I know that right after I got my license I was not fully ready to drive safely! So you go down a few familiar roads and turn on the right signal here and there and boom you have a license. The moment I got my license I packed the car full of girlfriends and hairspray and barely paid attention to the road. Here is how things will change for my daughter.

1.) I will not allow her to drive with friends for a few weeks after getting her license. She may hate me for this but I all too often was busy talking to my girlfriends instead of paying attention to the road.

2.) Teens should not drive in the dark alone for quite a while. Has this ever occurred to you? When was the last test you had in the dark at the DMV?

3.) Really emphasize the important of throwing your trash away. I will never forget the day a coke can flew under my brake! I'm sure that story will scare anyone into stopping at the gas station and throwing away a thing or two.

4.) About one month after passing the test requizz. Most kids have so much going on in their brain that they don't retain this information and it is really important to know.

5.) Find an excuse to be in the car with your teen as much as you can. Although they don't really want to be around you use something like a shopping spree every once in a while just to ensure they are driving safe!

Happy driving!

Learn more about this author, Laura Tobin.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Driver safety: How to encourage teens to drive safely?
We want to hear your view. Write now!