By Katelyn Fry
August 16, 2017

One of the most highly-anticipated moments in a teen’s life is getting behind the wheel. There’s nothing cooler than feeling that much closer to not having to rely on parents or Auntie for a ride. But long before they start driving on the road, they’re going to need some practice. Here's where you, their cool (and patient!) aunt comes in.

Learning the Language of the Road

Not every driving lesson has to take place in the car. Long before your niece or nephew takes their road test, they’ll have to pass their permit test, and there are a few ways you can help them prepare for that. Make flashcards with street signs, symbols and particular scenarios with the answers on the back.

Incorporate the material on the flashcards throughout the day when you’re in the car with them even when they’re not the one driving. Whenever the two of you go somewhere, ask what certain lines or symbols on the road, signs, lights, etc. mean, and the repetition will help them memorize their significance. As you drive, explain what you are doing with each action you take. It’s important we set a good example.

Master the Basics

When you’re ready to pass the keys to your soon-to-be-driving niece or nephew, pick a safe location for them to learn. Wide, open spaces, like an empty parking lot would be ideal for them to get acquainted with the vehicle. They need to feel comfortable with the basic functions of the car before they can get out on the real road.

According to TheSpruce.com, these functions include controlling the car, safe turns, shifting gears, backing up, signaling, braking and avoiding distractions. Show them how to adjust the mirrors, use the blinker, the windshield wipers, turn on the lights, feel the power of the accelerator and brakes, and gain an overall understanding of how the car works.

Gather traffic cones if possible and set up a course for them to navigate. You can even take turns setting up and going through the course, explaining to them how exactly you go about making each turn or coming to a stop. Make sure the course includes all of the specific actions listed above so that, together, you can identify your niece or nephew’s strengths and weaknesses.  

Explore the Neighborhood

Once you feel your niece or nephew is comfortable with the mechanics of the car, it’s time they graduate from the parking lot to the road. Begin by letting them practice in a familiar neighborhood or back roads with little traffic. Let them adjust to the feeling of being around other moving cars, stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic lights and being aware of their surroundings.

Safety First - Always

Stress that no matter how good of a driver he or she may be, the same does not go for everyone else on the road. Tell your nieces and nephews how crucial it is to be aware of other drivers as well as themselves. Under NO circumstance should they ever take their eyes off the road. There are a number of online sources about how to keep teen drivers safe.

Take the time to explain the specific dangers of cell phone use while driving. Texting and social media are a high priority to teens today, and you need to make sure your nieces and nephews know that there is a time and place for that, and it isn’t in the driver’s seat. TeenDriverSource.org   offers statistics about this dangerous act as well as ways to ensure your nieces and nephews never take that risk.

Time for the Open Road

Once you each feel that your niece or nephew has mastered the neighborhood, it’s time for them to experience busier roads where they can learn how to switch lanes, handle intersections, learn the appropriate speeds in stop-and-go traffic, practice merging, etc. However, you don’t have to incorporate all of these scenarios in one day. The two of you can pick a specific action to work on each driving lesson.

Throughout this entire learning experience, the most important thing for you to keep in mind is remaining calm and patient. Remember what it was like for you when you were first learning how to drive. Tell them about any mistakes or silly stories you may have to make them feel more comfortable with their own.

Take each driving lesson one day at a time, and before you both know it, they won’t be concerned with getting their license, but instead, borrowing your car!

Photo: Axl_Images