Taking the Stress Out of Teen Driving

More and more teens are delaying getting their driver’s license. With the cost of driving increasing, ride share and delivery apps available 24/7, and the internet providing easy socialization, it’s no wonder teens who already have some anxiety about driving are putting off what was once a rite of passage to adulthood into their early and even mid 20s.

What can a parent do to help encourage their teen to drive and minimize the stress and anxiety around behind-the-wheel practice? Coastline Academy co-founder and CEO, Nigel Tunnacliffe, shared his thoughts with Dr. Cam on a recent episode of the podcast, “Parenting Teens With Dr. Cam.” Read on to learn how you can help take the stress out of teen driving.

Why Now?

Before we talk about how to de-stress the driving experience, let’s consider why, as a parent, you should encourage your teen to learn to drive and earn their license.

• Access to a practice vehicle
  Most teens learn to drive in their parent’s car. Once they move out, access to a practice vehicle becomes far more difficult.
• Accompanying driver
  Regardless of age, most states require new drivers to hold a learner’s permit before they are eligible to test for their license. Learner’s permits require the presence of an accompanying driver in order for the permit holder to drive legally. For a new driver who cannot rely on their parents, it can be difficult to find someone to fill this role.
• Time to practice
  Carving out the time necessary to practice driving (while finding a car and accompanying driver) is more challenging for a young adult, who may have to balance school, work, and other obligations. 
• Stress
  Young adults in their 20s may feel more pressure to get a license quickly, especially if they have had a life change that has made getting a car a necessity. 

How Parents Can Help Lessen Teen Driving Stress

• Make the process work for your teen
  If your teen is more comfortable in an online environment, consider enrolling them in an online driver’s ed course, if available. If your teen requires structure to succeed, they may do better in an in-person setting.
• Push your teen, but don’t force
  Take the licensing process one step at a time. If they’ve finished driver’s ed, encourage your teen to apply for their permit, with no other expectations. From there, talk about booking a driving lesson. Remember, it’s not how long the journey takes, but the destination that matters.
• Celebrate small wins
  This is especially important when it comes to in-car practice. Like learning a musical instrument or a martial art, driving is a skill that requires repetition and practice. Success and improvement may not always be monumental in the day-to-day. Always be ready to praise your teen for a job well done, even for something as small as remembering to check their blind spot during a lane change.
• Keep criticism constructive
  We’ve all heard of the “compliment sandwich.” As corny as it may seem, knowing how to communicate with your teen in the car is as important as pointing out mistakes. Remember that when you get in the passenger seat, you should be a coach first and a parent second. Concentrate on the task at hand and keep non-driving conversation and conflict out of the car.
• Keep to a routine and plan
  In-car practice should be focused solely on driving practice. Resist the urge to use the opportunity to run errands and instead formulate an in-car routine that will help keep your teen comfortable and set expectations for each practice session. Plan your routes ahead of time - nothing is more stressful for a new driver than being given last-minute, panicked directions.
• Set expectations
  Driving is a huge responsibility. Be sure to work with your teen to set expectations for both them and you as it relates to driving. As a parent, you should model good behavior behind the wheel at all times. You may also want to work out a parent-teen driving contract, which can help keep both parties on track and accountable to both each other and good behavior.

Is your teen ready to get behind the wheel? Coastline is here to help your teen become a safe and confident driver for life. Sign up for driving lessons with our professional, state-certified driving instructors by visiting our website or by contacting our friendly Support team via phone or text at 1-800-489-1896