9 Tips For Helping Your Teen Prep For Their Driving Test

Did your teen start counting the days before their 16th birthday? Even if you fear the day when they will finally be able to drive alone, it is important that your teen adopts good habits from the start that will help keep them safe. In addition to facilitating the success of his driving test, these good habits will help them stay safe and allow you to keep insurance premiums low. Wondering what else your teen can do to pass his driving test the first time? We have compiled nine tips on this subject.

1. Perfection comes with practice

Let your teen drive the vehicle as often as they want. The more often he drives, the more comfortable he will be and will have confidence in his driving skills. For example, make him practice parallel parking with columns and parked vehicles to help him become an ace in parallel parking and be ready for all the challenges that will be imposed on him during the test. You can even attach a camera to the dashboard and watch the rides later. This could help him understand what he could improve next time.

This advice also applies to the written test – practicing questions that might be asked can help your teen complete the test in record time.

2. Set an example

According to Sam Miller, a teen life coach from the Parenting Teenagers Academy, even if you think your teen is not paying attention, you don’t want them to imitate some of the less good driving habits that you have developed over time. Avoid manifestations of road rage and do not forget to activate the turn signals when cornering and changing lanes. Do not trust the saying “do what I say, not what I do”.

3. Register your teen for driving lessons

Sometimes teens just need to hear it from someone else. In addition, driving lessons are mandatory in some provinces. A registered and certified driving instructor can help your teen learn the rules of the road (and may give you a discount on your insurance premium). Driving schools are plentiful, so take the time to check out the options available.

4. Use a familiar vehicle

If your teen is using a vehicle they have never (or rarely) driven, the test may be more difficult. As he may have to park while backing up, the ideal is to use the vehicle he uses most often. He will know how the vehicle reacts and the pressure to be used for braking or acceleration.

5. Do a 360 degree check

Before going to the test site, check the vehicle tires, headlights, indicators and the fuel tank, to make sure everything is in good condition. You certainly don’t want the vehicle running out of gas in the middle of the test.

6. Arrive early

You don’t want to be racing right before the test. Not only is this a source of stress, but you could quickly forget about documents. When you fail your preparation, you prepare to fail the test.

7. Ask for clarification

If your teen is unsure of the instructions given to him by the instructor, encourage him to ask him to repeat it.

8. Constantly monitor the mirrors and blind spots

Driving safely requires, among other things, that you are aware of what is going on around your vehicle (not just in front).

9. Try to relax

This advice is for you and your teen. If he is stressed, he risks making ridiculous mistakes that he would not normally make.