3 Key Ways to Support Teens Through the First Year of Driving

The first year of driving experience is crucial.

Experience, training, and practice help build confidence on the road—and increase driver safety. Your support and guidance will help teens master this new skill and be the best drivers they can be. Here are three key ways to support teen drivers in their first year of driving.

1. Go beyond driver's ed.

Give teen drivers plenty of opportunities behind the wheel.

• Practice difficult situations together: Empty parking lots are good places to learn basic maneuvering.
• Take trips outside the neighborhood: Help new drivers understand that different kinds of roads can have different hazards.
• Teach teens to drive in different conditions: Practice driving in snow, adjusting to the sun, and slowing down in the rain.

2. Set clear rules and expectations.

Your guidance is still needed even after the driver's test.

• Keep mobile devices out of reach: Encourage all drivers in your household to silence alerts and put phones away.
• Limit passengers: Other people in the car can be distracting and can affect judgment.
• Stay calm and take it slow: Let new drivers know they don't have to rush, even when they're running late.

3. Remember that safer driving can also lead to lower insurance rates.

• Reduce risk and get better rates with our teenSMART® program:
• The teenSMART driver safety training program combines online lessons and videos with parent-guided driving practice. New drivers learn to identify road hazards, manage speed, and handle other dangers.
• Upon successful completion of the teenSMART program, listed household drivers up to the age of 21 will receive a significant discount on their auto policy.
• Take advantage of other discounts, too: If you have teen or college-aged drivers, you may also be eligible for other discounts, including Good Student or Distant Student. For more information on eligibility, please contact your agent or our Member Services team.

Sources: 1. “A shiny new license is a dangerous thing.” Mark Vallet, Insurance.com. Updated August 3, 2023. | 2."teenSMART: Helping drivers avoid crashes and injuries." Adept Driver.

Please note: The teenSMART® program is not a valid substitution or replacement for the traditional driver's education training that is required to obtain a learner's permit or driver's license.

The information we share on our site is intended to serve as a general overview. Please refer to your policy or contact your local independent agent for specific coverage details.