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eTyres care about our customers. The
following article may be of interest.
Teaching Student Drivers: 9 Tips That Will
Keep Everyone Safe And Sane
by Matthew C. Keegan
I have had the experience of teaching several people how
to drive. Some were youngsters, but I have also taught a
few adults how to drive too. Let's just say that I am
more than glad to have "retired" from this practice as
teaching someone how to drive can be taxing mentally as
well as physically. Still, not everyone has the funds to
go to driving school or an available friend to help out.
So, if you are one of the "lucky" ones playing the role
of instructor, here are some tips to help keep you sane
and your student listening.
1. Set A Schedule. Keeping teens on a schedule can be
nearly impossible as they juggle their busy lives with
after school programs, work, homework, socializing,
etc., but it is something that you must do. Find a time
that works for the both of you and go out no more than
one hour each time for your lessons. Oh, by the way,
make sure your driver in training has his or her
driver's permit on them at all times.
2. Simple Start. Keep the first lesson or two simple.
Backing in and out of the driveway and driving around
the neighborhood first are good starts. If you live on a
busy road, then you should drive the car to a less busy
area before allowing your student to take over. At the
very beginning, avoid driving on days when pavement is
wet - dealing with water on the road is a separate
lesson for the more experienced student.
3. A Good Beginning. Thirty years after I first received
my license, I remember in my lessons being told that
there were four things that a driver must do before even
starting the car: door, seat, seatbelt, mirror. In other
words: close and lock the doors, adjust the driver's
seat for your personal settings, fasten your seatbelt,
and adjust side and rear view mirrors. Then, put the key
in the ignition, start the car, look all around, engage
the transmission, and slowly step on the accelerator and
get moving.
4. Moving Forward. Once your driver has a good feel for
the car - no jackrabbit starts or hard breaking observed
- step things up and start practicing using hand and
turn signals, parallel parking, how to negotiate turns
and curbs, etc.
5. Stepping Out. After several lessons of driving
locally and practicing safe driver habits, it is time to
take the student out onto a busy road. Keep this lesson
short to allow the nervous student time to adjust to
driving in traffic. At least initially avoid rush hour
traffic, highways, and areas with excessive pedestrian
traffic. Make sure your student understands road signs,
traffic signals, stopping/yielding, and the myriad of
other rules of the road. Repeat lessons as needed to
help your student grow accustomed to driving in traffic.
Once your student builds up their confidence, take them
out on the highway.
6. Study and Review. While behind the wheel lessons are
extremely important, knowledge about driving rules and
regulations are important too. When driving down the
road, point out road signs and ask your student what
they mean. Discuss the fines and points that can be
assessed by the Department of Motor Vehicles {DMV} for
violations. All of these things will be on their written
test.
7. Defensive Driving. If you live in a more northerly
climate, learning how to drive on ice and snow is
essential to being a safe driver. Even if your student
learns how to drive and secures their license in warmer
months, insist on getting back in the car with them when
wet leaves, snow, and ice are on the ground. Also make
certain that your student understands how alcohol can
impair judgment, how a radio, cell phone, or other
passengers can distract them, and how to drive around
pedestrians, bicyclists, mopeds, etc.
8. Check Fluids. An important lesson apart from actual
driving and preparing for the written test is
maintenance of the vehicle. Your student should be
familiar with looking under the hood, checking fluid
levels, hoses, belts, etc. Also show your student how to
check tire pressure, do a visual check of turn signals,
headlights, and all other lights. Familiarization with
the exhaust and suspension systems is important too.
9. Ready, Set, Test! Once you are certain that your
student understands all the rules of the road, is
exhibiting safe driving practices, and is a confident
driver then take the test. Do not let a pending birthday
or special event drive that decision as you want to
produce a safe driver, not a reckless one.
Once your student has passed their test make certain
that the information on their license is correct, your
car's registration is up to date, your insurance has
them covered, and the car that he will be driving is
road ready before allowing him to drive by himself.
Remember, driving is a privilege and not a right. Good
driving habits are formed early on, but so are bad
habits. Nip any problems in the bud early to ensure the
safety of your student and everyone else who is out on
our roads.
About the Author
Copyright 2006 - At the Auto Parts Warehouse we
encourage all drivers to use their turn signals, adjust
mirrors, and check fluids to help ensure a safe and sane
driving experience. |
