Giving your child driving lessons can be a stressful time for both of you – whether it’s the first trip out or the tenth. Teaching your child to drive should be as stress-free as possible for both of you to ensure your safety and that they learn the proper rules of the road. Alleviate stress during your child’s driving lessons by utilizing the following four tips.

The Top Tips to Relieve Stress When Teaching Driving

1. Brush Up on the Rules

It’s likely been several years since you took the driver’s test yourself. Before getting behind the wheel, peruse a current Driver’s Handbook and familiarize yourself with the new rules of the road. Not only does this ensure a safer and more relaxing driving lesson, but it will also help you answer any of your teen’s questions you may not have known.

2. Phase Out the Driving Lessons 

Help your child feel more comfortable with the wheel by starting from the beginning and slowly progressing as they improve. To start, teach them about the basics in a large, empty parking lot, so they have some wiggle room to make mistakes without the fear of damaging the vehicle. As they feel more at ease, move onto the next phases, like driving on neighborhood streets, then city, and lastly, the highway.

3. Project a Calm Attitude

As a parent, you likely feel tense at the mere thought of your child getting behind the wheel. While this is normal, showing your tension to your teen will make them feel even more stressed, which can negatively impact their lesson. Take deep breaths and speak to your child in a calm tone when giving instructions.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Your teen driver is likely going to make some mistakes during their driving lessons. While it’s important to educate them on the rules of the road, make sure you also point out the positive things they are doing. Positive reinforcement will help your child feel more comfortable at the wheel, allowing them to drive confidently, rather than fearfully.  

If you are looking for additional assistance while giving your child driving lessons, talk with the professionals at Sure-Drive Driver's Training in Villa Hills, KY. With dual-controlled cars, this school provides student drivers with professionals to help them safely learn the rules of the road. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (859) 331-0007.