Are you a parent in the Merrimack Valley area with a teen learning to drive? Navigating the process of teen driver education can be overwhelming, but fear not! Merrimack Valley Teen Driver Education Association Corporation is here to support you every step of the way.
One of the key focuses of Merrimack Valley Teen Driver Education Association Corporation is to provide valuable resources for parents of teen drivers. We understand the importance of equipping parents with the right tools and information to ensure their teen's safety on the road.
Set a Good Example
Your teen will spend countless hours watching you drive—so be sure you’re setting the standard for what’s acceptable. Stow your phone, wear your safety belt (no matter how short the ride), obey traffic laws and avoid aggressive driving—that behavior will help shape your teen’s judgment
Point out bad habits
While you’re setting a good example, you should also specify what isn’t acceptable. When you see another driver running a red light or tailgating, for example, tell your teenage passenger why those habits are dangerous.
Explain what it means to be a good passenger
Encourage your teen to speak up when they see a driver using bad habits, such as texting while driving. This lesson will also be particularly important when your teen is a passenger in another teen driver’s car.
Help them understand the license process
Learning to drive also means learning about graduated licenses and restrictions. Make sure you understand the process in your state, and in turn help your teen understand the steps it will take to get their license. It’ll be important to them to know when they can start learning to drive in the classroom and on the road.
Introduce them to the responsibilities of car ownership
Driving is one part of the equation. Taking care of your car is another. Help your teen understand the tasks associated with driving, from pumping gas and cleaning the car, to changing windshield wipers and understanding dashboard warning lights. Highlight the financial responsibilities, including insurance, too.
Let them help navigate the way
Part of a successful start to driving is knowing where you’re going. Help your teen better understand their city by pointing out major streets and frequently traveled routes. You can even put them in charge of calling out directions for errands or longer trips to become familiar with how to read a map and how voice-guided navigation works.