The teenage years are a time of growth for your children. They are going through all kinds of changes and learning new things. One of the most life-changing things they’ll learn as teenagers is how to drive.
You may be nervous. You may be frightened. In fact, you may be quite uncomfortable with the whole situation. These reactions are completely understandable. But your son or daughter is growing up, so you should definitely teach them how to drive safely.
Many teenagers get into accidents simply because they aren’t experienced enough and don’t know how to stay safe. Don’t worry, though. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys has compiled the ultimate parent’s guide to safe driving tips. Read more to find out how to teach your kids safe driving!
The Learner’s Permit Process
Once your child is 15 years and 6 months old, they can apply for an Arizona learner’s permit. If your child is under the age of 18, they can apply for the graduated permit. If they are age 18 or older, they can apply for the operator’s permit.
Your child’s application for a learner’s permit must be signed by you or another legal guardian responsible for the child’s actions whenever they drive. Proof of your and your child’s identity may be required when filling out the application. Things such as birth certificates, social security cards, and other documents are acceptable. However, check with your local DMV office, as the list is subject to change.
The application for a learner’s permit involves a written test that is based on information in Arizona’s driving manual. Once they pass the written test, they must pass a vision test, as well. If they complete all components, they will receive a learner’s permit, with this restriction.
“A licensed Class A, B, C, or D driver that’s at least 21 years old must ride with your child in the front passenger seat.”
The Driver’s License Process
Once your child has sufficiently honed their skills with their learner’s permit, they can attempt to get a driver’s license. Here are the requirements:
- A valid learner’s permit that your child has had for at least 6 months.
- A signed application by a parent or legal guardian.
- Completion of a certified driver’s education course that is approved by the MVD, or certification by a parent or legal guardian, in writing, that the child has completed no less than 30 hours of practice driving, 10 of which must have been done at night.
- Satisfactory completion of a driving course with an instructor.
TIP: As the parent or legal guardian, you can cancel your child’s driver’s license at any time if they are a minor. To do this, visit the Arizona MVD website.
Once your child receives their license, there still may be some restrictions. For example, for a child that recently received a Class G (graduated) driver’s license, the following rules apply:
- Drivers shall not drive between 5:00 a.m. and midnight unless a parent or legal guardian with a valid Class A, B, C or D license ride with you in the front passenger seat, or the driver is going directly to or from a school activity, employment grounds, a religious activity, or the scene of a family emergency.
- Drivers shall not drive a vehicle with more than one passenger that’s under 18 years of age unless the passengers are the driver’s siblings, or the driver is riding with a licensed Class A, B, C or D parent or legal guardian in the front passenger’s seat.
Proper Driving Safety
With the technicalities out of the way, now we begin the feature presentation of our parent’s guide to teaching driving. Here are some of the most helpful safety tips you’ll come across when instructing your teenager how to drive properly.
Teach the Vehicle Components
You should always teach your teens the parts of the vehicle. Show them where the gas and brake pedals are, teach them how to properly adjust their mirrors, and show them how to work the clutch (if applicable).
TIP: If your advice conflicts with what they were taught in a driver’s education course, retract your statement. It’s not a good idea to confuse your newly able driver, so if there is a conflict, assume the driver’s education instructor is right.
You should also show them how to work essential components such as the lights of the vehicle, the windshield wipers, and the horn. You should also show them how less essential components such as the radio and AC work, as well.
Teach Awareness
One of the most important safety tips for a parent’s guide to teaching driving is awareness. Teach your teens to thoroughly scan the environment while driving. Looking at what’s directly in front of them isn’t going to cut it! They must learn how to scan the area for hazards and potential dangers.
Give them tips on how to monitor their entire environment. For example, you should teach them to always look in their rear windows while changing lanes to make sure they don’t overlook a blindspot.
Additionally, they should know that speeding drivers can show up in their peripheral vision, so they should always keep an eye on what’s on the road.
Teach Risk Aversion
Teaching your kids to drive and not take risks is an important tip for a parent’s guide to teaching driving. Tell them to not run stop signs and yellow lights. Teach them defensive driving habits such as letting more aggressive drivers pass them by.
In addition, tell them to never text/answer the phone while driving! Driving while distracted or fatigued causes many accidents each year. Don’t let your child turn into a statistic. Inform them of safe driving practices, and tell them ways they can avoid distractions and risks while on the road.
Also, tell them to keep the radio turned down and that they shouldn’t drive with noisy passengers. Blasting the radio too loudly along with too much noise from passengers can drown out important sounds you need to hear on the road. Phones aren’t the only distractions; make sure your child drives with focus and immutable concentration!
Was Your Teen Hurt in a Driving Accident?
Unfortunately, even if you teach your child to be a safe driver, automobile accidents can still happen. If you or someone you know suffers from a personal injury, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys immediately! Our professional lawyers work day and night for the compensation you deserve.
Feel free to drop in during our office hours, which are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Give us a call at any time at 844-977-1900. Also, don’t forget that you can contact us online and check out our LiveChat feature. Consultations are free, and we don’t accept a penny until we win your case. So don’t wait; contact Lerner and Rowe today!
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.