Adults experience a lot of anxiety, but there's nothing quite like the anxiety that comes with a teenager getting ready to get their driver's license. In this article, we focus on how parents can overcome the fear and anxiety that accompanies a new teenage driver.
Build Your Confidence by Building Their Driving Confidence and Skill
The best tactic to overcoming new teenage driving anxiety is to be confident that your teen is a safe and confident driver. The only way to truly accomplish this task is to educate your teen on the rules of the road and provide them with ample practice opportunities.
If your state doesn’t require a driver’s education course prior to receiving their learner’s permit, it is a good idea to sign them up for a voluntary driver improvement course for your state. These courses are typically offered both online and in person.
The course will teach them the basic principles and laws they need to become a safe driver, but only in-car training will provide your teen with the necessary experience. Many states require behind-the-wheel professional training once they receive their learner’s permit. If your state does not require behind-the-wheel training, it’s a great idea to have your teen take a course voluntarily to help build the confidence and experience needed to be a safe driver.
Once your teen has finished the driver’s education course and behind-the-wheel training, the rest is up to you. You are the one who will need to build the confidence in your teen driver and provide them with the experience necessary to be a safe driver so you can relinquish the car to them in complete confidence and not have to panic about their well-being on the road.
That is typically where the new teenage driver's anxiety and fear come in. The best way to overcome your fears is to face them head-on. Tell your teenager what your concerns are and find a solution to overcome them. Identify the driving skill you are concerned about and have your teen practice and demonstrate that particular skill to you.
Remember, the key to overcoming new teenage driver anxiety is to ensure your teen has the experience necessary to be a safe and confident driver. Here are some steps you can take to build confidence in your teen driver.
1. Practice the Basics in an Empty Parking Lot
Find an empty parking lot where your teen can safely practice the basics of driving. Start with accelerating and braking, then move on to turning and parking. This controlled environment will help your teen become familiar with the car's handling and build a strong foundation for their driving skills.
2. As Skill Increases, Move up to Larger, More Crowded Parking Lots
Once your teen has mastered the basics in an empty parking lot, take them to a larger, busier parking lot. This will help them practice their skills with other cars around and learn how to navigate more complex driving scenarios. Gradually increase the difficulty by having them park next to other cars and navigate through crowded parking areas.
3. Practice on Various Types of Road
Exposure to different types of roads will help your teen become a more versatile driver. Have them practice on asphalt, dirt, and gravel roads, focusing on how the car handles and how to safely brake and turn on each surface.
4. Drive on Roads with Varied Speed Limits
Practicing on roads with different speed limits will help your teen understand how the car feels and handles at various speeds. Start with slower residential streets and gradually progress to busier roads with higher speed limits.
5. Practice Driving in Different Weather and Visibility Conditions
Weather and visibility play a significant role in driving safety. Make sure your teen practices driving in rain, snow (if applicable), and at night. This will help them learn how to adjust their driving to different conditions and gain valuable experience in real-life situations.
6. Focus on Entering and Exiting Freeways
Freeway driving can be intimidating for new drivers. Start by having your teen practice entering and exiting freeways in less congested areas during off-peak hours. This will help them build confidence and learn how to merge, maintain speed, and exit safely.
7. Drive Often in Controlled Environments
Regular practice is key to developing and maintaining driving skills. Encourage your teen to drive almost every day, even if it's only for a short stretch of road or a limited time. This consistent practice will help reinforce their skills and boost their confidence behind the wheel.
Continue Practicing, Even Once They're Licensed
Once your teenager is licensed, the best way to feel better about their safety is to give them a chance to demonstrate their driving skills and driver's responsibility. Consider letting them take the wheel the next time you head out to a restaurant for dinner. The state trusts them to drive. It's only fair that you do, too. The more they apply their driving knowledge and skills, the safer everyone will be.
As long as you continue to educate your teen on the rules of the road, they will continue to learn and develop their defensive driving skills, allowing both of you to be more confident and less fearful of their driving.