Do you have a Future Driver in your family? How to Prepare as Parents

It’s a significant milestone for parents and teens alike when your little one reaches the age & passes their first driver’s test. It often marks that their childhood is coming to an end and adulthood is on the horizon. While it is a joy and a newfound sense of freedom to have access to your own wheels for the first time, it’s also a substantial new responsibility for your teen. We at A & M Auto Service want to take the time to discuss the implications and common questions that begin to swirl when your teen passes their driver’s test. There is so much to consider when you finally give your new driver the reins to a vehicle, whether it be a new car or borrowing a family one. Even though the stress of letting them go on the roads alone is enormous, this can also be an excellent time to get closer to your young adult & bond over the significance of this milestone. Below are some tips to ease this huge transition and alleviate stress for both you and your teen.

Go Driving With Them

Your new driver might not be as confident as they are trying to appear behind the wheel. Since you are likely the one granting them this newfound freedom, use this as an opportunity to help them be entirely comfortable with their new vehicle. It’s beneficial to have a trusted adult go through all the buttons and gadgets in the unknown vehicle, so they can be prepared for when they’re on their own. We all want our children’s safety so take this time to quiz them on emergency features such as the hazard light function, emergency brake, and other buttons that they need to know. We don’t want to assume our teens have all the common sense and skills of more experienced drivers; learning to drive takes time! Remember, your new driver is not invincible – Teenagers are 3x more likely to be in a fatal car crash than older kids, and many accidents occur closest to the home. Have them drive you around to familiar places that they will be stopping at, such as school or the supermarket.

Double Check Vehicle Safety

If you decide to purchase a used or brand new car for your new driver, ensure their safety by bringing it into A & M Auto Service for a Pre-Purchase Inspection. We will perform a thorough check to test the new vehicle’s electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems, and traction control amongst a list of other items. Another great thing to check for is adequate coverage with airbags. If you’re in the process of finding your kiddo a new to you vehicle, a great tool to access is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website to check for car safety ratings. This Institute evaluates two aspects of safety: “crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — and crash avoidance and mitigation — technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity.”

You Set The Boundaries

This blog won’t cover every rule that needs to be stated but can give a general grasp to keep in mind! Set the boundaries when they have access to their vehicle alone for the first few months. Some common questions could range from whom they can and can’t drive with. When first getting a license, there are rules not allowing teens to drive with anyone other than a family member for six months when they first get their license (some states have laws implemented about this specifically). It’s your call, but let it be known and let it be clear. Remind them of the dangers of texting and driving and that both are illegal in many states. Many apps help you not access your phone other than for emergency reasons while driving; perhaps consider installing this feature on their phone.

Common Rules

• No cell phone use while driving, including hands-free options.
• Follow all state driving laws.
• Always wear a seatbelt as a driver and equally as a passenger.
• Do not drive while impaired (drugged, drunk, or sleepy).
• Do not ride with an unlicensed or inexperienced teen driver.
• No driving in bad weather.
• You control the keys and make it known if they want to drive somewhere to ask you for permission first.

Take Your Time

Even though teenagers with a new driver’s license may want to jump on the first car they see, it’s essential to make sure the vehicle will suit them for their lifestyles at this young age. Choosing a new vehicle can be a wonderful bonding time for your entire family. Perhaps have them create a list of potential vehicles, as well as dealerships in the area. This is also a fun and appropriate time to share your memories of when you got your first vehicle & the difficulties that came with this new freedom. Make this a time where your new driver is involved in the vehicle finding process, and hopefully, it will make them value their new vehicle even more.

Keep in mind that every child is different. Some new drivers are so responsible that you would trust them with anything, but this is not the case for the majority. But when it comes to driving for the first time, you can never be too cautious and overprotective than with your precious cargo behind the wheel.

We hope you A & M Auto Service loyal customers enjoyed this take on a fun but serious topic! We hope you found some good reminders for when you have to encounter your new driver & picked up helpful tips! From Charlotte, NC, to Pineville and beyond, you can trust A & M Auto Service for all of your auto service needs. Our entire team focuses on creating a top-notch customer service experience for you; we are here to serve. Schedule an appointment with us and have a qualified auto mechanic care for your vehicle; you will be glad that you did! A & M specializes in quality service and repair, so you can trust that your car is in the best of hands. For peace of mind, please schedule an appointment with us today; or call at 704-583-2523. We are located at 12715 Downs Cir Pineville, NC 28134, USA.

The entire team at A & M Auto Service thanks you; we look forward to seeing you soon!