Teens and Driving

[Shamasamdrew]

So, my 18 yr. old recently got his license. He commutes 4 days a week to college and to his job. He has definitely been struggling with remaining focused and honestly, I feel like he still does not know a ton of things he should know. I am starting to wonder what they actually taught him during lessons. It has been nerve wracking to say the least. For those who have teen drivers, what have you done to increase their safety on the road?

[katandbren]

looking for answers myself for the exact same issue. My 18 YO grandson, who lives with me, just got his learners parent and I took him out yesterday for some practice - just in the neighborhood so very little traffic. He was a nervous wreck! Has no confidence and no desire to drive. I’m thinking of getting him driving lessons which he already had but obviously didn’t provide much in results. I’m hoping it’s just a practice thing he needs!

[Shamasamdrew in reply to katandbren]

My son was very nervous in the beginning too. Check with your state’s vocational rehabilitation program. There are therapeutic drivers education lessons which are taught by an Occupational Therapist. If that is possible for you to get, they may pay for them. I did do that for my son and it did help with the anxiety part.

[arrh121]

I don't have teens yet but I've noticed it seems a lot of people constantly look at their phones while driving (which is terrible). If your son uses his phone while driving, it might be slightly helpful to help him set up Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to have more of a hands-free view that is less distracting.

You may also want to take a defensive driving course with him. It only helps a little, but you can also submit it to your auto insurance for a substantial discount (which is usually far more than the cost of the course, which is minimal). You can google your insurance company and defensive driving for more info.

[katandbren in reply to arrh121]

Excellent idea! Thank you.

[katandbren]

thank you! That’s a great idea which I’ll look in to.

[Mamamichl]

I can talk to you about what is taught. I used to teach it in Oregon. There are apps that can help. I know my green light bank app works for a fee to check speeds and safety for parents. I know apple also has some features.

Some people tell their kid to put the phone in the trunk or turn it off completely and put in the back seat (if they don’t need the gps). If you live in an area with lots of snow, take him to a grocery store parking lot and practice after the first big snow. It was a great help for me.

[Sabrousal]

I would love this hear from parents on this topic. My son has been trying for over 2 years to get his license. He is in college locally and has to take bus most of the time bc he can not seem to pass the test. When he does drive it seems to go well however we love in densely populated area. I'm past frustrated, I can only imagine how how he feels. I think it is awesome yours has license. I have noticed, talking to him is extra distracting. He does better with music on.

[Shamasamdrew in reply to Sabrousal]

I feel for you and your son. That said, if you are in the states, consider contacting your state’s vocational rehab department. Ours paid for therapeutic driving lessons given by an occupational therapist assistant. That might be enough to get him through the road test so he can get his license.