Uncategorized – Page 3 – Traffic School Online

Do you know what the leading cause of death among teenagers is? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s motor vehicle accidents.

Before we dive right into all the details, one word of caution. This article is a bit of a grim one. It contains no sugarcoating of the truth. What you’re about to read is a bit shocking, but we’re presenting this information to you because we’re an online driver-ed provider that cares about the safety of all teenage drivers.

Motor vehicle crashes: Remain the leading cause of death for teens aged 15-18.
- Source: CDC, Teen Drivers: Get the Facts
- In 2021, there were 2,116 drivers aged 15-20 who died in motor vehicle crashes, and an additional 3,450 young people died as passengers in these crashes. (NHTSA, Young Drivers Traffic Safety Facts)
Percentage of teen deaths from crashes: Approximately 20% of all deaths among teens aged 15-18 result from motor vehicle crashes.
- Source: CDC, Teen Drivers: Get the Facts
These numbers are alarming, but understanding the factors that contribute to teen crashes can help us prevent them.

Factors Contributing to Teen Crashes:

Inexperience: Teen drivers lack the experience of adult drivers to identify and react to hazards.
- Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Distracted driving: Cell phone use, talking to passengers, and other distractions increase crash risk.
- Source: CDC, Teen Drivers: Get the Facts
Driving with teen passengers: The presence of teen passengers increases the risk of crashes, especially for male teen drivers.
- Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Nighttime and weekend driving: Crash rates for teen drivers are higher at night and on weekends.
- Source: IIHS
Not using seat belts: Teenagers have the lowest rate of seat belt use compared to other age groups.
- Source: NHTSA

Inability to detect hazards Teenage drivers have difficulty detecting potential hazards while behind the wheel. An online driver’s ed course such as the one offered at OnlineDriversEd.com provides drivers with visual tutorials and key information that will help them identify potential road hazards to prepare them for life on the road. As drivers gain more experience while driving, they’ll improve their ability to see potential threats.

Poor perception of risks New drivers, even those who have taken a land-based or online driver’s ed course, still have difficulty understanding the real risks on the road. They tend to underestimate the risks associated with hazardous situations and they also tend to be overconfident in their ability to get out of risky situations and avoid crashes.

They think they’re invincible Driving is not a game. Unfortunately, too many teenagers think they’re invincible on the road and don’t bother fastening their seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives in the event of a crash. Not wearing one can make you another statistic.

Lack of skill New teenage drivers haven’t mastered the skills they need to drive safely. While the best way to become a better, safer driver is through more and more hours behind the wheel, an in-class or online drivers ed course in approved states such as California, Arizona, and Florida provides you with the key knowledge you need to be smart behind the wheel before you hit the road.

This is it: you’re ready to take the test for your learner’s permit. While you’re aware that up to 35% of applicants don’t pass the test on their first try, you want to be one of the ones who come home with your permit in hand. To help improve your chances of success, don’t forget these important tips.

Don’t Skip The Alcohol Section Of The Study Guide

When you’re studying for your permit test, it can be tempting to skim right over the top of this information. After all, you have no plans to drink and drive any time soon! More critical is information on things like when you should turn on your lights, how to pass correctly, and traffic rules and regulations that you’d never paid attention to before. You’ll notice that this section takes up a large portion of your study guide. As you’ve learned from school, that means that it may take up an equally large portion of your test–so be prepared!

Commit Specific Numbers To Memory

If there are specific numbers attached to a statistic–for example, the acceptable level of alcohol in your blood–you could potentially need to know those specific numbers for your permit test. Take a moment to commit those numbers to memory. Also, remember that the well-meaning friend who told you that you could drive five miles per hour over the speed limit before you got pulled over might have been right about practical application, but when it comes to the written test, the acceptable answer is that if you’re going over the speed limit by even one mile per hour, you’re going too fast. These might be small details in your mind, but they’re details that are on your permit test, and you’ll need to know them in order to pass.

