Before You Share The Keys: Teaching Your Teen To Drive

Teaching your children about driving involves a lot more than simply telling them about the rules of the road. Instead, you need to give them real-world experience and make sure that they understand the basics of keeping a vehicle properly maintained and operational.

Before you consider handing over your keys for their first solo drive, you should take the time to carefully go over these vital tips.

Six Things Every Teen Driver Should Know

1. How to Handle an Accident

Even though every parent is hopeful that their teen driver will not get into an accident, it happens.

If they do get into an accident and damage your car you might have to contact a company to purchase your beater. If you happen to be in an area like San Diego you'd need to work with someone who buys cars in San Diego. That way selling your pre-owned car will be easy and not at all stressful. You have enough to deal with already.

And, remember it is negligent to avoid discussing how to deal with a traffic incident. After all, if your teen does not know that they need to stay at the scene, call the police and contact you so that you can file a report with your insurance agent, then they could end up dealing with a much more serious situation.

Keep in mind that failure to stop and report an accident could lead to hit-and-run charges.

2. How to Check the Oil Level

Many teen drivers have absolutely no idea how important oil is for a car's engine.

Unfortunately, if they do not understand that they must check the vehicle's oil level regularly, you could end up getting back a seriously less than perfect car.

3. The Proper Way to Pump Gas

Instead of assuming that your teenager will read the signs that are posted at each gas station, you should take the time to explain to them why they should never leave their engine running or talk on their cell phone while they are pumping gas.

4. How to Change a Tire

One of your vehicle's tires could go flat at any time, so it is important for your teen driver to know how to put the spare tire on. If you fail to teach them this necessary skill, they could end up either stranded or injured due to putting the tire on incorrectly.

5. How to Deal with being Pulled Over

Your teenager needs to understand the proper procedure that goes with being pulled over.

Just in case, they should know where the vehicle's registration and insurance paperwork is kept. Make sure that you discuss the importance of turning the radio off and addressing the officer with respect.

6. Put the Cell Phone Away

There are several apps that you can install on your teen's phone that will prevent them from taking or making calls while the vehicle is in motion. There is no excuse for letting them get into an accident because they were distracted by their cell phone.

Make sure your teen knows the severity of the consequences of using a phone while driving.

After you have discussed all of these important points with your teen driver, you should have them showcase that they know how to utilize them. For example, it is definitely a good idea to have them practice changing a tire.

Unfortunately, no matter how many tips you give your teen driver, they could still end up in an accident. It's just a part of life, and hopefully, they make it through without any injuries.