The first pieces of advice that a young driver learns are some of the most likely to influence how they drive later in life. After all, it takes a lot longer to unlearn something taught incorrectly than to learn something right the first time.
Know the road rules like the back of your hand
Each state has different driving laws, and some of the more obscure ones can even trip experienced drivers up. There are a lot of laws they you may not even be aware of. For example, only 63.9% of surveyed Australians correctly identified that honking to say goodbye is illegal, while a more impressive 88.4% knew that letting a pet sit on their lap whilst in the car was illegal. Take an hour or so before going out with your child for the first time to re-familiarise yourself with the road rules - a good starter is to search for an online L’s test practice from your state government. The NSW and VIC practice sites are a good start for anybody looking to brush up.
Stake out a place to teach
One of the hardest things when teaching a new driver, particularly for inner-city dwellers, is finding a safe spot away from traffic and obstacles to practise in.
Familiarise yourself with the quiet roads in your area that have wide lanes and minimal traffic when your child begins driving. As your learner becomes more adept behind the wheel, research where the best spots are in your area that have light traffic to take your learner next.
Use the best teaching tools at your disposal
Some of the world’s best drivers make for awful teachers. Driving and teaching somebody to drive are two separate skills, so you should make sure that your teen is keeping up with whatever lessons you’re showing them.
Communication is key here. Make sure they don’t just listen, but can repeat back whatever you’ve taught them in different words. Don’t send mixed messages (such as telling them to stay calm and freaking out if they look like they’re about to lose control!), and remember that driving is a skill that takes a lot of time to master.
