Handing your teenager the car keys for the first time is a huge milestone for any parent – but deciding whether to teach them yourself is a whole different challenge.
First and foremost, you need to meet the legal criteria in order to teach someone else how to drive. Note that even if you meet these criteria, it's illegal to use a mobile phone or drive on the motorway while supervising. You need to be a responsible teacher.
While helping your child learn to drive can be a rewarding way to spend time together and build their confidence behind the wheel, it can also test your patience and put pressure on your relationship. You'll need to help them navigate their nerves and avoid triggering arguments at the same time. Plus, you need to familiarise yourself with the latest test requirements.
Here's what you should know to help you decide if you're up to it.
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The pros of teaching your child to drive
There's no denying that teaching someone to drive can bring you closer by building trust and being more involved as a parent. It's a great opportunity for quality bonding time.
Beyond this, it can help you save money and reliance on professional lessons. You and your child can arrange sessions more flexibly around your schedules. Professional lessons can be inflexible due to busy schedules caused by other students and restricted working hours.
The challenges and pitfalls
It's important to note the disadvantages too. Learning to drive can be stressful, both for the student and teacher. So, prepare for emotional stress at times. You might have a brilliant lesson followed by a frustrating one, which can cause conflict between the pair of you. As their teacher, you must stay as calm as possible at all times. Your communication should be crystal clear as well, so you both remain as safe as possible.
Be sure not to pass on bad habits. You'll need to use the latest edition of the Highway Code to make sure you're teaching the latest material. Driving techniques change over time, so make sure you're not teaching outdated approaches.
When to consider professional lessons
Acknowledge that there will be situations where a professional instructor might be a better fit. For example, to teach more complex road rules or more advanced skills.
The best approach might involve letting your child follow a structured curriculum with a professional teacher and complementing this with additional driving sessions together. Receiving impartial feedback from an instructor is beneficial for any learner.
For this reason, a blended approach is usually preferred by parents and the child.
Practicalities and planning ahead
In the lead-up to your lessons, be sure to plan a safe route and set some ground rules. A general briefing before the lesson starts can help the two of you understand the agenda and focus for that session.
Ensure that sufficient young driver insurance is in place before your child gets behind the wheel. This keeps you financially protected if something happens while out on the road.
Looking beyond the first lesson
Remember that the first lesson isn't the be-all and end-all. Focus on the bigger picture, knowing that it won't progress be linear.
Your job as a parent is to help them build confidence, alongside equipping them with practical knowledge. Note that you're encouraging independence so they no longer need to rely on you – for this reason, it's good to know when to take a step back. And if you decide to opt for a greater ratio of professional lessons, they will still value your support and confidence-building from the sidelines.