Take Practice Tests Until You Can Pass Them Easily

If you naturally retain information quickly and typically test high, you might think that the practice tests are a waste of your time. Taking the practice test, however, will give you a good idea of how prepared you are for the real test. When you can pass the practice test easily, you’ll have equally good odds of successfully passing the real test. As you’re taking practice tests, however, make sure that they’re specific to your state. While most major traffic laws are the same between states, there are regional differences, particularly concerning issues like drug and alcohol use. Also, keep in mind that no matter how good the practice test is, you can’t guarantee that you’ll see the same questions that will be on your actual learner permit test. The test database contains hundreds of potential questions, but the actual test will only have around twenty.

Don’t Be Afraid To Enlist Help

Do you have a friend close to your age who is also studying for their learner’s permit test? Take advantage of the opportunity to study together. Quiz one another and share study guides and outlines. If you don’t have a friend to study with, ask for help from your family members. You wouldn’t hesitate to ask for help to study for a school test, so why not ask for help on a test that’s even more important?

Don’t Rush Into The Test

If you aren’t sure that you’re ready for the test, it’s better to postpone it than to take it and simply hope that you pass. First, waiting at the DMV is a time-consuming process, and convincing your parents to take you at a different time will go better if you’re honest with them upfront. Second, keep your focus on the real reason for this test. It’s not just to make you memorize the rules of the road. The purpose of the learner’s permit test is to ensure that you’ll be safer and more prepared when you get behind the wheel.

Taking your learner’s permit test is a huge milestone. By preparing carefully, you can make sure that you’re one of the successful applicants and that you come home with your permit in hand. If you are unsuccessful, remember: you can always try again! Check out your state’s regulations to find out how long you have to wait before you can make a second attempt.

Are you considering online teen driver’s ed, but aren’t sure it’s right for you? We’ve outlined some of the major advantages and disadvantages of these courses to give you some help deciding.

Advantage: May Fulfill All Your Licensing Requirements

If you want their license as quickly as possible, online driver’s ed courses are often all you need to finish your state requirements. That’s right: you don’t necessarily need to attend a boring class and watch all those horrific crash videos. Instead, you can get your non-driving licensing requirements from the comfort of your home.

However, this option isn’t available in every state. States that allow online driver’s ed to fulfill your licensing requirements include:

California
Florida
Colorado
Indiana
Georgia
Nevada
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Oklahoma
Texas
Virginia

If you live in any one of these states you are in luck, especially if you’re the kind of person that prefers studying and learning alone and in a self-directed manner.

Disadvantage: May Be Superfluous

In states where online driver’s ed is NOT a stand-alone training option, you may spend a lot of money on unnecessary information. Online driver’s education offers the same basic knowledge as classroom-based education, including driving law, safe driving concepts, and other vital information.

Paying money to invest in an online class means you’re probably just throwing good cash away to learn something you’ll be taught later. While they may serve as a useful way of studying or testing your skills, there are free driver’s ed study guides available online that can do the same thing.

Advantage: Helps You Learn at Your Own Pace

Multiple studies have shown that people have different learning paces. Some people may pick up on new concepts quickly and easily, while others will slowly get used to them. That doesn’t mean the latter person is “stupider” than the other person: it just means they learn differently.

Online driver’s ed courses almost always let you finish their tests and quizzes in your way and at your own pace. For teens with short attention spans, online courses are especially nice.

However, they can also be useful for quick-learning teens: it helps them from getting as they whiz their way through the training materials at their own quick pace.

Disadvantage: Self-Direction is Hard

While working at your own pace may feel like a major advantage, it can turn into a major problem if you lack self-direction. Simply put, you’re not going to have a teacher or a parent guiding you through your online classes: you’ll have to do them on your own.

For some teens, this won’t be a problem, but others might not have the same kind of dedication.

