Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many teens. With it comes a sense of freedom, as there’s no longer a need to rely on parents to get around. Although inexperienced drivers might feel comfortable with a parent or instructor in the passenger seat, it’s natural to feel anxious when driving by themselves for the first time. If your teen has recently gotten their driver’s license, below are tips for building their confidence and curbing nerves so they can remain focused.  

3 Tips to Prepare Teens to Drive Solo

1. Make Adjustments Before Hitting the Road 

Until they save enough money to buy their own vehicle, your teen might drive the family car. This means they might need to raise or lower the seat and steering wheel or adjust the mirrors.

Doing so while driving can be dangerous, as they could accidentally turn the wheel or take their eyes off the road and get into an accident. To avoid these risks, they should make all necessary adjustments before they leave the driveway. 

2. Apply Defensive Driving Skills

Before your teen gets behind the wheel, remind them to apply the defensive driving techniques they learned while taking classes. This means they should refrain from using the phone and eating while driving, as these activities are distractions that reduce response time.

To increase response time, they should also abide by the three- to four-second rule. This means they should keep a trailing distance of three to four seconds between their car and the one they are following. 

3. Limit the Number of Passengers

Once your teen gets their driver’s license, they might be asked by numerous friends for rides. A car crammed with talkative teenagers can be dangerous, as your child could easily become distracted by the chatter.

Tell them to limit how often they provide rides, as it will cut down on how much time they spend on the road—reducing the risk of accidents. To limit distractions, they should only transport one or two passengers at a time.

Before your teen can drive solo, they must first earn their driver’s license. For driving classes to build your teenager’s confidence and prepare them for the test, contact Bob Shropshire Sons Driving School. Located in downtown Cincinnati, OH, the driving school instructors have been providing students with the foundation to become responsible motorists for over 90 years. View the class schedule brochure online and call (513) 721-3915 to arrange for training.