6 Quick Tips for Moms of New Teen Drivers

New Teen Drivers – Such an exciting, yet nerve wracking time for us as parents! But don’t worry, as a fellow mom of 2 teen drivers – I have some quick tips that will come in handy!

1. Lead by Example

When it comes to teaching your teen to be a safe driver, remember that your actions can also have a huge impact on their behavior behind the wheel.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Firstly, always wear your seat belt and make sure your teen does the same. Make it a habit to buckle up every time you get in the car, and make sure your teen does the same.

Secondly, avoid distracted driving. Put away your phone, avoid eating or drinking while driving, and keep your focus on the road.

When your teen sees you prioritizing safety over distractions, they are more likely to do the same.

Lastly, follow traffic rules. Obey speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals, and avoid any aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or weaving through traffic.

Remember, your actions speak louder than words! By showing safe driving behaviors, you can help your teen become a safe and responsible driver.

So buckle up, put your phone away – and drive safe!

2. Set Expectations for New Teen Drivers

Make sure your teen understands the rules of the road, the consequences of breaking them, and the expectations you have for their behavior while driving.

I created a contract for my teen drivers that i’m going to share with you.

You can use this one, or create your own teen driver contract that outlines your rules and expectations.

The contract can include things like curfews, number of passengers allowed, and consequences for breaking the rules.

Make sure you both sign the contract and keep it somewhere visible, like on the fridge or in the car.

This will hold your teen accountable when they are driving.

3. Track your teen drivers location

Tracking your teen driver’s location can be an effective way to ensure their safety on the road.

There are various GPS tracking apps available that can help keep tabs on your teen’s location.

Some of those options include Life 360, Find my iPhone and The Bark App.

By knowing where your teen is, you can have peace of mind knowing that they are where they should be and also that they are safe.

However, it’s important for parents to communicate with their teen about their tracking efforts and make sure they understand the reasons behind it. Trust and open communication between parents and teens are crucial for a positive and healthy relationship, especially during the early stages of driving.

Crash Detection for New Teen Drivers

If you’re looking for a way to keep tabs on your new teen driver and ensure their safety on the road, consider using a crash detection feature like Life360.

This app uses advanced technology to detect when a crash has occurred, and can alert you and emergency services immediately.

As a result, this feature will provide you with a peace of mind if an accident happens.

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4. Restrictions

In addition, new drivers are often restricted from driving at night or during certain hours. In some states, this restriction only applies to the first few months of driving, while in others, it can last up to a year or more.

Make sure you know the restrictions in your state and communicate them clearly to your teen.

Here in Wisconsin, the restrictions are Midnight – 5:00am (unless traveling to school or work)

Also, new drivers are often prohibited from having any passengers in the car who are not immediate family members. This restriction is designed to minimize distractions and keep the focus on driving.

Make sure your teen knows and understands this restriction, and enforce it if necessary.

5. Make sure your teen is always Prepared

When my son turned 16, I bought him the AAA roadside emergency kit (shared below) from Amazon. It has all the necessary tools and supplies for unexpected situations. It also includes a convenient carrying case for easy storage. Now, I feel confident that my son is prepared for roadside emergencies that could possibly happen while driving.

6. Monitor their Progress

Keep track of your teen’s driving progress, both in terms of their skills and their behavior on the road. Praise them for their successes and use any mistakes as learning opportunities.

Remember, having a new teen driver can be a learning experience for both you and your teen.

By implementing these quick tips, you can help your teen become a safe and confident driver, while also keeping your peace of mind intact.

Good luck and happy driving!