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Driving can be stressful under the best of circumstances, but things can get particularly hectic when you must teach a young driver how to handle a car. Here are a few tips to help you stay calm when teaching your teen how to drive.
Have Your Vehicle Checked Out
Nobody likes to deal with unexpected car trouble, especially a teenager who might not know how to handle grinding brakes or a stuttering transmission. Your vehicle should be in good shape if you’re going to use it as a training tool. So get it to your mechanic and have it checked out before you begin your driving lessons. If you are feeling up to the challenge, you should always be aware of what is going on under your hood as well. Having replacement Darche parts on hand can help with any fears you might have about a shoddy vehicle.
Start Small
Teach your teenager the basics before you get to a busy road. This means showing them where the pedals are, how to use a turn signal, how to turn on the headlights, how to come to a complete stop, and other basic driving skills. Spend as much time on this as you and your teen need; they need to learn to walk before they can run.
Practice in a Safe Environment
Your teen’s main training ground should be empty parking lots and seldom-used back roads. There is little chance that they will get into an accident here, even if they make mistakes (and yes, they will make mistakes).
Pick the Right Time to Go Out
Once your teenager is used to (slowly) accelerating and coming to a complete stop in your makeshift training course, you can take them on the road to give them an idea of what “real” driving is like. When you do this, do not go out during rush hour or any other busy time of the day. Mornings and early afternoons will be better than later afternoons or early evenings, and weekends will be better than weekdays.
Take Breaks
Overwhelming your new driver will only be stressful for both of you, so know when to take a break. Get behind the wheel of your car and drive home. You’ll probably feel better being in control of your own vehicle again, and your teen might learn a few things by watching you.
Driving has become second-nature to a lot of adults, but it is brand new to someone who is only 15 or 16 years old. Be patient while teaching your teen how to drive, and don’t stress out too much when they make mistakes. As long as neither of you panics and your teen does their best to follow the rules of the road, we promise that you both will do just fine.