What Parents of First Time Drivers Need to Know

**Full Disclosure: This post is a collaboration with DriversEd.com. All opinions are my own.

I took driver’s ed 20-ish years ago at a local company after I’d been at school all day. Once I’d finished the written portion of the class, we transitioned to driving lessons and those were done at night and on the weekend. I was happy once that stage was over and I had my driver’s license in hand! Now that my son is 14 and anxious to start his driver’s ed course, I’m trying to determine what parents of first time drivers needs to know – and there’s a TON.

What Parents of First Time Drivers Need to Know –

Where to send your child for Driver’s Ed

• Physical Classroom
  – Education is all the basics of driving at a specified time and place.
• DriversEd.com
  – Their online course offers a comprehensive education and valuable resources that offer unrivaled preparation for your driver’s permit.
  – Teens (14 – 17 years) can take their state-approved driver’s ed course online for only $99.95 (currently on sale for $74.95).
  – Adults (18+ years) can enroll for $48.00 (currently on sale for $36.00).
  – Learn anywhere, anytime on any device!

Decide on a Learning Method

Each state or district has different requirements for getting your license. It’s my suggestion is that you look at those requirements before you decide on a learning method.

• Instructor-led drivers ed: Meet the Texas licensing requirements with the support of our certified instructors. DriversEd.com has professional driving instructors teach teens defensive driving skills to drive safely and confidently. After six hours you’ll be able to take the online permit test included with the course. Once you have a permit, you can start in-car lessons to meet the mandatory seven hours of observation and seven hours of instruction. You can choose a driving school, like the one DriversEd.com offers, to meet this requirement.
• Parent-taught drivers ed: Meet the Texas licensing requirements with parental participation. You’ll need is six hours of curriculum work before taking the online permit test included with the course. Once you pass the test, it’s time to start 44 hours of in-car lessons with your parent! Just make sure to follow these steps before starting the course.
  – Parents: With this option, you’ll fill out a form and send it, along with some money, to the DPS in your state so they can confirm you have a driving record that allows you to teach your child.

Do you need Insurance for a Permitted Driver

• Talk to your insurance provider about Learner’s Permit Insurance Policies.
• A permitted driver may not cost you as much as you might think. Some insurance carriers do not even have the ability to list a permit driver as a driver. A valid driver’s license may be required. The permitted driver will be automatically covered under the policy of his or her parent.

Texas Driving Laws for Teens

• Teens may not have more than 1 passenger unless supervised by a driver at least 21 years old (parents, guardians, and dependents are exempted).
• Drive between midnight and 5 a.m., except in the case of an emergency or for school-related activities.
• May not drive while operating or using a cellphone or wireless device.
• A learner’s permit expires on the child’s 18th birthday.

Teaching Your Permitted Child to Drive

• As the teacher, you must remember to stay calm, avoid raising your voice and avoid grabbing the steering wheel.
• Build your teen’s confidence with small trips (5 miles or 15-20 minutes) to start.
• Set realistic goals, expectations, and consequences for your teen driver. If you make rules, stick to them.
• Give advance warning on where to turn, or what you want them to do.
• If a mistake is made don’t wait until the driving session ends to explain. Instead have your teen pull over and explain the error.

Things to Consider

• Car accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds, accounting for forty percent of all teen deaths.
• Restrict nighttime driving – Most fatal crashes for young drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight, so it’s a good idea to take away the keys after 9 p.m.
• Teen drivers are more likely to be distracted when they have friends in the car, and the presence of peers also leads to riskier driving practices.
• Set a good example for your young driver. Drive safely, buckle up, and avoid distractions (like texting, talking on the phone, or eating) behind the wheel.
• Good grades can also help you and your young driver save on car insurance! Encourage your kids to make good grades.
• Lead by example!!
• Convey that owning a driver’s license is a privilege that cannot be taken lightly.

More about DriversEd.com –

Our Texas Teen Drivers Ed course not only teaches you the basics of driving, but also equips you with knowledge on defensive driving techniques to maximize your safety behind the wheel. Additionally, we’ll teach you how to deal with potentially dangerous situations on the Texas roads. DriversEd.com courses are designed to help young drivers learn. Each lesson includes interactive elements to keep you engaged and focused on learning. Our courses feature 3-D animated case studies, so students can practice making decisions in real-life situations.

Do you have any tips for what parents of first time drivers need to know?