One size fit all is rarely ever true, especially as it pertains to real world experiences. For example, the DMV has set a time frame that says we can start the process of learning how to drive when we are 15 ½ years old. We are told that we are ready to drive once we have completed the process. This is a one size fits all situation. However, some teens just aren’t ready yet and the only people who will know for sure are the teens and the parents of those teens. There are some tips your teen is ready to drive alone that you can keep an eye out for as parents. This might help make the process fit you instead of forcing yourself to fit into the process. The best tips your teen is ready to drive alone can help you feel a little better knowing they are handling this responsibility well.
Tips Your Teen is Ready to Drive Alone | Completing the Process
There is some truth to the process fitting all. In fact, the DMV has intentionally made the process a lengthy one to ensure students are ready to drive. Some students may not feel comfortable and some parents as well. But passing the entire process is an accomplishment that shouldn’t be ignored. Earning the privilege to drive should gain some confidence that they can handle driving alone. There are also some things you can do to add more to the process for your own state of mind as a parent.
Keep the Conversation Going
One of the most important tips your teen is ready to drive alone is your own efforts as the parent. Parents can talk to their teens about the importance of safety while driving. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends parents start the conversation even before the teen is of age to start the process. That means you should start talking to your teens about safety while driving when they are 13 or 14 years old. This is also when parents should start focusing on setting a good example. You can point out bad driving habits to your teen while driving to school or running errands. But most importantly, you should pay attention to your own driving habits, especially when they are in the car.
Can They Commit
Having a driver’s license is a big commitment. The entire community trusts that anyone with a license knows how to stay safe. That is why there are repercussions when you don’t drive correctly. The idea is simple, you should know how to drive safely and if you don’t, you should get punished for ignoring what you have learned and putting others at risk. You can get your teen to make the commitment to you to drive safely, follow the rules, and not let friends pressure them into doing something they shouldn’t. That commitment to you is really a commitment to their own safety.
Simply Ask
One of the easiest and crucial tips your teen is ready to drive alone is to figure out their own opinion. There are some teens who know they just aren’t ready to drive. There could be many reasons for this, and you will want to figure them out. But you first need to know that they feel that way. Simply ask your teen if they want to learn how to drive, if they can handle the responsibility and that they fully understand what that means. Of course, some teens will immediately say they are ready. That is when you will want to ask them to think about it for a couple of days. It is your decision as the parent and only you can decide if they are ready to drive alone.
