How to Give Your Teen the First Driving Lesson

When your teenager is ready to slide behind the wheel to learn how to drive, your life might shift into the fast lane. It̵7;s a major milestone in a teen̵7;s life to learn to drive, and as a parent, you should have an integral role in driving instruction. Take a deep breath to calm your nerves and then get ready for a first driving lesson. With lots of patience and encouragement on your part, your teen can soon join the ranks of licensed and safe drivers.

Instructions

    • 1

      Drive your vehicle to an empty parking lot -- a church parking lot during the week or a school parking lot on the weekend is ideal. Turn off the car.

    • 2

      Switch places with your teenager so he̵7;s behind the wheel and you are in the passenger seat. Remind him to fasten his seat belt, and fasten yours.

    • 3

      Provide a thorough overview of the ignition, gas pedal, brake pedal, gearshift, steering wheel and the mirrors to ensure that your youngster understands the basic mechanics of the car.

    • 4

      Instruct your teen to start the car as you supervise the process. If your teenager has difficulty, provide guidance for the specific steps needed to turn the key and start the engine.

    • 5

      Tell your child to press the brake and shift the car into drive. With the car in gear, instruct your teenager to release the break gently and press the gas slightly to move the car forward. Ask your teen to slowly move the car in a straight line. Instruct your teen to brake smoothly to stop the car. Tell her to shift the car into reverse and then move backward slowly. Have your teen stop the car, shift back into drive and then drive forward again for a short distance.

    • 6

      Pick a landmark in front of the car, such as a pavement marking, and tell your teen to drive forward until he gets to that point. At the landmark, ask him to gradually turn the wheel to the right or the left. Work on executing turns to the right and left, as necessary.

    • 7

      Spend about 15 to 20 minutes on the first driving lesson to ensure that your teen doesn̵7;t become overwhelmed or fatigued, suggests Met Life Insurance. Practice daily or several times a week, slowly lengthening lessons until they last about one hour.

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