Son got his learners...Now what?

[kevinhits]

Hey all,

So my Son just got his learners this past weekend and am looking at what some of you did to start teaching your kid's to drive. He has driven in the past on our farm and occasionally on and off the ice while fishing. I can't remember exactly how I jumped in a vehicle and started driving...LOL.

I will start out with him driving in a parking lot but once we get on the road, I no longer have a gas pedal and brake to ensure nothing goes wrong....

Really, I am just feeling you all out for some ideas to ease the tension

[Etownguy]

I'm a year or so away from this, but although I plan to take them out driving like you, I'm also planning to sign them up for some formal lessons. I've discovered that they will take information and 'suggestions' better from a non-parent. Plus - even though I consider myself a good driver (don't we all?) - I'm sure I've picked up some bad habits over the year that I should not pass on to my kids.

[bobtodrick]

Also enrolling them in AMA courses usually gets you a discount on their insurance.

[omega50]

Gave my son access to my old hunting Burbs 13 years ago when he turned 16 out in Turner Valley.

Thought it was going well until I saw a pic from a bush party a few years later where my truck was doing a nose stand in a creek embankment

[Gerald J]

You're on the right track. Start small. Parking lots, low traffic rural roads, small towns with stop signs or a few lights. Eventually, work your way up to a larger city if one is nearby.

[CaberTosser]

Don't forget to get him educated on a manual transmission too!

I recall some of the best education in terms of how to drive on icy and snowy roads came in the form of 'stunting' in empty parking lots at night in the winter. These days one is more likely to get busted than in my day, but perhaps a reasonable parking lot for the activity can still be found. What some might call stunting also qualifies as safety training by getting one familiar with the physics of bad traction, momentum, steering into slides and just getting off the gas to re-establish control.

[RBI]

Originally Posted by CaberTosser

Don't forget to get him educated on a manual transmission too!

I recall some of the best education in terms of how to drive on icy and snowy roads came in the form of 'stunting' in empty parking lots at night in the winter. These days one is more likely to get busted than in my day, but perhaps a reasonable parking lot for the activity can still be found. What some might call stunting also qualifies as safety training by getting one familiar with the physics of bad traction, momentum, steering into slides and just getting off the gas to re-establish control.

Did that with every car i owned . certainly not as much fun ( opps I mean educational ) once front-wheel drive vehicles came out .

And in both cases , having a smaller car with handbrake was best .

Actually my first car was a 73 Vega with a stick ...had to have a friend do the test drive , and then teach me about that damned third pedal . :-)

What we called " Drifting " back then was quite different , and didn't cost you a new set of tires every other month .

[liar]

i highly recommend driver training and would stay away from the schools that advertise that they guarantee a pass on the drivers test . these schools teach kids what they need to know / do to pass the test . they dont focus on defensive driving .

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by CaberTosser

Don't forget to get him educated on a manual transmission too!

I recall some of the best education in terms of how to drive on icy and snowy roads came in the form of 'stunting' in empty parking lots at night in the winter. These days one is more likely to get busted than in my day, but perhaps a reasonable parking lot for the activity can still be found. What some might call stunting also qualifies as safety training by getting one familiar with the physics of bad traction, momentum, steering into slides and just getting off the gas to re-establish control.

Unfortunately, I have nobody that actually drives a stick these days...I drove many in my day but they are a pain in the ass as you get older....It is like driving a bike, you never forget how to drive a manual..LOL...

[Red Bullets]

Great ideas suggested. Driving courses should be mandatory for new drivers.

If possible, like on an acreage, farm, or big empty parking lot make some pileon courses for the new driver to practice with. Watch Canada's Worst Driver TV show for some ideas.

[Sooner]

Did that with my son, now my daughter finally got hers. I started my son out in the alley. We have a real long one. He would drive and park in our driveway.

Then he got to drive to the local soccer games a few blocks away. That was scary as he had to figure out his half of the half roadway when cars were parked on the curb lol.

Industrial areas in the evening are great as they can drive for a while and encounter stop & yield signs, 4 way stops etc. Not much traffic.

Then just ease them into main streets when you think they are ready.

My son also drove the truck and pulling the trailer with dads argo on it when on the back lease roads.

I am 50, I still remember the first time my dad said youre driving, we we going home on the highway. I was scared . When I did that to my son, I seen my wide eyes in him and knew exactly how my dad felt at the same time.

Take it slow and it will work out just fine. My daughter waited too long, now she has to learn on a stick shift

AMA course is tops.

[boah]

If you think you worried about them when they were younger, you’re in for a rude awakening. Have fun!

