S is for student driver this week. Do you have a student driver in your home? Then you know that these are days of learning for both you and your new driver. It’s scary putting your life in the hands of a 15 or 16-year old who has NEVER driven before.
We’re talking about tons of steel, fiberglass, a steering wheel and two hands at 3:00 and 9:00 – all at the mercy of a hormonal teen, who may or may not be thinking straight at the moment. You know how teens are.
We are on student driver #2. The first one is taking his driver’s test this Friday and we’re hoping that he passes considering he’s already graduated and getting ready to start college in the fall. We learned a lot with student driver #1. Let me explain.
- Guardrails can come at you very quickly when you’re flying around a curve at 60 miles an hour.
- Don’t rush the learning process. It’s difficult to move a huge truck when you’re moving fast or slow.
- Best not to take your eyes off the road or your driver at any time.
- Let your driver practice in a neighborhood where there is little to no traffic. It really is good for your sanity, not to mention your safety.
- Pray. Pray before, during, and after for safety, security, and forgiveness of sins (just in case you don’t make it home).
- It’s best to be in a strong relationship with Christ because you’re going to lean on Him a LOT during this time.
- Make sure your child learns to watch their lane. Our son tended to look at something and then drive towards it – like guardrails, signs, people, etc. He didn’t want to hit them, just focused on them and ended up driving towards these things. No one was ever hurt though.
- This is a practice in patience, self control, and learning to hold your tongue.
- It’s wise to give instructions in a calm manner. Screaming at the top of your lungs that the guardrail is RIGHT in front of you probably isn’t the best way to keep your driver from freaking out.
- Try to avoid harsh criticisms while your student is driving. It sounds easy and you’re probably thinking what a horrible mother I am, but let me just say that I’ve seen my life flash before my eyes more times than I care to think about.
- Life is short so live it to the fullest.
I hope these tidbits have helped you out. We’re on to driver #2 and she seems to be doing much better than the first driver. However, we have yet to get past 30 mph and we’re still driving in the neighborhood. Whew! Teaching a student driver is not the easiest thing in the world. You need nerves of steel.
