subject: Should Parents Give Driving Lessons? [print this page] Parents have needed to practice the art of patience since the first day of parenthood. However, many parents feel that teaching teenagers how to drive is pushing the envelope. Between worrying about their safety, your safety, and the car's safety, many parents wish that their kids just didn't even want to learn how to drive.
And that's why driving schools were invented! These instructors are indeed a special breed. All driving instructors have gone through a rigorous testing period to ensure they can drive properly.
Not to mention most of the cars are a special breed as well, with dual controls just in case junior hits the wrong pedal at the wrong time, a common occurrence when first learning to master the art of driving.
Driving lessons are usually divided into two sections: observing other drivers, and driving. Observing other drivers might have its benefits, but since the student is usually sitting in the back seat chatting with someone else, not much is learned from the student doing the actual driving unless there is an accident and the instructor says, "See what Josh just did? Don't do that!"
The lessons, as far as many parents are concerned, aren't in depth enough. The students get about six hours of actual driving time, and they see some videos of horrific and graphic head on collisions which should deter them from doing the same stupid things, but it rarely works that way. Until the age of 21 or so, brains function on a different type of logic, and driving at 80 mph on an icy high way seems like a good idea until it's too late.
Even if your child manages to graduate from driving school, and passes his learner's permit test and even ends up with a real drivers license, that doesn't mean he is a mature, thoughtful driver who is capable of making the right decision while he's behind the wheel.
Driving lessons serve a purpose, and it's only one purpose. Teach them enough to get their license. After that, it's up to the parent to make sure they and their passengers are safe and smart. Any normal caring parent would agree that you can not just let your child go out and drive unattended or at least monitored straight away.
Always be careful not carefree once you have learnt to drive. Remember driving is an experience that needs constant focus and commitment. A good driver continues to improve and learn more the more they drive.
by: kieran cassidy
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