Parent's Guide to Teaching Your Teen to Drive

Your Role as the Supervising Driver

Teaching your teen to drive can strengthen your relationship—or strain it. With the right approach, you can be an effective driving coach while keeping the peace.

Before You Start

• Review your state's driver manual together
• Establish ground rules and expectations
• Choose low-stress times and places to practice
• Set a positive, patient tone from day one

During Practice Sessions

Do:

• Give clear, advance directions ("Turn left at the next light")
• Remain calm, even when scared
• Focus on one skill at a time
• Praise improvements and effort
• Take breaks when either of you is frustrated

Don't:

• Grab the wheel unless absolutely necessary
• Yell or make them feel stupid
• Practice when either of you is tired or stressed
• Compare them to siblings or yourself
• Check your phone while supervising

Building Skills Progressively

1. Empty parking lot basics
2. Quiet residential streets
3. Light traffic roads
4. Busy streets with signals
5. Highway driving
6. Night and weather practice

When to Let Professionals Help

Professional instructors can teach technical skills while you focus on supervised practice. This keeps your relationship intact and ensures proper technique.