Begin practicing driving basics while the car is safely parked in your own driveway. Create the right learning environment by limiting distractions so that you can focus on teaching your teen driving basics. Be sure to make practice driving a priority by using a Logging and Rating Tool and Goal Guide to keep you and your teen on track.
Watch this video to create the right learning environment so you can focus on teaching your teen the basics of driving a car:
After you are confident that your teen has mastered driving basics, including adjusting the speed, properly wearing a seat belt, and understanding the controls, it's the right time to begin practicing in the six driving environments.
Understanding the Car
Goal:
Help the new driver understand the location and operation of the dashboard controls and indicators.
Activity:
Go over the car owner’s manual with your teen behind the wheel. Have your teen practice operating the controls, telling you what each control is used for and what the indicator lights mean.
Common Errors:
- Lack of understanding of the operation of controls
- Spending too much time searching for the controls
- Confusion about indicator lights
Sign Learner Gets It:
- Can easily tell you where the controls are and what they do
Properly Adjusting the Seat
Goal:
Help the new driver learn how to properly adjust the seat for comfort and safety.
Activity:
Have your teen adjust the seat so both hands are at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions and the stomach is 10 inches from the steering wheel. The top of the head rest should be about 3 inches below the top of the head. Your teen should be able to easily switch the foot from the brake to the gas pedal.
Common Errors:
- Not having a clear view of the entire landscape out the windshield
- Sits too far or too close to the steering wheel or pedals
- Slouching too low in the seat
Sign Learner Gets It:
- Can easily adjust seat each time
Properly Adjusting the Steering Wheel
Goal:
Help the new driver learn how to properly adjust the steering wheel.
Activity:
Have your teen adjust the steering wheel so that the top of the wheel is no higher than the top of the shoulders. Move the steering wheel up and down until it feels comfortable and can easily maintain a 9 and 3 o’clock position.
Common Errors:
- Steering wheel may obstruct the teen’s view
- Too far or too close away
Sign Learner Gets It:
- Checks the feel of the wheel each time when getting into the driver’s seat
Adjust the Seat Belts
Goal:
Help the new driver learn how to properly adjust the seat belts.
Activity:
Have your teen adjust the seat belt so it is low across the hips. The shoulder belt should be across the chest and never across the front of the neck, behind the back, or under the arm.
Common Errors:
- Lap belt on stomach instead of across hips
- Wrongly adjusted shoulder belt
- Seat belts too loose
Sign Learner Gets It:
- Wearing properly adjusted seat belts becomes a habit
Properly Adjusting the Mirrors
Goal:
Help the new driver learn how to properly adjust the mirrors.
Activity:
Have your teen adjust the side mirrors to view just a small portion of the side of the car as a reference. Adjust the rearview mirror to see the best full view possible out the back window. Check your teen’s mirror adjustment by walking outside of the car and asking if you can be seen in the mirrors.
Common Errors:
- Not having a clear view to the sides and rear of the car
- Blind spots are too large
Sign Learner Gets It:
- Adjusts mirrors as a habit before each drive