1. Drive defensively.

• A good defensive driver always knows what is ahead, to the side, and behind the vehicle.
• A good defensive driver always drives for the road and weather conditions.
• A good defensive driver will attempt to make up for the mistakes of other drivers.

2. Speed kills!

The faster you go, the less control you have over the vehicle (it’s just plain old physics at work). The speed limits have been established for the safety of all road users. Drive for the road and weather conditions (worth repeating from the previous section).

3. The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.

• Don’t move the car until all occupants are wearing their seat belts.
• Passengers in the front of the vehicle must properly adjust their head restraint (aka headrest – should be adjusted at approx. mid-ear level .Too high or too low can cause injury).

4. A vehicle is not a toy!

Plain and simple, a motor vehicle is a potential dangerous weapon if it is not used properly. A vehicle is a form of transportation, which is meant to get you from point A to point B. It is not meant to be used as a way to impress your friends.

5. Driving under the influence is plain stupid and will not be tolerated by you.

• Alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix.
• Lack of sleep can lead to collisions.
• To drive safely, you must be sober and alert.
• Spell out what the consequences will be, if your kid is caught driving under the influence.

6. If you miss a turn or exit…

• Go to the next turn or exit- don’t stop in the middle of the highway and backup.
• Know your route – look it up on  a map (before leaving for your destination) or use a GPS.  Parents, it would be wise to practice destination driving with your kid. You’d be surprised how difficult it is for a new driver to find a destination.

7. Be aware of the other road users.

You’re not the only one on the road. You have to be aware of other drivers, pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles. Plain and simple, you have to share the road with others.

8. It costs money to operate a vehicle.

• Will your kid have to pay for gas? (I hope so).
• Will your kid have to pay for car insurance?
• Will your kid have to pay for any damage done to the car?

These are questions that you should discuss with you kid prior to letting him/her get behind the wheel.

9. There are consequences for not playing by the rules.

• Lay down the rules about car usage.
• What penalties/consequences have you discussed with your kid with regards to breaking the rules?
• Is your kid aware of the legal consequences of not playing by the rules?

10. Do the right thing – DRIVE SAFELY!

Drive safely and you’ll come home alive.

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Some parents shudder at the thought of having to teach their kid how to drive. These parents realize that it is best to let the professionals teach their kid the basics. The parent’s role after drivers ed is to practice with their kid to ensure that he/she becomes a safe and competent driver.

How should you prepare to take on such a task?

• Be Knowledgeable: You have been driving for years, but when is the last time that you read the drivers manual that your kid had to read to pass the learners permit test? You’d be surprised to find out how much you’ve forgotten (or didn’t know).  Know the rules of the road! There is nothing worse than a parent undoing what a driving instructor has taught, because he/she seems to know better (it’s worse when they have not stayed current with driving regulations). Quite frankly, that parent is going to create a monster on the roads!
• Question Your Kid: Once your kid starts to study for the learners test, let him/her sit in the front passenger seat (this gives that a good view of the driver and of the road ahead), and ask your kid questions about the traffic situation as it develops, this helps your kid to start to develop a driver’s mindset.
• Attitude is Everything! How you approach the task of teaching your kid how to drive will influence how well your kid drives. If you are tense or even scared your kid won’t feel comfortable driving with you and will most likely drive very poorly. The attitude that I adopted when I taught drivers ed was one of ‘we’re going to play in traffic’, when my students saw that I was fairly calm, cool, and collected it made my job (and their learning) that more relaxing and enjoyable.
• Plan Ahead: You need to have a general idea of where you will be driving, when you take your kid out for a drive. Knowing where you’re going will help you to anticipate hazards and/or trouble situations that might come up. There is nothing worse than letting your kid drive and not realizing that you’re taking him/her into a situation that neither one of you is prepared for.
• Enjoy! Enjoy this time with your kid. Give him/her the gift of safe driving by being the best mentor that he/she will ever have.

Have you downloaded a free copy of the Parents’ Guide to Teaching Driving (you can get it by filling out the information in the box to the right of this article)?