[doublehaul]

I have one just got his full license and one coming up soon to get his learners. Stay in a quiet neighborhood or at least a familiar area and go around and around the block. Be ready to give instructions ahead of time in a friendly tone of voice. Like - prepare to stop,
Keep your outings short helps the stress for both you and the learner 15-30 minutes
Good luck

[Little red riding hood]

Nothing to add! You've got some great advice here.
X2 on cabers suggested bad weather training.
See way too many cars in the weeds when winter starts simply because they never learned how to regain control when the lose traction.

[calgarygringo]

I guess he can now be your chauffeur for fishing. A few few shore trips then the boat and you can teach him how to back down the ramp after we are launched.

Originally Posted by kevinhits

Hey all,

So my Son just got his learners this past weekend and am looking at what some of you did to start teaching your kid's to drive. He has driven in the past on our farm and occasionally on and off the ice while fishing. I can't remember exactly how I jumped in a vehicle and started driving...LOL.

I will start out with him driving in a parking lot but once we get on the road, I no longer have a gas pedal and brake to ensure nothing goes wrong....

Really, I am just feeling you all out for some ideas to ease the tension

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by calgarygringo

I guess he can now be your chauffeur for fishing. A few few shore trips then the boat and you can teach him how to back down the ramp after we are launched.

That is the plan Ken...LOL

Work smarter, not harder....when you have kids

I told him after our trip up to Slave lake ice fishing to visit Cory, his job was to clean the truck out and he did not dissapoint....Did a great job

[birdee]

DEFINITELY A DRIVING SCHOOL FOR THE DISCOUNT ON INSURANCE. JUST WENT THROUGH THAT WITH MY SON . AFTER HIS GRADUATION FROM THE SCHOOL I TOOK HIM OUT AND TAUGHT HIM HOW TO PARALLEL PARK THE INSTRUCTOR ONLY TOUCHED ON IT ONCE . PLUS A FEW OTHER THINGS ENSURING HE PASSED THE FIRST TIME . HIS FIRST CAR HE WANTED A STANDARD TRANSMISSION .
i THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD LEARN HOW TO DRIVE A STANDARD . WHEN I FIRST MET THE WIFE I TOSSED HER THE KEYS AND SAID HERE SHE TOLD ME SHE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE A STANDARD. i TOLD HERE SHES GOING TO LEARN CAUSE IF WE ARE SOMEWHERE AND I BREAK A LEG SOMEBODY HAS TO DRIVE THE TRUCK HOME. LOL

[NW Tradegunner]

Remind them that almost everyone has a cell phone and there are cameras just about everywhere! Don't do anything stupid, like stunting and hit and run. Someone is watching!

[calgarygringo]

Stunting in Kevins black herz mini van I doubt it.

Originally Posted by NW Tradegunner

Remind them that almost everyone has a cell phone and there are cameras just about everywhere! Don't do anything stupid, like stunting and hit and run. Someone is watching!

[Fifth Wheel]

Some excellent comments here, but having a long career as a professional driver, I would add a few more.

My 15-year-old is number six, plus one wife and a few class 1 wannabees. After all that, I can honestly recommend that most parents should consider professional lessons for their youngsters. One reason is piece of mind -- patience and a calm demeanor are essential -- and you probably can get a discount on your insurance. But I have to point out that the main reason would be to avoid teaching bad habits (even a few recommended in this thread, though I won't comment on which ones).

If you still want to save the money on lessons, but are not sure if you really want to tackle this ordeal, first consider paying an licensed instructor for one hour to evaluate your own skills. You might be surprised at what you forgot (or never knew) about the basics. Remember that the kid will have to take the road test. Moreover, nobody will become a more annoying critic of your mistakes once he or she learns a few things, so you had better be prepared to set a great example. (Trust me, I would be embarrassed to be seen driving the way most people drive, so I work hard at practicing what I preach)!

The rest is simple: practice, practice, practice.

As mentioned, empty parking lots are a good place to start. Start. Stop Start. Stop. Turn right. Turn right. Turn right. Turn right. (It gets boring in a hurry. Patience!) Then left, left, left. And so on. Industrial areas in the evening are great. Go around the same block, turning right, as often as you have to. Cornering seems to be a skill that takes a lot of reps before it becomes a motor skill. Then the same block, turn left, left, left, and so on. The basic braking and turning skills need to be acquired before dealing with other traffic.

Low traffic rural highways are the next best step. After all that, it's a matter of spending as much time as possible cruising around in conditions the youngster is comfortable with. The stress of high traffic situations is a bad idea for both of you early in the training.

