So it’s time to start learning to drive! It’s an exciting time and there is so much information to take in, plus there are the steps to getting a license, GDL laws, and so much to learn! As you and your family begin navigating the path to becoming a licensed driver, here is some information to help you find your way and also help your parents make the transition from driving you around all the time, to helping you gain independence. This information is designed to be learned together, discussed, and shared with parents.
With fewer cars on the road, now is the time to practice driving with your teen. Check out this article for more information on the silver lining of social distancings: https://tti.tamu.edu/news/
The Facts
Get stats and information on preventing teen driver crashes.
- Distractions – such as cell phones/texting and other teens in the car
- Driving at night
- Speeding and Street Racing
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Driving under the influence
Let’s Talk About GDL
Graduated Driver Licensing Laws are designed to give new drivers the chance to gain experience and improve their driving skills over time in lower risk environments. There are usually three phases:
- Driver Education consists of coursework and supervised driving
- Provisional Licensing where teen is driving in a controlled environment (passenger limitations and nighttime driving restrictions)
- Full driving privileges
Find Graduated Driver Licensing Laws in your state>
It is important to remember that GDL Laws are the minimum prescribed laws to keep teens safe, but there are additional steps and recommendations you can and should take to help prevent car crashes.
Additional Tips
Sitting the Right Way – the proper fit for passengers in a car. English / Spanish
Middle School student-parent safe passenger agreement. English / Spanish
High School student-parent safe driving agreement. English / Spanish
Learning Videos:
See all the videos on our YouTube playlist
Remember:
- Be the driver you want your teen to be.
- Make sure everyone in your family abides by the zero tolerance for cell phone use while driving.
- Know that each passenger, including siblings, in a teen’s car increases the likelihood of a crash.
- Don’t push a teen who, for whatever reason, is not ready to drive safely.
- Demand full seat belt compliance by every driver and every passenger.
- Be prepared to support your teen as they gain experience and learn to make mature decisions behind the wheel.
- Allow your teen as much driving practice as possible, with you present.
- When you are driving with your teen in the car, talk through what you are doing and why, such as checking the mirrors, steps to changing lanes, looking around before accelerating at a green light, etc.
Read more tips from Tim Hollister at Reid’s Dad> and watch his moving story>
Get Tim Hollister’s book, Not So Fast>
Take the Parent Pledge
Additional Resources
State Farm Teen Driver Information>
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Teen Driver Source>
AutoCoach 2.0 – Free Teen Driver Training App for Parents