How to Help a Teen Ace a Driving Test

A license to drive is a rite of passage for many teens, and allowing your child to take the driving test shows your confidence in his maturity and skills. State laws typically allow teens to drive with a temporary learner's permit once a written test is passed. The permit lets them practice driving skills under adult supervision. Letting your teen practice driving daily will help him master skills that he will need to demonstrate to get his license. You can also help your teen ace the driving test by helping him build confidence. He will need confidence when he takes the required behind-the-wheel test with the evaluator, score pad in hand, riding shotgun.

Things You'll Need

  • State driver test sample questions

Instructions

    • 1

      Enroll your teen in a driver training education course and a safe driving class. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry calls formal behind-the-wheel training "key to developing the necessary habits and skills for safe driving." School districts and colleges sometimes offer behind-the-wheel programs, but most areas have a choice of several commercial schools giving teen instruction.

    • 2

      Model safe driving habits when your teenager is in the car. The AAA recommends describing your actions as you drive to help your teen review important driving techniques and safety procedures. Use your seat belt and turn signals and avoid eating, talking on the phone and texting while driving. These teach your teen unsafe, driving behavior.

    • 3

      Quiz your teen daily using your state's driver license test booklet's sample questions. Obtain the booklet at your local Department of Motor Vehicles where your teen obtain his learner's permit. Driving examiners sometimes ask a few driving-safety questions before starting the behind-the-wheel test, and there may be a written or computer question-and-answer component to the test also.

    • 4

      Take your teen out to drive during different lighting conditions, including daylight, sunset, dusk and night. The different lighting conditions interfere with your teenager's ability to see other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists on the road. Practicing under different lighting helps your teen feel comfortable with the lighting on the day of the test.

    • 5

      Allow your teen frequent access to drive the car to be used for the driving test. This helps him develop a high comfort level with the vehicle. Alternating vehicles for practice builds skills, but it doesn't provide the same level of comfort and confidence.

    • 6

      Ask other adult neighbors and friends to take your teen out driving. These driving sessions help your child develop confidence in handling the vehicle with someone other than family in the vehicle. This confidence helps your teen during the official driving test.

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