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I think the first time our son was taken out, DH took him to a parking lot and had him get the feel for things - like slamming on the brakes, etc (they unfortunately forgot there were paint cans in the back, but that's another story).
Our son took the drivers ed class portion before he turned 15 - then when he turned 15 and he immediately got his permit and took the driving portion. I do think that helped. If anything, to be in a car with someone other than a parent is helpful.
Just remember - most things we do while driving is habit - we don't even think about it. Those things don't come naturally and only time and practice will make it better.
I think it is good for kids be taught by someone other than the parents. Parents then just provide the opportunity for practice. Too often I see or hear of parents and kids having become mortal enemies over learning to drive. If the kid says the instructor said to do it like this then just smile and leave it even though you have to wonder why the kid is doing 100mph on the wrong side of the road at night in sunglasses with the radio so loud that there is blood comming out both your ears. In this case, you may intervene and turn down the radio. Take your camera though and post some video on youtube for us all to enjoy posthumorously.
My mom taught me how to drive and used to yell when she did so, it wasn't until I recently got my car last year that I really started to get into my own groove with driving and that I have become very confident in myself with that.
My mom taught my brother how to drive and he drives like a total a-hole.
Our state requires driver's ed classes (30 hours) and 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction. I'm surprised that other states do not .
Ours doesn't require it - but if you don't, there are more restriction on either when you can get your permit - or license - can't remember which. Then you have to hold the permit for a full year.
My son had this so planned out because he wanted to get his license when he turned 16.
The best part about teaching teens to drive, is that you can drink prior to the experience. Just have a nice cocktail or three before you get in the passenger seat. Relax. Don't yell. And you can have a few more drinks when you get home. Driving time=Happy Hour. I drank more when teaching my kids to drive than I ever did prior or later...just take the edge off a bit...I lived thru 3 boys, 1 girl.
Ah, this is why I am glad my dad had me driving motorcycles, scooters, etc when I was a tiny kid. And I would drive a truck + trailer in rural parts of the state when I was 12. By the time I had driver's ed, the instructor told me I drove better than he did and signed my papers after only 30 minutes of driving. Cycling without sidewalks since I was 8 helped understand laws and potential issues, too.
I plan to do the same for my own kids.
My sister, on the other hand, didn't even touch a steering wheel until she was 19. She still can't drive even halfway coherently, and she's been driving for 20 years.
P.S. Kids will drive exactly like you do. Even though my kids are under three, I make sure to already set the best example for them that I can.
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