Driving can be an incredibly freeing experience, with a driver’s license granting both independence and a great deal of responsibility. While drivers’ education programs are designed to help prepare drivers for the road, practice and life skills are essential for new drivers to gain the confidence and ability to be as safe as possible behind the wheel.
Learning to drive is a significant milestone and ensuring that new drivers are fully prepared to handle the complexities and challenges of the road is crucial. Here are some essential tips and strategies to help new drivers gain the skills and confidence they need to drive safely.
Start with a solid foundation
Driving safely begins with a solid foundation of knowledge and behind-the-wheel training. Driver’s education programs are designed to provide as much training as possible before young drivers are given complete freedom to drive on their own. New drivers should practice extensively, ideally with an instructor or trusted adult, in various driving conditions including daytime and nighttime, urban, suburban, and rural roads, and different weather conditions.
Consider a Street Survival school for hands-on driving training
Motor vehicle traffic crashes are the leading cause of injury related death for New York State residents. To set new drivers up for success, consider enrolling them in a safe teen driving program. These programs provide additional training beyond the required driver education, offering invaluable tools and hands-on experience.
The Tire Rack Street Survival® school offers trained and qualified in-car driving instructors as well as a valuable classroom experience for every student. Designed to give extra training to permitted or licensed drivers ages 15-21, this program has been around for more than 15 years and has classes across the country.
First-hand experience from a parent
If you’re on the fence about the Street Survival school, take it from Mark T. Freeley, the North Shore Injury Lawyer, who can attest firsthand just how valuable this course was for his children.
“In 2018, I took my teenage son to Connecticut for a “Street Survival” course to build his driving knowledge and confidence—mission accomplished. Sponsored by Tire Rack, this hands-on program offers intensive instruction with experienced drivers. Each of the 30 participants gets a personal instructor for the day, guiding them through challenging exercises on a closed course using their own cars. The course teaches essential defensive driving skills, proper seating and mirror adjustments, and handling extreme situations. Seeing my son and others improve throughout the day was incredible, and I firmly believe he learned more in this one course than in an entire summer of Driver’s Ed.”
Help on Long Island
As a personal injury attorney, Mark has seen firsthand the devastating consequences of inadequate driver preparation. Preparing new drivers for the road requires a comprehensive approach that combines education, practical experience, and ongoing support. By following these tips, you can help ensure that new drivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to drive safely and responsibly.
“Additionally, I strongly urge you to consider Street Survival school. The roads on Long Island are crowded, fast, confusing, and dangerous for new drivers. We all know that the Driver’s Education classes don’t properly prepare our kids for driving on today’s roads, they just teach the very minimal basics which just aren’t enough. The Street Survival course gives new drivers and edge to stay safe, and I encourage every parent to have their new driver participate in this course.” – Mark
If you have any questions about Street Survival school or would like details or videos of the drills, feel free to email Mark at northshoreinjurylawyer@gmail.com.