Teaching teenagers to drive – Coaching tips and tricks from a Driving Instructor

Driving is a rite of passage for many teenagers, but it can also be a daunting task for both parents and teens alike. As a professional driving instructor, I've gathered insights from years of experience working with new drivers and their families. Here are some valuable coaching tips to help you navigate this important milestone with your young adult. This won’t be a guide on what to teach, rather how you can be better coaches for them.

The Importance of Planning

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” – Benjamin Franklin

Planning your driving lessons is crucial for success.

• Part of planning involves determining what specific skills you'll cover during each lesson. Just like learning any new skill, it's important to start with the basics and then gradually build upon them. For example, you might begin in a parking lot, focusing on vehicle parts, smooth acceleration and braking, and how to steer left and right. Some learners may find this to be enough for one session, while others may be ready to practice driving around a quiet neighbourhood, making left and right turns at intersections. Adjust the pace of your lessons to match your teen's comfort level, and remember shorter, more frequent drives can be more effective than longer ones.

• Break down the learning process into manageable steps, gradually increasing the difficulty as your teen gains confidence. Start in a quiet neighborhood or parking lot, then progress to intersections and light traffic.

• The last aspect of planning involves understanding your learner. Your teen may prefer to learn by immediately getting behind the wheel and trying things out, while others might prefer to gather all the information before attempting anything. It's important to recognize that there are different types of learners: kinesthetic, auditory, and visual. Each of these learners requires a tailored approach. By taking the time to understand your teen's learning style and adjusting your teaching methods accordingly, you can minimize stress for both of you.

Practice what you preach

You might have heard the saying “Do as I say, not as I do”, this mindset will not get us very much respect from our teens. As a coach, lead by example by demonstrating safe driving habits. Your teen is watching and learning from your actions behind the wheel, so prioritize defensive driving, adherence to speed limits, proper signaling, and maintaining a positive attitude on the road. It’s never too late or a bad thing to make a positive change in our driving habits.

The skill of becoming a mind-reader

Let's talk about something called 'Commentary Driving.' It's a helpful technique where you describe your actions and thoughts as you drive, before they happen. This can be super useful when you're teaching your teen to drive. Back when I was learning, my mom was always shouting out warnings, and I'd be thinking, 'I see it already, why yell?' But now, as an instructor, I get it. When you're in the passenger seat, you don't have any controls, just your voice. Using Commentary Driving, you can guide your teen's attention to what's important on the road.

There are two ways to use Commentary Driving. First, when you're driving, your teen can watch and listen to your commentary. It's a good idea to practice this before showing your teen. Setting a good example is key here. Second, when your teen is driving, you can listen to their commentary. This gives you a glimpse into what they're seeing and planning to do.

Here's a tip: make a deal with your teen. If they spot a hazard and mention it, you won't comment. But if they miss something important, it's fair game for you to step in. Remember, safety comes first. If you need to stop Commentary Driving to focus on the road, go for it.

Teaching a teenager to drive takes time, practice, and a focus on safety. Professional instruction is important, but parents also have a key role as backup teachers and coaches. By planning ahead, setting a good example, and keeping communication open, you can help your teen become a confident driver. Remember, driving is a skill that takes time to master, and your guidance is crucial. Knowing you've equipped them with the skills to drive safely can bring peace of mind when they're out on the road.

More to come on this subject down the road. Until then, safe driving 😊