Advantage: Includes Vivid Interactive Educational Tools

Online driver’s ed courses break through the boring lectures of classroom-based learning and present teens with a variety of interactive educational options. These options are designed to engage the teen’s minds and keep them focused on learning.

Online driver’s ed courses offer teen drivers access to:

Videos
Animations
Practice permit tests
Potential insurance discounts

Disadvantages: Need to Find Your Own On-Road Instructor

While online courses offer you access to just about everything you get from a classroom instructor, they require you to set up road time with a separate driver. Thankfully, it should be relatively easy to find one on your own. However, it adds an extra distraction.

Hopefully, this information has helped you make the right choice. Driver’s education is only effective if you enjoy the experience and truly learn something.

Preparing for the driver’s license road test is both exciting and intimidating. You can comfort yourself with the knowledge that the test can be retaken if you don’t pass the first time. Although, most eager drivers-to-be want to get it right the first time around. Luckily, there are ways you can prepare yourself before you get behind the wheel on test day. An important part of preparation is being aware of the most frequent mistakes. That way you can avoid those errors. Let’s consider some common reasons why people fail their DMV road tests:

Driving Too Slow

Yes, you read that right: driving too slow can cause you to fail your road test. We’re all aware of the dangers of speeding, but what about driving way under the speed limit? As it turns out, excessively slow driving can also be dangerous– both for you and for other drivers on the road. So, remember: driving too slow doesn’t make you an extra cautious driver; it makes you a potentially dangerous one.

Not Being Mindful of Road Conditions

So, we know that driving either too fast or too slow can result in a failed road test, but what about driving the speed limit? Of course, most of the time, sticking to the speed limit is a wise idea. But, there are certain scenarios when driving the speed limit isn’t safe. Some examples are driving during heavy traffic or driving while roads are slick from rain or snow. So, use your best judgment. If it doesn’t feel safe to drive the speed limit, trust your instincts. Prove to your examiner that you’re paying attention to road conditions.

Forgetting About Your Mirrors

Don’t forget your rear-view and side mirrors are there for a reason. Neglecting to check them when you’re backing up or changing lanes can be a dangerous mistake. But you should also remember to check them periodically while driving– particularly during your road test. Even if you’re not changing lanes, being aware of where other cars are in relation to you is a wise defensive driving technique.

Aggressive Braking

Unless there’s an emergency situation where you have to stop unexpectedly, braking should be a gradual process. When slowing down or coming to a complete stop, start by decelerating and then gently applying the brakes.

Merging Mistakes

Merging onto highways can be a nerve-racking experience for new drivers. While you might not encounter this scenario during your road test, it’s important to prepare in case you do. Remember: the goal of merging is to enter the highway safely and at an appropriate speed. A common mistake– and one that could result in a failed road test– is to stop at the end of the ramp.

Intersection Errors

Another common error that novice drivers make is to change lanes while passing through an intersection. It doesn’t matter if you need to make a turn immediately after the intersection; there is never an acceptable reason to switch lanes in the middle of an intersection. If you can’t safely change lanes after passing through the intersection, it’s best to pass the necessary turn and then U-turn when appropriate or choose an alternate route to your destination.

Being Overly Distracted

While it’s one of the most common problems on the road today– and one of the major causes of accidents, including fatal ones– people still make the mistake of driving while distracted every single day. Although it should go without saying during a road test, make sure that you avoid talking on your cell phone, text messaging, or flipping through radio stations while driving. Your focus should be solely on the task at hand: demonstrating to your examiner that you are a competent, capable, and safe driver.

