How to prepare your teenager for the road

It’s an exciting, albeit nervy, time when your child is ready to take the wheel. Of course, you want them to gain independence but also stay safe and confident in the driver’s seat.
The secrets to success are patience, practice and a bit of planning. Here’s how you can help your teen feel as prepared as possible when it’s time to hit the road.

Start with the basics before the lessons begin
Before they even sit in the driver’s seat for their first lesson, there’s a lot they can learn by observation. Spend time in the car with them as a passenger, pointing out key elements of driving.
Show them how to check mirrors, adjust the seat and get comfortable with the vehicle. This should help your teen feel familiar with the car and less anxious when it’s their turn to drive.
If they’re above age and you’ve got learner insurance, you can even take a few short drives around the block together, letting them take the wheel for a few minutes at a time.

Focus on building confidence, not just skills
While it’s important to teach the technical aspects of driving, like parking or understanding road signs, don’t forget about emotional readiness and confidence.
Many young drivers experience anxiety when they first start driving, so gradually increasing the level of difficulty in their driving tasks can really help. Take them on different types of roads – quiet streets, busier town roads and even dual carriageways when they’re ready.
This should help them build their experience in various situations without feeling overwhelmed. Small, positive experiences on the road can have a big impact on their overall driving confidence.

Consider telematics insurance as an option
After passing their test, consider exploring telematics insurance policies to help them take to the roads more safely.
This is a type of policy where the car is fitted with a small device that tracks the driving habits. This can encourage them to drive responsibly, as they’ll know their speed, braking, acceleration and other driving habits are being monitored.
Plus, the better their driving, the lower their insurance premiums might be. It’s a useful incentive for them to stay safe and drive carefully, and it gives you some peace of mind too.

Don’t rush the independence phase
While it’s tempting to let them go off on their own as soon as they pass their test, it’s crucial to allow them time to adjust to their new responsibilities.
Even after they get their licence, offer them some extra practice drives and be there to support them in their first few months. Setting a curfew or limiting night time driving for the first few months can also help keep them safe until they’ve developed more experience.

Helping your not-so-little one prepare for the road is an important process, but with the right approach, they’ll have a better chance of becoming a confident, responsible driver.