It only seems like yesterday they were playing with toy cars. But now your little darling is over the age of 16 they are eligible to get their learner licence – assuming they’ve past their written test, of course.
But if they have, then the time has come for them to start the process of learning behind the wheel.
This can be a daunting task, both for your child as a fledgling driver and you as a parent of one. However, try not to fret.
There are several things you can do to prepare your teen for the road, which we’ve highlighted in this post.
1. Make them aware of the process
The first thing you should do is make your child aware of what is involved in becoming a fully qualified driver. Informing them of the P-plate driving rules by EZ Licence is a good way of doing that.
If they know the steps they will need to take, it will help them to pass their test sooner rather than later.
2. Teach them the Australian road rules
Before they can start to take practical lessons, your teen will first need to demonstrate they have a good understanding of the Australian road rules.
To do this, they will have to pass a written theory examination, which will test them of their knowledge of speed limits, right of way scenarios and standard practices such as indicating before turning.
Should they pass this, they will then be able to apply for their ‘L’ plates.
3. Start Lessons
Once they have received their ‘L’ plates, your teen will be eligible to take practical lessons on the road.
There will undoubtedly be several driving instructors in your area that could teach them. But try to find one through Google reviews or word of mouth that has a good reputation and success rate.
It is a good idea to book two or three lessons within their first week, to kickstart your teen’s learning. Typically, these lessons will be an hour in length, though as they get more confident, you can book double sessions.
4. Help them practice
You’ve heard the adage ‘practice makes perfect’ and your teen is going to need to get plenty of practice under their belts before they can take their test.
In Queensland, for instance, they will need to have completed 100 hours of supervised driving on Aussie roads, of which at least 10 has to be during the evening between sunset and sunrise.
To help your teen build up their required hours, you should take them out on the road as regularly as you can. Good places to start are in deserted car parks or industrial estates, especially early on a Sunday morning.
However, before you can do this, make sure you have added them to your car insurance policy and your vehicle displays their ‘L’ plates at all times they are driving it. It is illegal for your teen to be at the wheel of a car without either.
5. Build up their confidence
One of the main things you can do to prepare your teen for the road is to build up their confidence.
It is important to show your faith in their ability to drive a vehicle because if you appear nervous and anxious then this will translate to them.
Regularly give them praise when they do something right, without being too over the top. At the same time, don’t be overly critical or nagging as that will erode their self-belief.
Most crucially, don’t panic or over-react if they make a mistake. Instead, remain calm and explain what they did wrong and what they should do next time they face a similar situation.
6. Encourage them to take their test
There will come a time when your teen is ready to take their test and when it arrives, they will need your emotional and practical support.
Assuring them that they are ready for the test is crucial, especially if their driving instructor agrees that they are.
In the lead up to the big day you should encourage your teen to practice driving in and around the area where the test centre is located. This familiarity will come in handy when it’s time for the examination.
7. Don’t stifle them
If they pass their test, it is important to recognise that an experienced and fully qualified, professional driving examiner has deemed your teen as being proficient enough to drive unsupervised.
As a parent, the worst thing you can do is stifle your teen’s new found freedom by not letting them drive your car – or buying one for them.
Being negative will not help your teen thrive as a driver. So, don’t treat them like they are still a baby.