It’s a milestone that often fills parents with both pride and dread: shopping for a car with a new teenage driver. Many parents are tempted to go the most budget-friendly route, reasoning that the chosen car will likely be involved in a couple of fender benders as their novice drivers learn the rules of the road. While it’s certainly understandable to want to stay within budget, choosing that old hand-me-down truck or the cheapest model being advertised at the local dealership might also mean sacrificing certain safety features. Because teenage drivers are much more likely to be involved in accidents– including fatal ones– it’s important to find the safest and most reliable options within your budget. Let’s consider some of the best cars for new drivers below:

Mazda 3 (2019 or newer)

Many parents have the misconception that a car must be big to be safe for their teenage drivers. That’s simply not the case. The Mazda3 consistently ranks high in safety and reliability, making it a smart choice for your teen’s first set of wheels. Its sleek design and sporty handling add a touch of fun to the everyday commute. Look for models with the i-Activsense safety suite, which includes features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, for an extra layer of protection.

Toyota Corolla (2020 or newer)

It’s not a flashy car with all of the bells and whistles, but that’s often something many parents consider a benefit when a teenage driver is involved. Known for its reliability, the Corolla is a practical and safe choice for new drivers. Corollas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features that can help prevent accidents before they happen.

Honda Civic (2022 or newer)

The redesigned Civic boasts excellent safety ratings and a reputation for longevity, just like its older siblings. Its spacious interior and comfortable ride make it a great choice for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The available Honda Sensing safety suite includes features like collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation, offering added security for your teen driver.

Hyundai Elantra (2021 or newer)

The Elantra offers a winning combination of style, comfort, and safety. Its modern design and tech-savvy interior will appeal to young drivers, while its long list of standard safety features will put parents at ease. Consider the hybrid model for even better fuel economy and a smaller carbon footprint.

Nissan Leaf (2018 or newer)

For eco-conscious families, the Nissan Leaf is an affordable and reliable EV option. Its range has improved over the years, making it suitable for more than just short commutes. With its peppy acceleration and quiet ride, the Leaf is surprisingly fun to drive. It also comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, adding another layer of protection for your teen driver.

Chevrolet Bolt (2009-2013)

The Bolt offers a longer range than the Leaf at a competitive price point, making it a practical choice for longer trips and daily errands. Its spacious interior and SUV-like design appeal to families, while its zippy acceleration and responsive handling make it a joy to drive. The Bolt also boasts a strong safety record and comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist.

Important Considerations:

Advanced Safety Features: Prioritize cars with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Reliability Ratings: Research reliability reports from reputable sources like Consumer Reports or J.D. Power.
Fuel Efficiency: Opt for fuel-efficient models (or EVs) to save money at the pump (or on charging).
Insurance Costs: Get insurance quotes for different cars before making a final decision.
Teen Driver Education: Enroll your teen in a comprehensive driver’s education program to develop safe driving habits.
EV Charging Access: If you’re considering an EV, ensure you have convenient access to charging stations at home or in your area.

Remember, the bottom line is that you want to choose the safest, most reliable option available within your budget. Additionally, to ensure that your teenager learns how to drive safely and defensively, consider our online driver’s education program. Contact us today for more information.

Learning to drive is something of a rite of passage for young adults, especially if they grew up in a place that isn’t exactly on friendly terms with public transportation. Driving represents freedom, and the ability to make your own decisions. However, learning the necessary skills you’re going to need for the rest of your life can seem like a big challenge. As such, here are some handy tips.

Tip #1: Learn With The Radio On

There’s an unfortunate trend among drivers to learn under perfect conditions, and then once they have their licenses to throw all those rules out the window. However, if you learn to drive specifically to pass a test, then you’ll find you won’t be up to the task when it comes to driving in the real world.

The perfect example is the radio. If you’re going to listen to it once you have your license, then it’s a good idea to get used to it being on. Otherwise, you might pass the test, but you won’t learn the driving skills you’re going to need.

Tip #2: Keep Calm, and Drive On

Something happens to your brain when you get behind the wheel. For whatever reason, being under the control of a multi-ton machine of steel and fire tends to lead to a lot of tension and a short supply of patience. Even if you’re used to driving, sometimes all it takes to make you see red is for someone else to merge a little too close to your front end. If you’re just learning to drive, though, that sort of move can make your blood pressure spike, and dump a full load of adrenaline into your veins.

