How to Teach Teens What They Won't Learn in Drivers Education

Drivers Education courses are invaluable for training teenagers in safe driving, but there are some things teens will simply not learn in during their driving lessons. But many of these things can be easily taught in the home setting without leaving the driveway.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vehicle
• Gas station
• Jumper cables
• Air guage
• Air pumping station or air compressor
• Jack and jack stands, tire wrench
• Documents

1. In addition to knowing how to drive, teens need to know the basics like how to fuel the car and check the oil. Take your teen and the car to a local gas station that also has an air pump. Show them how to fuel the car including using a credit card, standing next to the pump at all times, not getting into and out of the car, and not using a cell phone in the gas station to avoid static sparks. Let them know the vehicle's specifications for how many gallons it will hold and instruct to refill the tank before it goes below one-quarter tank to avoid running out of gas.

2. Show the teen what the normal air pressure should be in the tires, and how to use an air pressure tire gauge. Then demonstrate how to add air to the tires. Also take out the oil dipstick and show them how to check the oil level, and where to add oil if necessary.

3. A flat tire can occur at any time even in a brand new car. It would be best if the teen could call an Road Service company in order to have the tire changed, but is vital that teens know how to change a tire in the event no help is available. Actually allow the teen to jack up the car, put a jack stand under, and remove and replace a tire. This will give them confidence that they can handle the job on their own.

4. Show the teen the documents that are to be kept in the glove compartment of the vehicle including the proof of insurance document and the registration. If the teen is pulled over by the Police, they can readily produce the proper documents.

Tips & Warnings

• Instruct teens how to pull off the road in a safe manner if they have mechanical car trouble. For example, don't try to change flat tires near a busy highway
• Make sure they have a working cell phone and an auto club number to call in case of emergency
• Supervise teen in practicing tire changes and pumping gas to make sure they are confident in their new skills

[LilacGirl]

on 7/30/2008 Excellent suggestions one and all.

[thesquirrelymom]

on 6/25/2008 This is very good advice!