Getting through the summer with a teenager in driver's education

Will you be teaching your teen to drive this summer? This is a huge milestone for them. It’s also a huge milestone for you! You might be excited. Or terrified. Or a little sad. Maybe all three.

But don’t worry. This article will serve as your guide to surviving the summer with a teen in driver’s ed. We’ve got five tips to help you make your teen a safe driver. And maybe enjoy a little bonding in the process.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Driver’s Ed Program

While you will be an instrumental part of your teen’s driver training, you don’t have to do it all yourself. A good driver’s ed program can give your teen a comprehensive education on driving maneuvers, state driving laws, and even basic car maintenance.

The structure provided by a driver’s ed program ensures that all the most important concepts and rules are covered. This frees you up to focus on the practical behind-the-wheel training. Summer is the perfect time for your teen to complete driver’s ed between school years.

When looking for a driver’s education program, make sure you choose one that’s accredited by the Driving School Association of the Americas and approved by the Road Safety Educators’ Association. If your state requires driver’s ed for teens, make sure your chosen school is state-approved.

Many states have approved online driver’s ed programs. Your teen can complete the coursework at their own pace through an online portal instead of in a physical classroom. Online courses save you from chauffeuring your teen to and from class. Plus, online courses are typically much more affordable than traditional in-person courses.

Tip #2: Get Familiar With Your DMV

You aren’t alone in your quest to nurture your teen’s ability to drive safely. Your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides resources and encouragement to help new drivers and their parents make the most of their early driving experiences.

DMVs can be a wealth of information. The California DMV, for example, offers a pre-drive safety checklist to help your teen systematically check the vehicle before starting the engine. The Texas DPS offers a full Parent-Taught Drivers Ed curriculum, which allows parents to serve as approved driver’s ed instructors for the behind-the-wheel portion of their teen’s driving education.

It’s also worth reviewing the requirements and processes for learner permits and driver licenses with your DMV since the rules vary by state.

Tip #3: Ease Your Teen in Slowly to Manage Any Anxiety

Driving anxiety is real. And many teens are more nervous than they let on about getting behind the wheel.

While a little fear is healthy for helping teens exercise caution in the driver’s seat, too much stress can impair cognitive function and cause them to make mistakes. So you want to make sure your teen is comfortable in the car so they can focus and build confidence.

Ease your teen into driving by strategically choosing places to practice driving. Starting with a big, empty parking lot on a sunny summer day is ideal. Your teen can get a feel for the gas, brakes, and steering with minimal risk of hitting anything. Then they can move to a busier parking lot where there is more to watch for, but the stakes are still low.

Quiet streets, rural roads, and small towns all provide good practice to build your teen’s skills before they graduate to highway, freeway, and big city driving.

Tip #4: Make the Most of Your Teen’s Practice Hours

In most states, teens must complete a certain number of hours of supervised driving with a licensed driver aged 25 or older. This is your chance to give your teen personalized guidance and immediate feedback on their driving.

During supervised practice with your teen, focus on explaining, demonstrating, and then coaching. Try to point out the positives just as much as the corrections. Something like, “Good job keeping a safe driving distance, just watch your speed” gives them a confidence boost while reminding them of what they need to work on.

Summer is a great time to practice driving. Longer days give your teen more time to practice during daylight, which is statistically safer than nighttime driving. Plus, you get to review how summer heat affects vehicles so your teen is prepared.

Tip #5: Set the Ground Rules

Establishing clear rules for your teenager sets them up for success, both during supervised practice and once they are permitted to drive without supervision.

Here are a few smart ground rules, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

The car is only to be used for approved trips (like going to and from school, for example).
Seat belts must be worn by all passengers at all times.
There is a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Curfews apply.
No headphones while driving.
Phone must be stored in the glove compartment while driving.
No other distractions like eating or doing makeup.
Passengers must be approved. Note: some states have established restrictions regarding how many passengers can ride with a teen as they gain more experience.

You should also explain the consequences of breaking any of these rules upfront. Driving is a privilege, and you can rescind their driving privilege if they can’t follow the rules.