If you're teaching someone to drive, your own driving is the biggest lesson — new drivers copy what they see. The first year of driving is the riskiest, and a road test is just one short trip, so practice and coaching matter long after the license.
Know the rule
Drivers under 18 must hold a learner permit 180 days and meet the GDL requirements before they can take the road test.
Handbook p. 130 ↗Teach while YOU drive
- Point out tricky signs and ask what they mean
- Explain why you stopped or kept going on a yellow light
- Ask about traffic behind and beside you
- Talk through the two-second rule out loud
Practice in phases
| Phase | Where | What to practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Large, deserted parking lot | Seat and mirrors, pedals, backing, turns |
| 2 | Quiet residential streets | Simple intersections, lane position, 2-second gap |
| 3 | Heavier traffic | Parallel and hill parking, multi-lane turns, U-turns |
| 4 | Harder conditions | Interstates, bad weather, night, city traffic |
Know the rule
Plan each session before you go — random driving is risky. Make sure the beginner is sure of the pedals before entering traffic.
Handbook p. 130 ↗Coaching tips
- Stay alert and ready to prevent trouble
- Give directions early and use the same words every time
- Don't throw everything at a beginner at once
- Stay calm — don't yell over every mistake
- Keep comments few; talk is also a distraction
- Stop and discuss big mistakes while they're fresh
Supervised driving recommended by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (TN GDL requires 50 hours)
Handbook p. 131 ↗Know the rule
One in five male 16-year-olds and about one in ten female 16-year-olds crash in their first year. The worst crashes happen at night with a group of young people — which is why the GDL limits both.
Handbook p. 131 ↗A parent-teen driving contract might cover:
- Where and when the teen may drive
- Condition the car must be returned in
- Who pays for gas, maintenance and insurance
- Responsibility for tickets or damage
- Consequences for moving violations
Know the rule
For a learner whose first language isn't English, study signs and signals together and practice simple English directions — every applicant must speak enough English to communicate with the examiner on the road test.
Handbook p. 132 ↗Know the rule
An examiner rides with a new driver for less than 30 minutes, when the teen is on best behavior. Keep monitoring your teen's driving after the license is issued.
Handbook p. 132 ↗Put it into practice
Your daughter just got her permit. Start in an empty lot practicing starts, stops and turns. Only after she's steady on the pedals move to quiet streets, then busier traffic, and save interstates, rain and night for last.