*This is a collaborative post*
Learning to drive can be a considerable challenge. On average, learners require around forty hours of guided instruction, on top of a few practice sessions, before they’re able to pass their practical exam. If you have a teenager in your care, and you’d like to support their driving ambitions, then there are a few things you can do to help.
Preparing for the Learning Journey
You can start helping before the very first lesson even takes place. You can do this by researching the available options. The difference between a good instructor and a bad one can, in the long term, amount to hours worth of lessons. That means wasted time and money!
You’ll also need to make sure that the learner has all of the documents they need to get started. That means a provisional driving license. Apply for it as early as possible, so that your learner can get started as soon as they turn seventeen!
Theory learning
You can treat driving theory like any other type of learning. There’s a lot to memorise, and it’s best to break off small chunks. That means regular revision sessions, and circling back to iron out any kinks. Make a point of spending a few minutes every day on learning – it’s usually best to do this during an allotted study period in the evening. You might even refresh your own theory knowledge at the same time!
Supervising Practice Sessions
If you’re a parent, then you’re in a great position to help your child practice, as you’re legally entitled to sit in the passenger’s seat (provided that you’ve been qualified to drive for three years, and you’re not currently banned).
It’s worth having an idea of what you’ll be practising before you head out for each session. Brainstorm a list of weak points, and find a suitable place to work on them. Car parks and cul-de-sacs work best, early on a Sunday morning.
Make sure that you maintain a calm and supportive attitude throughout each session. If you’re using your car, then you can cover your child with the help of the right learner insurance.
Building Confidence and Safety Awareness
To stand the best chance of passing their practical exam, your child will need an instinctive grasp of the basics of road safety. Use positive reinforcement, encouraging them when they get something right. Get across the principles of defensive driving, and help them to deal with anxiety by exposing them to gradually more unfamiliar driving situations and encouraging them along the way.
Photo by Alex Jumper on Unsplash
Preparing for the Driving Test
Of course, the ultimate objective here is to pass the actual driving exam. Book the test well in advance, so that your child has a deadline to aim for. Make sure that they understand the format by staging mock exams during the weeks building up to the test. Not everyone passes the first time; what matters is that you book the next test immediately after a failure. You can also prepare for the theory test with the help of online practice.
Conclusion
As a parent, you can play a vital role in your child’s journey from new learner to qualified driver. What really matters is consistency and encouragement. Your role is to provide support along the way, and to help the learner overcome any minor obstacles!
