Ways To Help Support And Encourage Your Teen Driver

While it can be exciting to get your driver's license for the first time and all the freedom it brings to you. It can also be very stressful and make teens very anxious. That is where parents, guardians and loved ones come into play. We all want these teenagers to develop the skills needed for a lifetime of safe driving, so that can be done with some support and encouragement along their journey, which we share some ways to do that today!

Get The Rules In Place

Well, that doesn't sound like fun, right? However, getting those rules in place right away is key to helping guide your teen driver in the right direction. The rules need to be very strict and you have to make sure they know it applies to everyone in the vehicle, including any friends that might be driving with them. Of course, you will be deciding what rules will be put in place, but here are some examples:

• Always wear a seat belt
• Do not text and drive
• Keep the radio (music, podcasts, etc.) at a reasonable volume
• Always respect the needs of the driver
• Do not drive unsafely

Set Expectations and Make Them Clear

The statistics don't lie: teen drivers are at a higher risk of getting into a fatal speeding-related crash when other teens are in the car with them. With the rules above, you can set expectations of how they should be behaving when they are behind the wheel. This, of course, is the same whether they are alone or with a passenger. It starts with setting the expectations then make it clear they will lose privileges if they don't follow those expectations.

Make Sure To Give Positive Reinforcement

And if they are following those expectations and rules you set forth, show them you appreciate it and start giving them some positive reinforcement. They have shown they can be a safe and responsible driver, so a good way to show positive reinforcement is by easing up on some of those rules and regulations or maybe letting them drive a little more often. Right now is when they are developing the skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. You want them to have positive moments to associate with driving.

Driving Has To Be Fun

Admit it, their anxiety is already through the roof when it comes to getting behind the wheel. We don't need to add to that. Driving should be fun, as long as they are doing it safely and responsibly. If your teen driver is enjoying the experience, they will relax and feel more confident behind the wheel. Make sure the vehicle is in great working condition, is comfortable to be in and they can listen to their favorite music (but not too loudly)! We understand having a new teen driver can help ease some burden off of you, as they can help you run some errands every now and then. However, don't overdo it, where they start feeling like driving is just a tedious task and not enjoyable.

Develop Confident and Responsible Drivers

Confident drivers tend to be safer drivers. With your support and encouragement, along with things they learned in driving school, the new generation of drivers will always put safety first. You have put everything in place for them to succeed, so sit back and watch it play out!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.