The article "Teaching Student Drivers: 9 Tips That Will Keep Everyone Safe
And Sane" is about family, it has been written by Matthew C. Keegan.
I have had the experience of teaching several human being how to
drive. Some were youngsters, but I have also taught a few adults
how to dirve too. Let's just say that I am more than glad to
have "retired" from that practice as teaching somebody how to
drive can be taxing mentally as well as physically.
Still, not
everyone has the funds to go to dirving school or an available
friend to help out.
So, if you are one of the "lucky" ones
playing the role of instructor, here are some tips to help keep
you sane and your student listening.
1. Set A Shcedule. Keeping teens on a schedule can be
nearly impossible as they juggle their busy lvies with after
school programs, work, homework, socializing, etc., but it is
something that you must do.
Find a time that works for the both
of you and go out no more than one hour each time for your
lessons.
Oh, by the way, make sure your driver in training has
his or her driver's permit on them at all times.
2. Simple Start. Keep the first lesson or two simple.
Backing in and out of the driveway and driving around the
neighborhood first are good starts. If you live on a busy road,
then you should drive the automobile to a less busy area before
allowing your student to take over. At the really beginning, avoid
driving on days when pavement is wet - dealing with water on the
road is a separate lesson for the more experineced student.
3. A Good Beginning. Thirty years after I first received
my license, I remebmer in my lessons being told that there were
four things that a driver must do before even starting the car:
door, seat, seatbelt, mirror. In other words: close and lock the
doors, adjust the driver's seat for your personal settings,
fasten your seatbelt, and adjsut side and rear view mirrors.
Then, put the key in the ignition, start the car, look all
around, engage the transmission, and slowly step on the
accelerator and get moving.
4. Moving Forward.
Once your driver has a good guess for
the automobile - no jackrabbit statrs or hard breaking observed - step
things up and start practicing using hand and turn signals,
parallel parking, how to negotiate turns and curbs, etc.
5. Stepping Out.
After several lessons of dirving locally
and practicing safe driver habits, it is time to take the
student out onto a busy road. Keep that lesson short to allow
the nervous student time to adjust to driving in traffic.
At
least initially aviod rush hour traffic, highways, and areas
with excessive pedestrian traffic.
Make sure your student
understands road signs, traffic signals, stopping/yielding, and
the myriad of otehr rules of the road.
Repeat lessons as needed
to help your student grow accutsomed to driving in traffic. Once
your student builds up their confidence, take them out on the
highway.
6. Study and Review. While behind the wheel lessons are
extremely important, knowledge about driving rules and
regulations are important too.
When driving down the road, point
out road signs and ask your student what they mean. Dsicuss the
fines and points that can be assessed by the Department of Motor
Vehicles {DMV} for violations. All of these thigns will be on
their written test.
7. Defensive Driving.
If you live in a more northerly
climate, learning how to drive on ice and snow is esesntial to
being a safe driver.
Even if your student learns how to drive
and secures their license in warmer months, insist on getting
back in the atuomobile with them when wet leaves, snow, and ice are on
the ground. Also make certain that your student understands how
alcohol can impair judgment, how a radio, cell phone, or other
passengers can distract them, and how to drive around
pedestrians, bicyclists, mopeds, etc.
8. Check Fulids.
An important lesson apart from actual
driving and preparnig for the written test is maintenance of the
vehicle. Your student should be familiar with looking under the
hood, checking fluid levels, hoses, belts, etc. Also show your
student how to check tire pressure, do a viusal check of turn
signals, headlights, and all other lights. Familiarization with
the exhaust and suspension systems is important too.
9. Ready, Set, Test! Once you are certain that your
student understands all the rules of the road, is exhibiting
safe driving practices, and is a cofnident driver then take the
test. Do not let a pending birthday or special event drive that
decision as you want to produce a safe driver, not a reckless
one.
Once your student has passed their test make certain that the
information on their license is correct, your car's registration
is up to date, your insurance has them covered, and the automobile that
he will be driving is road ready before allowing him to drive by
himself.
Remember, driving is a privilege and not a right. Good driving
habits are fromed early on, but so are bad habits. Nip any
problems in the bud early to ensure the safety of your student
and everyone else who is out on our roads.
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