Author Archives: R Abbott

Even the most careful new drivers tend to repeat certain mistakes. The earlier these habits are spotted and corrected, the safer your teen will be when they’re driving solo. Speeding is one of the most common issues. For many teens, it’s not about thrill-seeking—it’s a misjudgment of how fast they’re actually going, especially when moving from quiet streets to highways. Have them practice driving slightly under the limit and adjusting speeds for curves, weather, or traffic flow. Overconfidence often shows up a few weeks into the permit period. After a handful of smooth drives, teens may believe they’ve “got it.” This can lead to taking risks they’re not ready for. Keep exposing them to new challenges—night driving, busy intersections, or adverse weather—so […]

The day your teen drives away without you in the passenger seat is a milestone—but also the start of the most dangerous phase of their driving life. The first 6–12 months of solo driving carry the highest crash risk, largely due to distractions, inexperience, and overconfidence. Setting clear boundaries before they ever drive alone is one of the most effective ways to reduce that risk. Begin with a family driving agreement. This should outline rules on: Passenger limits – More passengers mean more distractions. Many states already restrict them, but you can go further. Curfews – Night driving is riskier, especially for new drivers. Approved routes – Limit their early drives to familiar areas before expanding their range. Phone use – No texting or handheld […]

Many new drivers feel confident in sunny, dry conditions—only to panic when the weather turns. The problem is that without guided exposure to rain, snow, fog, or low-light driving, teens lack the reflexes to respond calmly and safely when conditions change. The safest place for them to learn those skills is with you in the passenger seat, during the permit period. Start small. Light drizzle or damp roads at dusk are good introductions to driving in less-than-perfect conditions. These sessions let you emphasize core bad-weather principles: slowing down, increasing following distance, and making all movements—steering, braking, accelerating—smooth and gradual. As confidence builds, progress to heavier rain or snow, always in safe, lower-risk environments. If your area doesn’t get much snow, an empty, […]

Technology can be a game-changer in helping parents coach their teens to become safe, confident drivers. But not all tools are created equal—and the most effective ones are those designed to support both skill development and safety awareness throughout the permit period. For many families, the first challenge is simply tracking driving hours and conditions. State requirements may mandate a minimum of 50 hours, but if those hours are unbalanced—too much daylight, too little highway or bad weather driving—your teen won’t be fully prepared. This is where DRVN shines. Unlike generic teen driving apps that only log miles, DRVN’s Prepare / Drive / Report system ensures each session is structured for skill growth: Prepare – Choose routes and specific skills to focus on, such as night driving, merging, […]

Defensive driving isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset. For new drivers, it can be the difference between avoiding a crash and becoming part of one. The goal is to anticipate hazards, adjust early, and maintain control—without overreacting or escalating tense situations. Start with the 3–4 second rule for following distance. Teach your teen to watch the car ahead and pick a roadside marker; when that car passes it, they should pass it at least three seconds later. Increase this to five or more seconds in rain, snow, or low visibility. Next, introduce the concept of a space cushion—maintaining room around the car whenever possible. This gives them an “out” if another driver makes a sudden move. If they’re being tailgated, teach them to […]

When you’re in the passenger seat teaching your teen to drive, you’re not just a parent—you’re their coach. And just like in sports, coaching requires patience, clear communication, and the ability to give constructive feedback without crushing confidence. Before the car even moves, hold a pre-drive briefing. Review the planned route, the skill focus for that session, and any hand signals or phrases you’ll use if they need to slow down or stop. Setting expectations up front reduces surprises and keeps both of you calm. During the drive, resist the urge to micromanage every move. Instead, give short, clear instructions: “Ease off the gas,” “Check your mirror,” or “Brake sooner next time.” Avoid sarcasm or raised voices—stress only makes mistakes more […]

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 […]

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 […]

In most states, teens are required to log at least 50 hours of supervised driving before they can take their driver’s license test, including a portion at night. But here’s the thing—this number is a minimum, not a guarantee of readiness. Real safety comes from mastering a wide variety of skills in different driving environments, not just reaching an arbitrary time goal. The first 12 months of independent driving are the riskiest period of a teen’s life on the road. Many crashes occur because new drivers simply haven’t faced enough varied scenarios to react instinctively when something unexpected happens—like a sudden lane change from another driver, merging into heavy traffic, or navigating in bad weather. If you break down 50 hours […]