6 Places New Drivers Should Practice Before Hitting the Road
Driving can be a challenging and scary thing to do, especially if you’ve never done it before. Teens who are just learning how to navigate behind the wheel are over 20 times more likely to get into an accident than drivers who’ve had just one year’s experience on the road.
To make sure that your teen drives safely during different kinds of conditions, it’s a good idea to start small and work your way up to driving on public roads. We’ve created a driving hierarchy so that your driver will be ready when they hit the road on their own!
1. Driving In A Parking Lot
Parking lots are a great resource when teaching a teen how to drive, but make sure you pick the right parking lot. Taking your teen to a very busy lot with lots of other cars may actually be more difficult than driving on the road. Your young driver will have to navigate cars driving and parking, plus pedestrians walking through the parking lot.
Make sure that you take your teen driver to a parking lot that’s empty or has very few cars. Going to a lot in off hours, like a school parking lot after school hours are over, or a plaza at night, are great options. Practice things like parallel parking, braking, stop and go, and how to turn with your signals. You should stay at this level until your teen is completely comfortable doing all of these things.
2. Practicing On A Quiet Residential Road
The second step is a residential road. Residential roads are a great place to learn how to drive because they are generally quiet and also familiar to your driver. Practice three-point turns, stop signs, signaling, and backing in and out of driveways.
3. Driving On A Busy Residential Street
One step up from the regular residential street, it should have traffic lights and pedestrians, so that your young driver can get used to busier streets.
4. Driving On A Commercial Road
The first time you take your driver on a commercial road, make sure that you don’t drive during peak times. Start with off hours that have less traffic, and work your way up to busier driving times.
5. Driving On A Street With More Than Two Lanes
Driving on a street with more than two lanes allows your driver to practice signaling, turning, and changing lanes, both of which they will be tested on when they have their driving examination. Make sure that you emphasize that your teen remain cautious at all times.
6. Highway Driving
Highway driving is not for the inexperienced driver, so make sure that your teen is ready. Drive during off hours or on the weekend, when traffic is light and your teen is more likely to be relaxed.
Being the parent of a teen driver can be nerve-wracking, so it’s important to give them all the tools and protection necessary to drive safely. Make sure you talk to your insurance provider and get your teen covered before they hit the road. Often, insurance companies will offer discounts for new drivers. If you’re not satisfied with your current policy, compare car insurance rates with other leading providers on the market to ensure you’re getting the best price possible.