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