by Matt Gadfield

Created on: April 22, 2008

First of all, you must bear in mind that you cannot suddenly expect a previously unruly individual to turn into a sensible person upon taking their driving test. The real effort begins much earlier, with developing good attitudes to driving.

Do not assume that just because they play various racing games they will behave like that in the real world. Around the time of getting my license I played a fair amount of Gran Turismo, but it didn't give me an urge to overtake on blind bends or attempt three figure speeds everywhere as I knew it to be both illegal and dangerous on real public roads.

Consider how you behaved when behind the wheel of your first car. Anyone who says they never exceeded the speed limit and always obeyed all the rules has a selective memory, as even the most staid conservative adults are likely to have had a rebel streak in their youth. If you can remember what it felt like then this gives you some idea of what they are going through.

Ask yourself if they can deal with peer pressure. If not, they will need to build their self-esteem to a level where they do not feel a need to prove themselves. One possible solution for a motorsport-minded individual would be to take them on a driver training course at a race track. This will not only teach them potentially life-saving car control skills but should help push the message that the track is the only place for risk taking. They will also have ammunition against peer pressure - they've proved their abilities to a motorsport instructor, they don't need to prove anything to the self-proclaimed cool kids.

The majority of accidents are caused by inexperience rather than anything else. Inexperience can cause people to drive faster than their car can safely travel or to attempt risky maneuvers. Inexperience is, for this reason, a far greater threat than speeding or any of the fashionable causes. The only cure for this is to ensure that they get plenty of experience in the right scenarios. For example, their first night driving experience should not be as designated driver for a group of intoxicated friends.

Which brings us neatly to another point. Institute a "no drink if you're driving" rule. There are limits, but it's far safer to simply avoid all alcoholic drinks. Some more enlightened establishments offer free soft drinks for designated drivers, if your local bars don't then consider offering your new driver money to be spent solely on soft drinks.

Car maintenance plays a part too. Encourage them to learn where important parts of their car are and how to check them. They should at least be able to change the oil and air filters and check fluid levels. These are simple jobs and will give them a sense of achievement as well as making them feel more attached to their car, which is likely to make them more cautious as they don't want to damage it having spent all weekend underneath. I do not feel it unfair to say that barring physical disability you should not be driving if you cannot change a wheel or carry out other simple repairs.

Finally, don't worry too much. Their chances of becoming a statistic are low, provided they are sensible and recognise their limitations. Those first years of driving are a wonderful experience and fondly remembered by most of us.

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