A Parents’ Survival Guide to First-Time Teen Drivers

A part of you wants your children to stay young, while the rest of you is anxious for them to grow up and experience the thrill of life. Once it’s time for your child to drive, you need to consider car insurance for teens. While an automobile insurance quote for your teen driver will be higher than your rates, you can work on reducing those rates by working with your teen and meeting with independent insurance agents of Dallas.

Spend Time Practicing

You may think sending your child to driving school is enough to ensure he is a good driver, but many teens need more practice before they are truly road ready and have a lower risk of getting involved in an accident. As frightening as it may be, you need to get in a car with your teen and let him practice. Plan your route ahead of time, avoiding busy streets, and choose a few skills to work on. Change up the routine each time you go out so your teen can establish positive driving habits instead of following a specific pattern.

Stay Calm

One of the most difficult aspects of teaching your teen to drive is the stress and anxiety you will go through. While your teen is likely anxious as well, your anxiety can have a negative impact on his driving skills. As easy as it may be to yell out when you think something is going to happen or you don’t agree with your child’s driving, but it’s best to keep a calm voice and gently guide your child. Avoid talking more than necessary so your teen can focus on the road, not what you are trying to tell them. Now is not the time to discuss car insurance for teens. Discussing the outcome of your driving sessions can help your teen learn from his mistakes.

Discuss Expectations

Your teenager doesn’t always know what you expect once he begins driving. For instance, he may think a driver’s license gives him the freedom to drive wherever he wants and do whatever he wants. If you expect your teen not to drive his friends around, be up front. Statistics show driving with friends can be one of the biggest distractions to teen drivers. Therefore, it is often best to avoid it until your teen is more comfortable behind the wheel. You should also talk about curfews and where your teen is allowed to go. You may be nervous about sending your teen out onto the road, but odds are he is just as or even more nervous than you. It’s up to you to make the driving experience as stress-free and safe as possible. Working with your teen outside of driving classes can give him the confidence he needs to become a licensed driver. If you are interested in getting an automobile insurance quote for your teen, contact us. Our independent insurance agents of Dallas can give you the information you need.