That’s why you need to be able to keep a cool head and relax. Driving is a routine skill, even though it doesn’t feel like it when you’re mastering the art. So, bring some breathing techniques, get in the right head space, and if you’re getting stressed out, there’s nothing wrong with pulling over for a while. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Tip #3: Think About Your Shoes

Once you’ve got driving down to a science, you can wear whatever you want. If you’re just learning, though, it’s a good idea to wear shoes with a thin sole to feel the pedals with relative ease. This will help you get a feel for how much gas (or how much brake) you’re giving it, and that will key you into your vehicle’s sensitivities. After you’ve mastered driving, you can get away with boots and high heels.

Tip #4: Know How You Learn

Different people learn in different ways; that’s true in the classroom, and it’s true on the road. If you’re the kind of student who can read a book, and then be able to apply that knowledge to a practical situation, that’s fine. If you need to watch a video or witness someone else doing something to understand the process, that’s also an option. Some people just won’t understand how to do something until they get hands-on experience, and if you’re one of those people there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you try to use a method that doesn’t work for you, then you’re going to run into problems.

Tip #5: You Don’t Need To Do It All At Once

There’s an urge to go from 0-60 when it comes to driving, but it’s probably a better idea to learn in sections. Basic driving, then driving in heavier traffic, driving at night, and finally, driving on the interstate. Just like you can’t walk into the gym and immediately become a powerhouse weightlifter, so, too, you can’t just get behind the wheel and become proficient at something you’re just learning. Give it time, and the skill will come.

Submitted by admin on June 9, 2016 – 10:32 am

Getting a driver’s license is, for some people, just another step on the road to adulthood. For others, it’s something almost sacred, on par with the first drink, the first formal dance, or the first kiss. While it’s easy to get caught up in the power to go where you want, when you want, new drivers need to try to ease into their responsibilities. After all, it can take years to go from being a driver who can pass the driving test, to being a driver who can handle whatever the road throws their way. These tips for new drivers are brought to you by Cars Direct and Teen Driving.

Tip #1: Shut Off Your Phone

While the idea of a cell phone is that you can be reached anywhere at any time, cell phone use while driving is a huge contributor to traffic accidents. That’s why the safest course is simply to turn it off. If you have a Bluetooth device, either a headset or a car hookup, you can answer calls in relative safety, but it is still a risk. If you’re going to divide your attention between the road and your phone while you swipe and tap, though, it’s a good idea to just wait until you’re stopped.

Tip #2: Avoid Tunnel Vision

It’s easy to assume that other drivers just passed their exams, and know the rules of the road as well as you do. However, the open road is less like an orderly rules system and more like Mad Max. There is no guarantee that other drivers are going to stay in their lanes, obey the speed limits, maintain a safe distance, or use their turn signals to give you a warning that they’re changing lanes. That’s why you need to widen your focus and be aware of everything on the road instead of just what’s in front of you.

Tip #3: Set Your Tunes Before You Pull Out

While using a cell phone while you drive is a grievous sin, fiddling with the radio can be a minor distraction that gets you in trouble as well. Many modern cars have controls for the radio built right into the steering wheel, but that isn’t a luxury most drivers have. As such it’s important to pick your channel, or your CD, before you start driving. That way you’re not halfway through a lane change, trying to tune the knob, and staring into the sun. Speaking of which…

Tip #4: Be Aware of Environmental Hazards

When most drivers think of environmental hazards they think of heavy rain, snow, and ice. Those are dangerous, and you should prepare for them. However, a dirty windshield and bright sunlight can blind you if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full, and that the inside of your windshield is also wiped off regularly. If your pull-down visor isn’t enough to screen the sun, though, it may be a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses in your car. Especially if you’re driving east in the morning, or west in the evening.

