Teen Driving or kids learning to drive – is something many Teenagers can’t wait to do, but this can make some parents nervous.
This is because Driving a vehicle is potentially one of the most dangerous and responsible things a person can do.
Being a good driver requires skills, maturity and a good sense of judgment. And teen driving or ‘smart start’ for kids are some of the keys to safe driving in today’s’ roads.
No doubts, kids of nowadays develop and grow rapidly into adults, and it’s natural to feel anxious and reluctant about this new phase of your child’s life.
However, we must do something to reduce the computer games, internet risks and peer-to-peer pressure that teenagers are being exposed to.
If you plan ahead, you can help your child become a safe and responsible user of the roadway before he/she is old enough to get a driving license.
14 years is a good time to start thinking about your child learning to drive. Especially when he/she is physically tall, is able to use the mirrors properly and is mature enough to bear the responsibility of driving.
In United States of America, teenagers learn to drive at the age of 16; and at 17 while in the UK – as these are the minimum age limits allowed by law.
But AB Drives thinks that kids can start smart by undertaking the prescribed driving lessons if they’re enrolled at accredited driving institutions with the modern facilities.
Starting from 15 years at least is not too early, and one can only get on the road at the age of 18 which is the minimum requirement by law here in Nigeria.
Kids are naturally born to be eager to learn new things and parents often confess this whenever they carry their children in the cars. Most of them will start playing with the steering wheels, moving the gear selectors, and so on.
Evidence-based research shows that “learning to drive should be done over a long period of time, and from a young age too, when pupils are more receptive to safety messages.
That Automobile Drivers Education (Classroom-Base Training) should be included in a typical curriculum of public education, since the role of our education system is to prepare our young stars with life skills to be productive.
Giving teenagers the opportunities to learn practical driving skills and the required safe and lawful driving attitudes even before they clock 18 could make them safer drivers.
This knowledge will also reduce the rates of accidents and deaths on our roads every year – bringing down also, the vehicular damages and costs of auto insurance.
Below are the 6 main reasons why you should teach your kids to drive before the age of 15
6 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your kids to Drive Before 15
#1. Driving Increases Teens Responsibility
As a parent, it can be scary to put a teenager behind the wheel.
However, before making the decision, it is recommended you take the time and asses your child individually, to determine whether he/she is capable and mature enough to drive responsibly.
If he/she feels obligated to taking care of him/her-self, the passengers and the car maintenance issues, then these factors will give you the child’s sense of responsibility.
Normally, teens will likely look forward to being allowed to drive, so they will hopefully take the responsibilities part seriously.
#2. It Gives a Sense of Independence
Driving is an important milestone that allows teenagers to transition from childhood into adulthood.
To have access to a driver’s license means that your child can now get out on the road and start moving from one place to another without any in-vehicle inspections.
Your teenagers would likely be going off to colleges, higher institutions or joining the workforce in just a few years ahead, and this is very important to most teenagers and parents.
#3. It’s Convenience for the family
This is something you have to consider when deciding whether to let your teenager acquire a driver’s training or not.
You may be doing the entire driving task for your household, but when your teenager learns to drive safely, you can delegate some driving responsibilities to him/her – if you feel comfortable doing so.
For example, if you have been driving your children to schools, sporting centers, or religious events, your teens may be able to take over that task and this could be convenient.
#4. It can serve as Control Measures
Teenagers are still children and need guidance and sometimes – disciplinary actions.
If your teenager is displaying unwanted behavior, you can take away his/her driving privileges. And this can be a great way to encourage positive behavior in school or at home.
You can also set rules about using the family car – for example, whether he/she can drive at night or with friends in the car, after getting the Pass.
#5. It’s Good in Emergency Cases
Imagine a case of accident or medical condition of a woman who is in labour and needed to get to the hospital.
Her husband was out of town and it was just her, 4 cars in the garage and a 15 year old teenager who could not drive.
What lesson would the above illustration preach to us as parents?
General advice
Even if you can’t afford to buy a car as birthday gift for your 18 year teenager, you can help model him/her for the lawful driving attitudes by example if you have one.
But learning to do it on their own is not the best either.
You have to empower your children with the best driving skills they need in their journey of life, simply by enrolling them through a formal driving training classes.
6 Reasons Why You Should Teach Your Kids or Teenagers to Drive Before 15
#6. Teen Driving Can Create Job Opportunities
Being confident and independent before a major transition could be beneficial to the Nigerians youths.
This is because today’s employment market is a war for talent, and it’s difficult to stand out in the crowd!
Most established firms are now looking for employees with driving skills and experience, especially those seeking for marketing related jobs and management positions.
With certification and licensing, one can begin a career in an industry that offers a lot of job security and satisfaction.
Read: 9 Road Crossing Advice for School Children and Teenagers
Wrapping up
In a bid to reduce road traffic crashes, save more lives, and show young teenagers the correct attitude and skills even before they take the first drive on our streets;
Automobile drivers’ education (classroom-base training) should be included in our public and private school curriculum.
This is to ensure that more time would be dedicated to training future drivers.
And also to ensure our children have good sense of the highway, especially when crossing the road, and/or while driving.
Since the role of our education system is to prepare our young stars with life skills to be productive in life, what better skill can they learn than how to survive on our busy roads?
Road safety messages are better absorbed by children in their early teens rather than at driving age.
Therefore learning to drive should be done over a long period of time, and from a young age, when pupils are more receptive to safety messages.
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