Well, it’s happened. My son just officially turned 15 (I think I started saying he was 15 a month or so ago), and wants to learn to drive. He has been studying for the permit exam diligently,and I have contacted the local homeschool office for “school attendance” paperwork required in the state of Georgia for teen drivers. I have no doubt he will pass the written test, as he’s never failed a test in his life. After that, he’s going to want to drive.
Can you smell fear? I love my son and trust my son, but I am literally afraid of the thought of me sitting in the passenger seat of my car with him behind the wheel. Maybe it’s because I know he’s a bit nervous as well, having never driven a car. Maybe it’s because I just worry in general. I actually have good reasons to be afraid according to this article: To All Parents With Teen Drivers
Also read: The Dangers of “Trunking”
Just like when my kids learned to swim, I’ve decided that teaching my kids to drive will be something I don’t participate in. This might sound unkind, but I don’t want my fears to affect their confidence. When they learned to swim at toddlers, I sat on the edge of the pool and watched the instructors do their job. When the kids could swim confidently I was able to step in and enjoy the pool with them. I don’t want my anxieties to affect their ability to learn.
Fortunately my husband has nerves of steel. He has sat each child on his lap in an empty parking lot at one time or another to help give them the feel of the car. If he can do that, he should be able to handle sitting next to them while they have full reign over the car. On the other hand, I remember him trying to teach me to drive, and it was not a pretty sight. One one particularly snowy day, he told me to pull over and get out of the car. He never really invited to get into the passenger seat, I just did it quickly before he drove off!
Oh, did you think I would have solutions for teaching your teen to drive? No, not yet. I’ll get back to you after the first child has his license. Until then, just know my general plan is to not show them my fear, pay an instructor to get them started, and have them practice with their dad until they feel very confident behind the wheel.
Enjoy these teen driving related articles from other Families.com bloggers:
Intermediate or Graduated Drivers Licenses for New Drivers
Back-to-School Driving Tips For Teens
Does Your Teen Drive to School?
Teenage Driving–an Introduction