Congratulations! Your teen has swapped their bicycle for a set of wheels and a brand-new driver’s license. While it’s a relief to hang up your hat as the family chauffeur, it’s also the beginning of a new chapter of parental anxiety – ensuring your newly minted driver stays safe on the road.

Celebrate, then Educate

First, kudos to you and your teen as you both celebrate the new independence! As you get ready to hand over the car keys to the same kid you could have sworn just learned to walk a couple of years ago, it’s the perfect time to reinforce the responsibilities that come with it. Start with a straightforward chat about defensive driving, and why it matters.

Start with the Basics

Road safety isn’t just about handling a car. It’s about making smart decisions and paying attention. Ensure your teen knows the fundamentals of driving safely: 

• Buckle up: Always. No excuses.
• Speed limits and traffic lights aren’t just suggestions.
• No cell phone zone: Texting and driving? Hard pass.Similarly, Snapchat, TikTok, and whatever social media platform teens flock to these days can all wait.

Limit the Squad Goals (and Keep the Passenger Party Small)

While it may be tempting for your teen to become the go-to driver for all their friends, more passengers in the car can mean more distractions. Limit the number of friends your teen can drive with.  

Practice Makes Perfect

Spend time driving with them. Yes, even now. Incorporate it into an activity they may still want to do with you. Navigate rush hour chaos together to go to a café you’ve always gone to together. Take them shopping on a rainy or snowy day. Those hours can make a big difference in how they handle the different road conditions. 

Tech Can Help 

Embrace technology that aids safety. Consider apps that help minimize distractions and track driving habits – whether it’s by limiting phone functionality or sending alerts if the car is driven at unsafe speeds or outside designated areas. Get them familiar with any of their car’s integrated assistance technologies as well. No, you’re not being “extra”. You’re supporting them become a better driver.

“Hope You Never Need These” Kit

 Equip their car with essentials: 

• First aid kit for unexpected minor injuries
• Emergency numbers: not just yours but also roadside assistance and nearby relatives and friends that can help in need
• Extra chargers for their devices
• A small tool kit including jumper cables (and a walkthrough on how to use them)
• An umbrella and maybe even an extra jacket (because, life)

Winter driving can be especially concerning. Consider a separate kit for when your new driver is out on the roads.

Night and Winter Driving 101

Night and winter driving are a whole different ball game. Ensure they have plenty of supervised practice in various driving conditions. They should also understand the importance of staying alert at night and in snowy weather.  Share winter driving tips with them beforehand and chat through them on your drives together.

Keep It Light 

Remember, they are still your kid. Use humor to remind them of the rules. A joke here and there can make the reminders less naggy and more memorable. Maybe drop a Gen Z term you saw on TikTok (from Ohio to sigma and everything in between) and use it incorrectly like the rest of us. They will roll their eyes (don’t they always?) but may actually remember what you’re trying to get across.  

Reward Responsibility

Consider setting up a reward system for safe driving habits. They may be too old for sticker charts but could be tempted by an extended curfew or a contribution towards their car’s running costs.

Seeing your teen drive off for the first time is a mix of pride and panic, but with these tips, you’ll help them stay safe while they enjoy their newfound freedom. No cap. 

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