As a parent, helping your child obtain a driver’s license can be challenging. It’s hard to let go and trust that your teen will make the right decisions, especially in unpredictable situations they may not be familiar with. Once your child has gotten used to driving quiet, two-lane streets near your home, it’s time to hit the highway—which brings a whole new set of worries.

To alleviate your concerns, Eaton Driving School in Rochester, New York, offers the following three tips to help your teen adjust to highway driving:

• Stay Calm: Remind your teen driver that if another motorist cuts them off, it may not have been intentional. People make mistakes, and it’s crucial to never respond in anger. If someone else reacts to your teen angrily on the highway, make sure they have the maturity not to respond. The mental state of the other driver is unknown, so it’s best to avoid engaging in any negative exchange behind the wheel.
• Change Lanes Carefully: Your young driver should always stay in the right lane when learning to drive on the highway. At this point, there is no need to move into the middle or left lane to pass another car. Later, when your teen is ready to practice changing lanes, teach them to leave about six seconds’ worth of space between their car and the car in front of them before they begin to move into the next lane. It is also imperative to check the side mirrors, rearview mirror, and blind spot before moving over.
• Keep a Wide Viewpoint: As a new driver, your child may be a bit tense and stare fixedly at the road directly in front of her. However, because of faster highway speeds and the unpredictability of other drivers, they need to maintain a wider viewpoint to stay safe. Teach them how to watch what’s happening up ahead and consistently check their rearview mirror. They also need to be aware of the cars on either side, in case one of them decides to move into their lane. 

For a self-paced, affordable driver’s education, turn to the experienced instructors at Eaton Driving School. Call them at (585) 227-4800 to schedule a teen driving or adult driving session. Visit their website to learn more about the classes they offer, and like them on Facebook for news and updates.