The first destination of choice for most parents who attempt to teach their teenage child to drive is an empty parking lot. And that’s a good choice because it allows your teenager to get a feel for the way the car handles, learn how to adjust the seat properly, use the mirrors to maximum advantage and practice a K-turn without embarrassment. It also gives teenagers a chance to drive without worrying about other drivers (or sniggering neighbors) interfering with their concentration. What big empty parking lots and wide open spaces don’t do is give your teenager practice in navigating narrow roads, or making turns or avoiding obstacles.
The next logical step in the driving progression should be the roads and streets of your local neighborhood. But even in a quiet residential area, it can be nerve-wracking to a novice driver – all those little kids darting after their soccer balls and mini vans backing up out of driveways. But where’s a driver to go that simulates the winding streets and intersections and obstacles of a real life neighborhood without the dangers of running over anyone or anything? A cemetery, that’s where. Sure, craziest thing you’ve ever heard, right? But think about it, it has roads and intersections and plenty of obstructions and things to avoid. But one thing it hasn’t got (if you time it right, that is) is living breathing people walking around creating a distraction. On a weekday morning, a cemetery can be as silent as a tomb, and as long as you’re not afraid of ghosts, the perfect opportunity to put in some practice driving.
And don’t forget to protect your teen with car insurance for teenagers!
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