Driving School Blog

Follow the Virginia Department of Education’s required 45-hour Teen/Parent Driving Guide and enjoy your time together and have fun.   This can be a great bonding opportunity for you and your teen, just be sure to focus on the driving task and leave your family issues at home.  Make sure you clear your own schedule and mark your calendar for consistent practice driving times to set aside with your teen.  Try to designate and pre-determine a place to practice to establish a comfortable routine.  While driving, let your teenager know you care about his or her safety while practicing and stay calm, rational, upbeat and engaged during the practice drive. 

Insist that your teen make any safety and instrument adjustment before driving: adjust the rearview mirrors; reposition the seat before driving; adjust and fasten safety belts; set temperature adjustments; turn off the radio or CD player; turn off all electronic devices.

When evaluating your teens driving, ensure that your coaching comments make your teen feel more aware, rather than feeling ashamed or judged.  Do not use instructional time in the car to discipline your teenager about other matters.  Make sure that your child has a learner’s permit, vehicle registration card, and insurance information with him or her when operating a vehicle.  If possible, begin instruction in a car with an automatic transmission so that your child can focus on mastering basic vehicle control maneuvers.