Just because your teen passes the permit test or the licensing test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re comfortable with them getting behind the wheel. There’s a lot about being a safe driver that your teen can’t learn by taking a test!
There’s no need to turn into an anxious mess every time your teen sits behind the wheel. If you put in a little work, you can ensure your child is safe when they hit the road. That in turn will help you relax, whether you’re a passenger in the car or you’re at home waiting for them to return.
Take Practice Tests
Taking a practice test is a no-brainer if your child is preparing to take the official test at the DMV, but practice tests can come in handy well after they have completed the test.
For example, ePermitTest has multiple online tests for Texas Drivers that are absolutely free to take. If your child is struggling with traffic signals, road signs, or anything else, you can find a test that will help them practice.s
Struggling to get your child to take practice tests with you, especially if they have already passed? Turn it into a fun family game and get everyone involved in learning more about the rules of the road. You will likely be surprised to learn that you could use a little brushing up on your knowledge too!
Get in the Car with Them
No matter how many written tests your teen takes, knowledge of the road alone isn’t enough to turn them into a safe driver. For that, they actually have to get behind the wheel.
The more time you spend in the car with your teen, the more skills you can teach them. It also enables you to see how they drive first-hand, which can put your mind at ease.
Don’t want to hop in the car and create lessons on the fly as they drive down the road? Check out online lessons. They include lists of common skills that you should have your teen practice so you don’t miss any.
Show Them Basic Maintenance Skills
It’s alarming how many teens get behind the wheel of a car and learn how to drive without knowing anything about how to maintain the vehicle! It’s an important aspect of your young driver’s education because a well-maintained vehicle is always safer on the road than one that isn’t maintained.
Basic maintenance skills you should teach your child include:
- How to check the tire pressure
- How to change a tire
- What the notification lights on the dashboard mean
- Where things under the hood are located
- How to change the oil
It can be helpful to tell them exactly how the vehicle works too. There’s nothing like learning that an engine operates thanks to thousands of mini explosions to remind your child to stay safe behind the wheel.
Let Them Help You Create an Emergency Kit
You will probably spend the most time worrying about your child’s behavior behind the wheel, but sometimes, a mishap is out of their control. Making sure they’re equipped for an emergency can put your mind at ease.
Invite your teen to help you create an emergency kit for the car. Include things like:
- Jumper cables
- Nonperishable foods
- Fire extinguisher
- Complete first aid kit
- Multipurpose utility tool
You should also ask your teen for input. They may surprise you by mentioning something you didn’t think of! Not to mention, if they’re actively involved in building the kit, they’ll know what’s in it the next time they are in trouble on the side of the road.
Set a Good Example
There are a lot of rules you give your child, but do you follow those rules yourself? It’s important to set a good example for your child in every area of life, but it is especially important when it comes to driving.
For example, if you don’t want your child to text and drive, you shouldn’t be texting and driving. You shouldn’t be texting them when you know they’re driving either! Even if they don’t follow your lead, at least they can’t blame you when it’s time to punish them for their behavior.
There’s a lot your child has to do in order to get their license, and there’s a lot you have to do to make sure they’re safe on the road after they get that license. With these tips, you can rest easier knowing that you’re sending a good driver out into the world.