If your child is ready to drive, you probably know that he/she needs to learn the basics: how to steer, the rules of the road, how to read street signs, etc. But there are other little things that are important for teen drivers to know, too! You may not think of these bits of knowledge as vital, but it is important for your teen to know:
HOW TO READ A MAP: Even folks with the best sense of direction can get a little lost once in a while. Any teen driver should know the basics of map reading so he/she can find their way to any destination.
THE COSTS OF DRIVING: Sit down with your teen and discuss the adult costs of driving a car: purchasing the vehicle, insurance, fuel and maintenance. Your child should have a realistic idea of the weekly, monthly and annual cost of driving.
HOW TO PERFORM BASIC MAINTENANCE: Before driving, your child should know how to check the oil, how to change windshield wipers, how to check and change the air filter, and other basic maintenance tasks. Sure, a mechanic at a garage could take care of these tasks, but your child should at least have rudimentary knowledge of the vehicle he or she will be operating.
HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE: Flat tires happen. Stock your teen's car with a spare tire and a jack, and show him/her how to change the tire in the event of a flat. Have him/her practice a few times so she/he becomes familiar with the feel of the jack and the pressure needed to tighten lug nuts.
THE MEANING OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND GAUGES: Chances are there's one for oil, one for heat, and possibly one for coolant or even windshield wiper fluid. Your teen should be familiar with all the lights and gauges in the car so he/she can recognize any potential problems before they turn into mechanical disasters.
