Five Tips for Teaching a Teen to Drive

Driver Licensing Changes in Ireland

In the last decade there have been many changes to the legislation in connection with driver licensing in Ireland. The provisional licence has been abolished and replaced by the learner permit.

By law, before applying for their first learner permit, candidates must pass a driver theory test of their general road safety knowledge and motoring legislation. In 2011, legislation was implemented which requires all new first time learner permit holders for cars

 to undertake mandatory essential driver training (EDT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI). The learner will be able to take the lessons at any point during the learning process and practice with an accompanying driver is allowed during this time.

Teaching Teens to Drive

At the age of 17 in Ireland an individual can start the process of getting a permit and learning to drive. If they express a wish to you as a parent or guardian that they want to learn you can of course assist them with this process. Some tips on teaching your teens to drive:

1. Patience

A teenager learning to drive can be full of confidence, eagerness and their own impatience to get on the road. Here you must express a high level of patience. Immaturity can allow for carelessness and as a parent or guardian you will need to stay calm especially in moments of frustration. Similarly, patience needs to be shown for teens lacking in confidence - it may take longer to build their self-assurance.

2. Safe Environment

Taking your teen out for some lessons should be done in a safe environment where they are comfortable and where there are no distractions. The time of day should also be factor so avoid peak times on the road as they attempt to build their experience. Choose an area which is safe for them to practice but also safe for other drivers/pedestrians too.

3. Encouragement

Giving your teen positive reassurance about how they are advancing is a fantastic way to encourage them to improve. Of course you need to criticise where necessary but always back this up with elements of positive comments about their progress.

4. Necessary Documentation

You as the full licence holder have a responsibility to ensure that your teen has all the necessary documentation in place for them to be legally on the road. Emphasising the importance of this to them will also instil a sense of responsibility in recognising the seriousness of being in charge of a road vehicle.

5. Timing

Ensure that you start the process of teaching your teen to drive at an appropriate time. They should be able to concentrate wholeheartedly on this process as it is possibly one of their first major responsibilities. Therefore, beginning driving practice with your teen should probably not happen around other stressful times such as exams.