Sending your child off on the road for the first time is scary. Driving is a big responsibility and you should make sure your child is prepared.
You may not know how to get your child ready to take on the road alone. Here are a few tips that may help you and your child get ready:
- Talk about it
Be clear about your expectations when your child starts driving. Make sure they know the rules for being on the road, both legally and for your household. It may help to set clear guidelines about curfews and cell phone use while driving, and what the consequences of breaking the rules will be. Having rules and expectations can help your child stay safe while on the road.
- Get your insurance in order
An important thing for you to do as parents is make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date. You may also want to add your child to your insurance policy as a driver. This may be costly but it will ultimately protect your family should something bad happen on the road. You might consider raising your deductible as well.
You can ask your insurance provider about defensive driving courses for your child, as well as an accident forgiveness policy. Some insurance companies offer discounts for these, and even discounts for students with high GPAs.
- Be prepared
Set up an emergency kit in your cars in case your child runs into trouble. A kit like this can include jumper cables and a first-aid kit, among other items. You can also store important items in the glove box of your car, like a hammer for breaking windows or a seat-belt cutter.
You should also begin to educate your child about the basics of car care. You might want to teach your child how to change a tire or how to check and change the oil. These could be essential skills for your child to have as they begin driving.
- Practice, practice, practice
Be sure you practice driving with your child. It helps to start in open spaces such as an empty parking lot. The more practice your child has driving with you, the more experienced they will be when they start driving on their own.
Getting a driver’s license is a big moment for your child, but you want to make sure they’re ready for the responsibility. Help them prepare to take on the road and keep them safe.