I’ve heard it said that the two hardest things you’ll ever help your child learn to do is potty training and driving a car. Would you agree?

Helping your teen learn to drive can be a very challenging experience! Between nerves and stress, expenses and risk, there is a lot on your mind. The best way to calm those worries is to prepare. So today, let’s walk through some tips to help you (and your teen driver!) feel more secure while they are learning how to drive.

Tip #1: Be Honest and Realistic

Let your teens know that driving isn’t just a fun activity or a chance at freedom. Driving is a serious task that requires focused attention and a responsible attitude. According to the Office of Traffic Safety for Minnesota, “due to inexperience, distractions, and risk-taking, teens are one of the worst groups of drivers in Minnesota.”

The statistics don’t lie.

“In 2020, teens (15-19) made up just six percent of all licensed drivers,” said the OTS. “Yet, they made up 16 percent of all drivers involved in traffic crashes.” According to the figures in 2020, there were also 39 teenage traffic deaths.

Sharing this type of information with your teen is intended to explain the reality to them. They are operating a vehicle that is objectively dangerous. It is essential that your teen isn’t too afraid to drive but rather understands that this freedom is a privilege that can have drastic consequences if they make poor decisions.

Tip #2: Understand the Laws

Before they even get behind the wheel, reviewing the laws of the road with your teen driver is crucial. You should both be clear and aware of the ins and outs of teen driving regulations. Refresh your memory on the state laws, here to be sure you can guide your teen appropriately.

Some current laws that restrict teen drivers include:

• No driving in the first six months from midnight to 5 a.m. without an adult 25 or older
• Only one passenger under age 20 unless accompanied by an adult 25 or older
• No use of cell phone while driving with or without hands-free under age 18
• No texting/messaging at any age while behind the wheel

Tip #3: Prepare for Your Parental Role

As a parent, you will be vital in preparing your teen for the road. You will need to establish clear and strict rules around driving, including access to your vehicles, rules about driving others’ cars, asking permission to drive, alerting you of their whereabouts, times of day they can drive, how to manage risk in poor weather conditions, and more. This is not a time for leniency! The risks can be a matter of life or death, so while it may feel harsh sometimes, you must stand firm and ensure your child adheres to the rules.

Instilling these routines and rules now will also help you (and them) down the road, helping your child form the proper driving behaviors to last them a lifetime. If you’re unsure where to start, review the state’s site here for tips and resources to help you get started on the right foot.

Tip #4: Insure Your Teen Driver

Of course, you knew this tip was coming. One of the first things you need to do is add your new teen driver to your car insurance policy. You could loop them into the conversation with your agent, too, so they understand the costs and coverage. 

If you are ready to start on this journey, I am always here to help you secure the best coverage for your entire family. Make sure your new teen driver is well-protected!