Learning to drive is a life milestone most teenagers look forward to. Besides gaining freedom to take themselves to school, work, and friends’ houses, earning a driver’s license is a rite of passage for most teens. Meanwhile, many parents are nervous about letting their child behind the wheel of the car. Beyond adding them to your auto insurance policy as soon as they earn their permit, parents can follow a few tips to make teaching a teenager to drive a little easier.

Do:

Start in a safe environment with simple directions.

To take the pressure off eager drivers and nervous parents, start the driving lesson in an empty parking lot. Allow your teen to get used to driving in straight lines, turning corners, and backing up. As their confidence builds, transition to low-traffic neighborhood streets, and work up to busier roads.

Set a good example by exercising safe driving habits.

Some teens will mimic their parent or guardian’s driving habits. Set a good example by obeying speed limits, not texting while driving, and observing all traffic laws. Avoid any distractions such as eating, putting on makeup, and engaging in road rage incidents, which can impede safe driving.

Don’t:

Bark instructions from the passenger seat.

Most teens are already nervous during their first driving lessons. Avoid yelling or getting angry if they make mistakes. While you want to stress the importance of making good judgment calls, remain calm while providing feedback. This will help your teen absorb your notes and remember them while driving on their own.

Allow them to transport friends around.

If your teen has a learner’s permit, they are required to have a person with a driver’s license in the vehicle. As they’re learning to drive, don’t allow teens to pick up friends. Other teens in the car can be a major distraction, which can lead to accidents and higher auto insurance rates.

If you need to add a teen driver to your auto insurance policy, contact Pearson & Barnes Insurance in Somerset, KY, for reliable and affordable coverage. Your agent will also seek out discounts and coverage tailored to teen drivers. As an independent agency, the firm will compare rates from the nation’s leading carriers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. To get started, call (606) 679-1450 for a free, no-obligation auto insurance quote. Visit the website for information on the agency’s complete lineup of coverage options.