Having a teenager that is going to be getting their license can be extremely stressful. Aside from the fact that they’re growing up much too fast, the idea of your little one being behind the wheel can be a lot to handle. Something to take into consideration is that you as the parent will be the primary individual teaching your child how to drive. For some, this is reassuring while others are absolutely terrified at the idea of teaching a teenager how to drive.

In today’s blog post, the team at MVD Express is going to go over a few tips that can assist with teaching your child how to drive.

Keep Your Cool

One of the first things that we absolutely have to cover is how important it is that you keep your cool throughout the teaching process. Yes, it’s going to be scary and frustrating and overwhelming to deal with a teenager behind the wheel. That being said, your teen driver is also feeling these things. When you lose your cool and express your frustration, the chances of them responding in a similar manner is pretty high. To avoid these heated moments in the car, try to keep your cool.

Pick One Route

Providing your student driver with as much experience as possible is obviously the goal. With that in mind, it’s good to start with one singular route to practice on until they’ve had the chance to develop their skills and increase their comfort level behind the wheel. Once they’ve expressed their comfort level and you believe they’re ready to learn more, alternate the route and add in different factors like merging lanes, driving on the highways, and driving in the dark. Tackling the learning this way can help them learn at a steady pace and ensure that they’re not jumping into anything new before they’re ready for it.

Point Out Distractions

Accidents are the thing that, as a parent, you don’t want your child to wind up in. The leading cause of car accidents are the distractions that drivers choose to focus on over the road. That being said, one of the best ways to prevent distractions while driving is by going over them with your child prior to shifting the car to drive. Everything from their cell phone and the radio to passengers in the car and conversation should be discussed in advance. Then, when the car is on and they are ready to start driving, all distractions should be put away and turned down so they can focus. It may not be what they want to hear or do, but they’ll thank you for this discipline later on.

Create Good Habits

While we’re on the topics of good habits that you should work on with your child, let’s talk about the benefits of creating good habits at this beginning stage of their learning. As with any form of learning, habits are created by doing things over and over again until they become second nature. Practicing good habits right off the bat increases the chances of your young driver continuing these habits long after you’re in the car with them.

Keep this in mind as you are teaching them to drive, but also as you drive them around. Are you leading by example? Your child is watching you, so wearing a seatbelt, putting your phone down while driving, looking both ways before a turn, and following the rules of the road make a big difference. If they see you breaking these rules, they get the idea that they’re not very serious rules, and are likely to do the same when they’re behind the wheel.

MVD Express is Here When They’re Ready

Once the teaching has been done and the tests have been passed, it’s time for your kiddo to get their New Mexico license. If you’re looking for a quick way to get this done, MVD Express in New Mexico is the answer. Our website provides users with up-to-the-minute wait times and the opportunity to schedule an appointment for easy in-and-out visits. Make sure to check that out and give us a call if you have any questions. Also, remember that this time in your child’s life is temporary, and it’s exciting for them to be taking this big step. We wish you luck in your teaching!