Monthly Archives: September 2025

Building Skills in Stages: A Month-by-Month Driving Plan for Parents

Teaching a teen to drive is less about throwing them into every possible scenario quickly and more about gradually building competence and confidence. Jumping straight from empty parking lots to rush-hour traffic can overwhelm them—and increase risk. Instead, think of the permit period as a step-by-step ladder of skill development. Here’s a proven six-month skill progression: Month 1 – Basics in Low-Traffic Areas Start with steering, braking, smooth acceleration, and complete stops at signs. Use empty parking lots and quiet neighborhoods. Keep sessions short and end on a success. Months 2–3 – Light to Moderate Traffic Introduce lane changes, right turns, and simple left turns. Drive in light city traffic, learn to handle stop-and-go conditions, and begin using mirrors effectively. Months […]

Making the Time: Creative Ways to Fit Driving Practice into Busy Schedules

For many families, logging 50+ hours of driving practice during the permit period feels impossible. Between work, school, sports, and everything else, it’s easy for weeks to pass without a single practice drive. But those hours are not just a legal requirement—they’re your teen’s safety net for the day they start driving alone. The good news? You can fit in practice without adding “one more thing” to your schedule. The key is to weave driving into your daily routine. Grocery run? Your teen drives. Picking up a sibling? They’re behind the wheel. Even short 10–15 minute trips build skill and confidence when done consistently. Weekend mornings are ideal for introducing new skills. Roads are quieter, which makes learning parking techniques, lane […]