No distractions: radio, phones off. Teach the commands "STOP!" and "STOP NOW!" (or BRAKE if you prefer) early in the game. Make sure this command is not questioned! Grab a copy of a training manual at a Registry for many guidelines and tips. Start at age 14. They are much more controllable before 16 to 18. Remember that a stop sign means stop. Stop before the crosswalk, stop line, or sign, as applicable. Even when you can't see past a fence or trees, stop first before crawling ahead to check for traffic. This is one of the biggest mistakes that most drivers make every day.

Speeding on a road test -- or any other moving violation -- will result in a failure. Watch speed like a hawk. Circle check, every trip. Before you start moving, leave your seat belt off until your youngster notices. Repeat, until he or she does. Every time. Be positive. Build confidence. But be firm when safety becomes compromised. Remember that you must remain in control of every situation. You can't teach experience, but it's great to be there helping the youngster gain it. Enjoy!

Still want to take this on? If you do, there's nothing more satisfying that knowing your 17 year old girl is heading out to "rescue" some 18 year old classmates that know they shouldn't be driving and have to sense to call a competent, caring friend to get them home safely.

[Jamie]

Just keep doing it. Start small and bring him along quickly.
I had Willy driving us home from Drumheller while I slept when he was 14..
When he was 15, I made him drive us to Invermere in a snow storm. At 16 he was welcome to take my truck any place at any time.

My Daughter was different. Each kid has her/his own learning curve.

[AndrewM]

I tought my wife to drive at 29. Take them to a country road and practice between the lines. Then ease into the city driving going around some quiet neighbourhoods. Don’t start too early with drivers training. Biggest thing is have patience and don’t scare them. If I can teach my wife, you can teach your son!
Best thing that helped her was anticipating. Figure out what you want to do before you get there and anticipate what other drivers will do.
My biggest mistake was not going through all the basics such as signals, heater/AC, foot pedals. Growing up on the farm I thought everyone knew the basics. Boy was I wrong.

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by AndrewM

I tight my wife to drive at 29. Take them to a country road and practice between the lines. Then ease into the city driving going around some quiet neighbourhoods. Don’t start too early with drivers training. Biggest thing is have patience and don’t scare them. If I can teach my wife, you can teach your son!
Best thing that helped her was anticipating. Figure out what you want to do before you get there and anticipate what other drivers will do.
My biggest mistake was not going through all the basics such as signals, heater/AC, foot pedals. Growing up on the farm I thought everyone knew the basics. Boy was I wrong. Lol

Thanks eh

I would like him to take training before I do as the liability is on the training company

Then I can take over

[AndrewM]

Originally Posted by kevinhits

Thanks eh



I would like him to take training before I do as the liability is on the training company

Yes but 10 hours isn’t much. Especially as they will be scared for the first while. They will make mistakes. Lonely country roads or fields ideally are great places to start. Parking lots are not. Lol


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[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by AndrewM

Yes but 10 hours isn’t much. Especially as they will be scared for the first while. They will make mistakes. Lonely country roads or fields ideally are great places to start. Parking lots are not. Lol


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Depending on training, 10-18 hours on road training....Gives me a good enough start taking him out after that...

[AndrewM]

Forgot to say teach them to turn their lights on. Amazing how many people don’t know this!


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[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by AndrewM

Forgot to say teach them to turn their lights on. Amazing how many people don’t know this!


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LOL....Don't worry about lights....I have 3 vehicles and only one has auto lights which turn on back parking lights. the other 2 I know to turn on right away in the dark.

My Son will learn that quick as well as the left and right turning signal is not an option only with higher end vehicles...

[CaberTosser]

Originally Posted by kevinhits

LOL....Don't worry about lights....I have 3 vehicles and only one has auto lights which turn on back parking lights. the other 2 I know to turn on right away in the dark.

My Son will learn that quick as well as the left and right turning signal is not an option only with higher end vehicles...

BMW & Mercedes Benz for sale: both are low mileage, always garaged, non-smoker cars. Every available option. Synthetic fluids only. All signal bulbs in new & absolutely unused condition save for the brake lights and only because we couldn't find a way to defeat those too.

[kevinhits]

Originally Posted by CaberTosser

BMW & Mercedes Benz for sale: both are low mileage, always garaged, non-smoker cars. Every available option. Synthetic fluids only. All signal bulbs in new & absolutely unused condition save for the brake lights and only because we couldn't find a way to defeat those too.

LOL...I meant to say any vehicles that the turn signal is disfunctional in most vehicles these days

[AndrewM]

Originally Posted by kevinhits

LOL...I meant to say any vehicles that the turn signal is disfunctional in most vehicles these days

Lol never knew auto signals existed. I was meaning headlights.