*This is a collaborative post.
Do you want to take the stress out of getting your teen on the road? If so then this is the guide for you. Here you will find out what steps you can take to help your teen learn how to drive, so you can give them the confidence they need to get out on the road in no time at all.
Get them a License
Depending on where you live, you can get your teen a license from the age of 16. You can get this two or three months before they turn 17 to ensure it arrives on time. It’s a simple form that you can get online and it only usually takes a few weeks to come. When you get this you can then give your teen the chance to get on the road before they are able to obtain their full driving license. It may be that you need to help them to get on the road by getting them insured on your car and a clause of the provisional may be that they need to be in the car with a qualified driver. Either way, if you can take small steps to help them gain confidence now then this will help you more than you realize.
Find an Instructor
Another thing you need to do is try and find an instructor. You need to start the search a couple of months before your teen would ideally like to start lessons. It’s wise for you to look online and when you do, you can also take recommendations from friends and family. Google is a fantastic resource if you want to find a new instructor and if you are struggling to choose, you can always look online for independent reviews or a recognisable brand name. Things like this can make a major difference to you overall so try and keep that in mind.
Look at Insurance
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to insurance. You need to take the time to look at different options before you go ahead and make your choice. By doing this you will soon find that it is easier for you to get the product you need and at a price you can afford. Of course, don’t forget to get a quote for the car you are thinking about looking at too as this will help you to plan and budget for everything.
Get Test-Ready
Getting test-ready for the theory and passing it will ensure that your teen will have a good depth of knowledge regarding the highway code. It will also mean that they have a good level of hazard perception before they get behind the wheel. It will also help take some of the stress away when the time comes for them to get on the road.
Study the Code
Revise. revise, revise! Make sure your teen learns the highway code inside out! That way, when your child comes to sitting their test, they will be prepared, confident and ready.
Speak with an Instructor
Keep in touch with your instructor as this is the best way for you to help them understand what is being covered within the lesson and what they would like your teen to work on when they are out of lessons. If your instructor has taught your child something then don’t argue with it and instead go along if you can.
Sit in on a Lesson
Another thing you can do is try and sit in on a lesson with them. It may help your teen to do this and it also means you can take them for an extra practice run. You need to take note of how important it is to stay patient and calm on the road and help your child to do this too. It may be that you observe how the instructor works and that you advise and encourage your child too. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to see how your teen is responding and how they are handling the experience on the road. If you are prone to road rage then now is the time to keep that in check so you can give them the help that they need when in stressful situations.
Look at Cars
Another thing that is important to do together is look at cars. When you take your child to look at cars, you will soon find that this helps them to feel more confident in what they are doing and it also helps them to feel as though you are behind them. When you look at cars together, invest in private number plates too for an extra special gift.
Give them Encouragement
Give your teen lots of encouragement. Getting your teen on the road is going to be quite daunting for them. You are probably going to be a big bag of nerves in the passenger seat to start with but if you can take a deep breath and you can stay calm then this will help you both. Give them help and know that you are both on a learning journey.
Is your teen learning to drive?
I couldn’t believe how expensive lessons were when my boys were learning to drive. Once they had had a few lessons I took them out in my car as well to try and give them as much practise as possible!
My son is 17 but for some reason doesn’t really seem that interested in driving at the moment, but for his 18th I will sort all of this out for him. Great advice and tips.
Always great advice thanks so much