New permit driver in the family....

[mickey]

My son just turned 15 and recieved his learners permit. He needs A LOT of practice. We are having a hard time finding places for him to get experience in a safe driving environment for us and the surrounding drivers. We drive the neighborhood, but are looking to get him out to practice changing lanes, driving a little faster, just overall getting a better feel for the car. He is so cautious it seems to be working against him. I had no idea he could be this bad Any suggestions on great private instruction or defensive driving courses that are actually good? Any suggestions of nontrafficy areas to practice? We are in Dallas, south of 635 so very busy area. Thanks!

[mommyx2]

Look around for new developments that have streets and may be just the model home or 1 or 2 houses and practice there.

I know there is one around Craig Ranch (south of 720)

[friscowisher]

Believe it or not, Frisco used to be country. There is still some of that country with those wonderful country roads. That's where most of us learned to drive -- 'course we were about 12 years old!!

[jesch3]

Go out to Sunnyvale area. That is where I learned to drive. I also learned in park areas.

[Bluegill]

Originally Posted by friscowisher

There is still some of that country with those wonderful country roads. That's where most of us learned to drive -- 'course we were about 12 years old!!

Yeah exactly. Back then many of my friends who were bad or so-so drivers didn't ever drive a car until they started driver's education at 15 while those of us who were better drivers had been driving on country roads for years (and in some cases driving farm tractors since we were 9 or 10).

Sit down with him and watch some Dukes of Hazzard episodes. That should get him motivated.

[acn8029]

With my daughter, we actually went up to Wakeland on the weekends and evenings and she practiced there a LOT. I'd give her scenarios and she'd have to drive through them. When she handled those alright, we moved up to her driving too and from school, the grocery store, etc. Once she was comfortable on the road and in watching other drivers, we started going up to the DMV in McKinney on the weekends and she'd do the route and practice parking.

[joes87]

Just went through this with my kid. I am ex-frisco now living in the suburbs of chicago. I found that getting up early on a Saturday or Sunday helps. A lot less traffic on the roads before 9am on Sundays.

Also the bad driving seems to last about 90 days. After that they get a lot better quickly. All parents around here have said the same thing. I know its hard not to be terrified but once you get through the first few times on the road you will lossen up some.

About the best advice I can give you is make sure you you have already check lanes and things before telling him/her to make a move with the car. They have a tendency to just do things without checking first. Also, remain as calm as you can. I know its hard but any advice you give them while they are driving will probably turn into some kind of argument. Dont forget your stressed but they are stressed out even more while they are driving.