Be a Good Partner
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Be a Good Partner In the Learning-To-Drive Process
The first step to being a good partner is being a good role model. Think about your driving practices over the last 15 years. Behavior is learned. And your teen learns from watching you. Do you wear a safety belt? Obey all rules of the road? Use a cell phone while driving? Treat other drivers courteously? Own a radar detector? Review your driving skills and become aware of your mistakes and any bad habits that may have developed over the years. Do you want your teen to learn similar driving behaviors from your example?
it’s also important to stay positive at all stages of the learning process, no matter how difficult it might be. Encourage your teen. Reinforce smart driving behaviors and smart decisions. Express your enthusiasm for your teen learning to drive. And help them stay positive and focused.
P ractice. Help and encourage your teen to practice driving at every opportunity.
A lways be a role model by driving smart and wearing your safety belt.
R emind teen drivers to avoid unnecessary risks and obey all traffic laws and signs.
T rain your teen on technical aspects of driving, such as scanning the road ahead, checking mirrors and staying focused.
N ever overreact, criticize, shout or overload your teen driver. Patiently and clearly communicate your expectations.
E ducate yourself about your state's teen driving laws.
R einforce smart driving practices that your teen uses. Provide feedback for improvement.
Remember: your ability to reinforce basic driving skills and good decision-making will guide your teen in becoming a smart, responsible and defensive driver.
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