting somewhere new and fun, your teenager will be more than eager to drive — especially since they’ll be able to brag about their adventure to their friends.

Choose Challenges Carefully

You’ll want to present a few challenges to your child when teaching them how to drive. Not every path will be smooth sailing — sometimes, they’ll encounter heavy traffic, bad weather or horrible drivers. Explain how to handle each situation carefully and that it’s OK to turn their hazards on and go slower through heavy rain and ice.

Driving at night also requires care. Once your teen feels ready, teach them what they should do differently, like switching between high and low beams or limiting how closely they follow a car. Once they have mastered one challenge, add another one.

Ask for Feedback

You aren’t a driving instructor, so there might be some things you fall short on. Ask your teenager for feedback on you as a teacher. They may want you to use different methods to teach them, such as to be gentler when they make a mistake or inform them about what they’ll be learning before you set out.

Only around 60 percent of 18-year-olds have a license, showing that it isn’t a priority for some people, whether for geographical or personal reasons. You should know your teenager’s reasons for wanting to get a license — is it for themselves or to appease you? Above all, work with what your teen wants most. That way, you’ll both have a rewarding experience.

Tailor the Driving Lesson to Their Needs

It’s your responsibility to teach your teen how to drive safely and effectively, so ensure they’re getting the most information possible out of your lessons with them. Once they feel confident and safe on the road, you’ll know they’re ready for grander adventures.

Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

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