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 change lanes or gradually slow to encourage the other driver to pass, rather than speeding up.

Scanning is another critical habit. Instead of focusing only on the car ahead, teens should scan far down the road, check mirrors regularly, and monitor intersections for cross-traffic. Point out hazards on your own drives—like a driver edging toward a lane change—so they learn to think, “What could go wrong here?”

With DRVN, defensive driving becomes part of every session. The app’s Prepare / Drive / Report model integrates safety awareness naturally:

• Prepare – Select sessions that focus on hazard recognition, following distances, and situational awareness.
• Drive – Receive lesson-based coaching prompts that reinforce safe spacing and scanning habits.
• Report – Review performance with notes on reaction times and hazard anticipation.

Many teen driving apps track hours, but few actively coach defensive driving techniques in real-world scenarios. DRVN stands apart as both a safe driving app for teens and a teen driving lesson app that transforms parent teen driving instruction into a structured safety program.

Parent Tip: Narrate your own driving. Say things like, “I’m slowing early because I see brake lights ahead” or “That car is drifting toward the lane line, so I’m giving extra space.” It helps your teen learn the “why” behind defensive moves.