Tip #5: Practice Makes Perfect

The only way to get better at driving is to drive. Not only that, but you’re going to have to drive in more environments, and on routes you aren’t used to. While you should keep your comfort level as a driver in mind, it’s also important to get new experiences whenever you can. Otherwise, you’ll feel like you’re flailing whenever you have to go somewhere you’re unfamiliar.

When considering what kind of car to buy for your new teen driver, don’t overlook used cars as a viable option. After all, few things depreciate faster than a new car. Many parents feel obligated to go the new car route for their novice drivers due to safety features. Yet, there are plenty of safe—and much more affordable—used car options out there. But, before you run to the nearest used car lot, consider the following tips:

Know your budget beforehand

If you want to know a surefire way to get taken advantage of at a car dealership, just walk on the lot without a budget in mind. Before you even think about going car shopping, sit down and figure out how much car you can afford. That way, you’ll be shopping with your head instead of your heart. If you’re unsure how to estimate a price range you can afford, there are some handy tools available to help you.

Do your research

Remember: knowledge is power. Don’t set foot on a used car lot without a target list of cars on hand. This doesn’t mean that you can’t change your mind, but it gives you an excellent starting point. How should you go about creating a target list of used cars? Do a little homework. Use sources like Consumer Reports to research used car reviews. Then, determine which used cars fit into the budget you’ve determined. Not sure how much a particular used car costs? Refer to Kelley Blue Book to get an estimated value. Knowing these details in advance will save you from a lot of haggling with used car salesmen.

Get a Vehicle History Report

Even if a used car looks pristine on the lot, it’s still imperative to learn everything you can about that car’s history before the sale. What kind of information can a Vehicle History Report tell you? It’ll tip you off if the car got totaled in an accident or if the odometer got rolled back. Several companies sell Vehicle History Reports using the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). If there is anything negative in the report, it’s best to cut your losses and move on.

Have the car inspected

Even if the Vehicle History Report comes back with an all-clear, it’s still a good idea to get the used car inspected before making an offer. For added reassurance, request to take the car to a mechanic you trust for the inspection. Getting a used car inspected before making an offer can help you avoid purchasing a lemon.

Be a master negotiator

The best way to gain the upper hand in the negotiation process is to come armed with information. All the research and homework you’ve done up to this point will come in handy now. Don’t determine your offer based on the asking price. Consider what the car is worth based on market value. Besides consulting Kelley Blue Book, consider checking eBay for auctions on similar cars. Check to see if you can find a comparable car on another website for a lower price. Use that information to your advantage during the negotiation process.

Prepare yourself for your used car shopping and you’ll be able to find a great car for your teen.

Road rage incidents are on the rise, posing serious risks on our roads. As stress and frustration build in congested traffic, drivers may express their anger through dangerous driving behaviors. However, understanding the causes and implementing strategies for de-escalation can significantly enhance safety for everyone on the road.

Understanding Road Rage

Road rage differs from aggressive driving, although the two are related. Aggressive driving includes behaviors like speeding, weaving through traffic, and tailgating. Road rage, however, escalates these actions into more violent and potentially deadly encounters, including physical confrontations and intentional collisions.

Incidents of road rage are increasing alarmingly, with some leading to severe consequences including fatalities. For instance, the Illinois State Police note a sharp increase in expressway shootings classified as road rage incidents. Recognizing the early signs of aggressive driving in oneself and others can be key to preventing escalation.

Below are 7 tips that can help:

1. Stay Calm: Keeping your cool can prevent a situation from escalating. Take deep breaths and maintain focus on your driving rather than on the aggressive behavior of others.

2. Avoid Eye Contact: Engaging with an aggressive driver, even through eye contact, can be perceived as a challenge. Focus on the road and keep your emotions in check.

3. Practice Defensive Driving: Anticipate potential problems and keep a safe distance from erratic drivers. Be aware of your surroundings and adjust your driving accordingly.

