The day your child turns 15 is probably the day the thought of driving enters their brain. As a parent, gearing up for your teen to learn to drive is not for the faint of heart! This major milestone for your child can be filled with lots of fear but can also be really exciting. It is a chance for them to show you their independence and responsibility.
You may not want to just hand over your car keys and set them free just yet. Make sure that you have taken the proper steps in getting them prepared for the roads. Here are some friendly guidelines that can help you get your teen ready to become a safe driver.
Research your local driving schools.
Before you drop your child off at the driving school down the street, you may want to do a bit of research. Not every school may be the best fit for teaching your teen to drive. Consider looking at how many in-class hours of instruction are provided as well as how many hours of driving with the instructor. Driving class shouldn’t be viewed as a place to just clock the needed hours; it’s a place to make sure the student driver is competent and knowledgeable about driving laws and signs. Ask friends and family for recommendations from places they have attended.
Gather your paperwork and enroll.
Once you have found the driving school that is the right fit and have registered for the class, prepare your paperwork. Dig out your child’s Social Security card and birth certificate as these will be required on the first day of instruction. Since the student will more than likely be a minor, you will have to sign the paperwork. Your signatures will help get your teen their learner’s permit.
Practice in a parking lot first.
As your child finishes their in-class instruction, they will be allowed to start collecting driving time with you. This is a bit scary as you don’t know how your teen will be on the roads. Don’t worry, mom, just start off in a nearby parking lot when it’s empty. Practice parking, stopping, and reversing in the parking lot. Once everyone feels comfortable, you can drive in your neighborhood. Take it easy because there will be plenty of time for them to drive on the street.
Get a provisional license.
After logging 50 long hours of drive time and completing the driving class, your teen is now ready for the provisional license! As a parent, we sometimes dread this part. But it’s time for your child to spread their wings and begin to drive solo. They can now take their certificate of completion along with their driver’s log down to the MVD.
The $18 fee will get your child their license, although this license will expire one year later. With this provisional license, they are only allowed to have one other person, besides mom and dad, in the vehicle with them.
Setting your kids free on the open road can bring mixed emotions to us as parents. It’s okay to feel this way. Your job as a chauffeur is coming to an end for your child. We can only prepare them the best way we can and give them the knowledge and practice to be a safe on the road.
So give your teen a kiss, say lots of prayers, and provide them with the best driving school experience. You got this, mom!
ABQ Driving Schools
Coach Al’s Driving School: https://www.coachalsdrivingschool.com/
Best Price Driving School: https://bestpricedrivingschoolabq.com/
Achievement Driving School: https://achievementdrivingschool.com/
McGinnis School of Driving: https://www.mcginnisschoolofdriving.com/
Duke City Driver Education, LLC.: https://www.dukecitydrivereducation.org/
