In the past, taking driver’s ed classes was a mandatory part of being a teen in the United States, at least for those fortunate enough to afford it. Due to the rapid decrease in the number of people taking teenage driving lessons in American schools, many people are turning to online driver’s ed programs.
It turns out that fewer American teenagers are obtaining their driver’s licenses for these and other reasons. Why has this wonderful American tradition been lost?
Teens aren’t attaining their licenses for a variety of reasons. Statistics per the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles show that between 2000 and 2015, there was a 55% decrease in the number of 16-year-olds receiving licenses. However, the disappearance of driver’s ed classes is a major one.
For some, it’s a safety concern since several youngsters have been scared away from getting their licenses by the unending news of accidents on television and social media.
Reasons for the Decline in the Number of Teens Enrolling in Teenage Driving Lessons
1. They Experience Severe Test Anxiety
Some young people are intelligent and feel at ease while driving but cannot pass a written exam.
Simply put, your child may be evading it because the notion of taking the test causes him to experience a panic attack.
2. They Want to Protect the Environment from Pollution and Reliance on Fossil Fuels
Some people feel guilty if their vehicle does not get 40 miles per gallon. Others won’t go behind the wheel of any car that isn’t propelled by the wind, sun, or their feet.
One of them may be your daughter. Do not, however, put pressure on her. And you must not roll your eyes or mock her morals.
3. You Make Them Anxious
Yes, you may be obsessed with DIY and cost-cutting. However, you might need to delegate the task of training your kid to drive to the experts.
Many adolescent people detest being told what they should do. Actually, making one’s own decisions is a crucial element of growing up if one wants to become an independent adult. So try not to take it too personally.
4. They’ve gone Through a Trauma
Teenagers don’t divulge much personal information to parents, do they? Yes, some children are quite frank, but most teenagers find it difficult to open up to their parents. We frequently perceive them as moody and unreasonable as a result.
Fair enough, kids and their parents might be moody and unreasonable, but something else is happening that we aren’t aware of frequently.
Teens have already experienced some really serious accidents. Some even had pals who passed away in crashes, but they didn’t tell their parents about the same.
5. They Feel Uneasy While Driving
Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve operated a vehicle. So remember this: taking a driving course is a scary experience.
And unlike us, they don’t always have the pleasure of learning how to drive on wide, open highways with few other vehicles in sight.
Today’s roads are busier than ever, while most vehicles travel rapidly.
6. They Lack Interest and Are Depressed
Some children experience severe depression during their teenage, and they lack the desire to experience any joy.
Additionally, many teenagers experience stress throughout their lives, so adding one more significant stressor isn’t helping.
Perhaps you might have been eager to start driving at that age, but every person is different. Your teen may be different. We occasionally need to allow them to be unique.
The Benefits of Pursuing Driving Lessons as a Teen
1. Extensive Knowledge
Driving schools such as Pierre Paul Driving School are structured and geared to teach new drivers vital information, and being well-informed before getting behind the wheel can save lives.
Young drivers who are well-prepared pose less risk to their passengers, themselves, and other motorists. The circumstances on the road are significantly safer for everyone when teens have as much understanding of traffic regulations and norms before they drive independently.
That is why it is important to enroll them in teenage driving lessons, at a reputable driving school.
2. Confidence
The confidence from thorough training, research, and supervised practice are unmatched. Driver anxiety is reduced, which helps them make better decisions in the heat of the moment.
The advantages of influencing others’ experiences also give the new driver a wider basis of the information, leading to stronger confidence.
3. Enhancement through “Learning by Doing”
Some families prefer to teach driving at home rather than sending their children to driving schools. This could restrict your teen’s knowledge, which is extremely detrimental to him.
On top of the knowledge that parents will transfer on their own, driving schools offer an array of experience from instructors who apply their expertise, experience training other teenagers, and knowledge.
The information learned through the diverse and accumulated skills of others is priceless.
Recently, New York has been ranked best for teen drivers since the teenage driving lessons offered in New York driving schools are tailored to fit teens’ needs.
What Can Parents Do to Encourage Teens to Learn to Drive
1. Restrict the Use of Phones and Distracting Devices
Make a deal with your teenager that all driving time will be spent driving before getting in the car. No talking on the phone or using the console’s accessories as they could distract them.
If your kid is set on listening to music while practicing, they must create a playlist using their phone in preparation rather than playing the radio. They are less prone to become sidetracked by the desire to switch stations.
2. Remain Calm
Your teen may notice you are anxious or uneasy and wonder where they’re going wrong. Maintaining composure and emotional control is a crucial ability for driving instructors.
Parents who are stressed out tend to teach their children less efficiently and pay less attention to safety.
3. Set a Good Example while Driving
After some time behind the wheel, you’ve probably developed one or more terrible driving habits. This is why it’s crucial to take a refresher course. You can demonstrate safe driving practices while driving (and your teenager sees everything you do).
It is also helpful to describe your safety precautions when driving so your child may understand how it works for themselves. Don’t be reluctant to bring up safe driving at every opportunity, even if your teen isn’t operating the vehicle.
4. Develop Your Skills in Various Settings
You should teach your teen the fundamentals of driving during the first several weeks, such as turning, breaking, etc. It is better to carry out this activity in a secure area, such as a deserted parking lot.
You should increase your teen’s driving range and permitted situations as they improve. Maintain a gradual strategy and only introduce more hazardous situations (like a highway) once you are satisfied that your kid has learned the required abilities.
Conclusion
With the number of teens getting driving licenses declining, you have a big role to play as a parent. First, you must ensure you give your teen the proper motivation and make it easy for them in their teen driving lessons.
You must watch them closely and avoid raising your voice since that can cause anxiety. Help your teen shine in his driving because that is what he is; a STAR!