4. Use Communication Wisely: Non-confrontational gestures, like a polite wave or a nod, can sometimes ease tensions. Avoid inflammatory language or gestures that might provoke other drivers.

5. Let Aggressive Drivers Pass: If another driver is persistently tailgating or attempting to engage aggressively, it’s safer to let them pass. This can diffuse potential conflicts.

6. Don’t Retaliate: Escalation often leads to dangerous outcomes. Even if provoked, try not to respond with similar behavior. This includes refraining from aggressive maneuvers like brake checking or speeding up to prevent someone from merging.

7. Call for Help if Necessary: If you feel threatened by another driver, keep your doors locked and windows up, and contact authorities when safe to do so. If followed, drive to a public place or a police station rather than going home.

Legal Considerations and Consequences

In many places, while road rage itself isn’t specified as a crime, the behaviors comprising it, like harassment and reckless driving, are illegal. These actions can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Community and Police Efforts

Local law enforcement agencies are aware of the rising road rage incidents and are ramping up patrols and traffic law enforcement. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial in educating drivers about the dangers of road rage and the importance of courteous driving.

Road rage can be a terrifying experience, but with the right knowledge and skills, drivers can protect themselves and others. By practicing patience, maintaining calm, and using defensive driving techniques, we can all contribute to making our roads safer.

Remember, getting home safely is far more important than getting ahead in traffic. Let’s share the road with kindness and respect.

If you’re hoping to become a new driver, you might want to pay attention to this article. You might want to print this article out and use it for reference before you register for a driver’s ed course.

You see, while you’re probably excited about taking driver’s ed and getting your driver’s license, your parents might not be as thrilled as you about the whole driving situation.

Yes, your parents want you to drive. Yes, your parents want you to get your license on your first attempt. Yes, your parents want you to take a driver’s ed course and learn all the rules of the road. And yes, your parents want you to enjoy everything that comes with having a driver’s license in your wallet.

Unfortunately, your parents worry too much. They still remember when you were in diapers. They still remember teaching you to ride a bike. Now, they’re going to watch you learn to drive a car.

You need to convince your parents that you should drive and will do so safely and get your parents to stop worrying. Let them understand that having a teenager who is licensed to drive is not only a good thing, it’s also beneficial to them. Here are some tips to help you put their mind at ease and get them excited about that new addition to your wallet.

Responsibility First

Let your folks know that you understand that operating a motor vehicle is a big responsibility. You understand that it’s not all fun and games. Let them know that you want to take a driver’s ed course to learn everything that the state believes you should know to keep you safe on the road.

Of course, your parents will still be concerned that all of the other drivers on the road aren’t driving safe enough but at least they can rest assured knowing that you have the skills and knowledge required to drive defensively.

Be Respectful

Make it clear to your parents that you understand that the family car still belongs to them and appreciate any time that you will be able to use it. Remember to be respectful and do not take the car without asking. When you do take the car, adhere to everything you’ve learned in driver’s ed. And if you’re lucky enough to have your own car, you’ll still want to keep your parents informed of where you’re going.

Free Up Their Time

The key to the car is also the key to their freedom. Let your parents know that having your license frees them from having to drive you everywhere. Remind them of how convenient it will be when you can drive yourself to school, work, and other events you are obligated to attend.

Run Errands

Go to work for your parents. If they need a few things from the grocery store, let them know that you’re ready, willing, and able to apply those driver-ed skills and pick up the groceries. Last minute takeout? Don’t worry, Mom and Dad, I’m on it.

More Ways To Put Their Minds At Ease

There are countless more tips we could offer you to help put your parents’ minds at ease. But we’ll let you get creative. The most important thing is that you have a driver’s ed program under your belt. It will help you become a safe driver. Being responsible will ensure that you continue to drive safely. Combine the two and you’ve got a recipe for safe driving for the present and the future. If that doesn’t put their fears to rest and convince them that you should be allowed to drive, we don’t know what will.

◉ Avoid becoming another statistic