The NJ Parent’s Guide To Dealing With Teenage drivers

Summer isn’t just a season for vacations and BBQs, it’s also a season for learning.  There are thousands of parents that are using their time this summer to teach their teenagers how to drive before the beginning of the school year, and it isn’t an easy job.  New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, and we have some of the most crowded roads in the U.S. 

It takes a lot of practice to be able to drive, and teens need to demonstrate a lot of skill before their parents will even think about letting them out on the road.  Your teen may feel like they’re ready to head to the DMV and may already be looking for used car dealers in NJ for their first car, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to let them.  If you want to ensure that you’re giving your teen the best driving education possible, make sure that you follow these tips. 

Be a good example

If you want your teen to be a safe driver, you need to set a good example for them by driving the way you’d want them to drive.  You won’t be able to drive home the point that texting and talking while driving is dangerous if your teen sees you constantly talking and texting behind the wheel. Actions speak a lot louder than words, and your good example shows them that safe driving is important.  Stay off of your phone when you drive, always use your turn signal when you switch lanes, and obey the speed limit when you’re with your teen.

Prepare them for driving in New Jersey (and beyond)

If your teen is going to be driving in the Garden State, they’re going to need to learn how to handle typical driving conditions.  Make sure they know what to do when its raining, snowing, or sleeting. Take them out driving during a light shower or after it rains so that you can see how the handle their car on wet roads.  The allure of Philadelphia and New York City will be strong for your teens, so make sure that they’re prepared to drive in cities.

Prepare them for problems

Ideally we want our kids to always drive safely, but sometimes problems do occur.  Speeding tickets can happen to your teens, and so could minor auto accidents.  Even though you don’t want them to be in one, your teen needs to be prepared to handle an emergency situation as a driver.  Teach them what they should do when/if they encounter a police officer, and how they should handle themselves if they’re in an accident.