Tips for Teen Drivers

As the parent of a newly qualified teenage driver, it’s reasonable for you to worry about their safety. After all, driving isn’t an easy skill to master, and being in control of a car is a huge responsibility.

While your teen is only going to learn if you give them enough space to become comfortable behind the wheel, and you can trust our driving instructors to give them the skills they need to stay safe, there are some subjects you should bring up and discuss with them.

In this article, we’ll be looking at some helpful tips you can discuss with a newly qualified driver that will help to keep them safe and to reduce your stress levels.

Put a “No Phones” Rule in Place

The use of a mobile phone when driving reduces your ability to react to changes in the driving environment by as much as being over the alcohol limit. Crashes caused by drivers using a mobile phone while driving are also six times more common than accidents caused by driving while under the influence.

Making sure your phone stays out of your hand while driving in something worth reinforcing to newly qualified drivers. If might also be worth investing in a hands-free kit, or looking for a car with a Bluetooth hookup, to help your teen stay connected while driving and reduce the urge to pick up their phone.

Do a Pre-Drive Safety Check

When you get into a car with a driving instructor, they normally run you through a checklist before you start the car. Are the mirrors in the right position, are the doors locked,  are any engine warning lights on, etc. 

Making sure your teen keeps running through this kind of checklist before they start the engine is a great way to keep them focussed on the safety aspects of driving, rather than just pulling away as soon as possible.

Reduce Potential Distractions

The majority of the accidents that happen on our roads every day are caused by people becoming distracted while driving. 

Putting on makeup, fiddling with mobile phones, changing the radio station, programming the Sat Nav, all these distractions significantly reduce your ability to react to changes in the driving environment and can be deadly to your teen and other drivers.

Bringing home to them the importance of keeping their focus on the road ahead and the actions of other road users is going to keep them safer in the long run.

Learn to Drive in Nevada Today!

The Northwest Driving School and Traffic School provides the Las Vegas community with live driving and traffic classes taught by seasoned instructors. All of our driving instructors have passed background checks, each automobile is DMV safety-approved and every member of the Northwest family is committed to providing excellent drivers ed and behind the wheel instruction.

At Northwest, you can expect to find outstanding classes, both on campus and behind the wheel, that are engaging, fact-filled, entertaining, and geared toward success. 

We make no bones about it, we believe that Northwest provides the best driving lessons in Las Vegas, no matter your age or background. We are proud of the fact that 98% of our students pass their test on the first try. Call us at (702) 403-1592 to start your driving adventure with one of our expert instructors.

Written by:
Rich Heinrich
Master Instructor, Emeritus