Most of the literature on driver education is focused on the student driver. We want to know how students feel about learning to drive, why teen driving anxiety is on the rise, and how much of a difference drivers ed makes in producing safer drivers. We’re also interested in the benefits of learning to drive as a teen, including greater independence and new job opportunities.
But what about the parents? What’s in it for you?
There are some interesting perks for parents of teen drivers. In this article, we’ll explore the top 3 key benefits of teaching your teen to drive!
The Bonding Opportunity of Driving Practice
Does it feel like just yesterday you’re little one was learning to walk? It’s not just you; one study found that around 82% of parents feel their children are growing up too quickly.
Even as you’re aware of time passing as kids grow, finding quality time to spend with them is difficult. After all, you’re swamped with household management and work. No wonder that same study found that 55% of parents are afraid they're missing out on the fun of parenting due to other obligations.
And, when you do find time for your teen, it can be tough to get their attention. Your teen has their own busy schedule filled with school, extracurriculars, and maybe work as well. Plus, let’s be honest, most teens are more interested in hanging with friends than with mom or dad. Sigh.
But teaching your teen to drive gives you a golden opportunity for some quality one-on-one time! Many states require that teen drivers complete a specific number of behind-the-wheel hours of driving practice with a supervising adult. So get ready to reconnect with your teen in the car.
In a recent Aceable survey, 90% of parents agreed that teaching their teen to drive strengthened their bond.
Watching Your Teen Become More Independent
A Pew Research study found that 45% of modern parents report being overprotective of their kids. It’s hard to let your little one out into the world on their own. At the same time, you understand that teaching your children how to be self-sufficient is part of your job description as a parent. So it’s incredibly rewarding to see them growing new skill sets and gaining confidence.
Aceable’s recent survey found that 78% of parents agree that online drivers ed helps teens become safe, confident drivers. Knowing that your teen has learned how to drive safely can help put your mind at ease as they hit the open road.
This is one of the reasons parents love Parent Taught Drivers Ed (PTDE). Parents get to play a more active role with PTDE than with traditional instructor-led courses. Active involvement in their teen’s drivers education program made 48% of parents surveyed more confident in letting their teen drive.
Practical Perks of Having Another Licensed Driver at Home
Most American households require lots of time in the car. How much time do you spend driving each day (between taking kids to school, running errands, picking kids up, extracurriculars, getting to and from appointments, etc.)? When your teen gets their drivers license, they can help ease the burden of being the family chauffeur.
Of the parents surveyed, many of them are excited about the time saved by having another available driver in the home:
67% are allowing their teen to drive themselves to and from school, so mom or dad don’t have to,
55% are having their teen help run household errands, and
48% are having their teen help get their siblings to and from school.
In fact, these tasks can all provide good driving practice for teens. If you’re wondering how you’re going to find time to teach your teen to drive, remember that they can take the wheel for these day-to-day tasks.
Raise Safe Drivers With State-Approved Drivers Ed
Ready to reap the benefits of helping your teen learn to drive? Enroll them in an online drivers ed program with Aceable today.
Our online courses are convenient, affordable, and state-approved as being an effective method of learning to drive safely.
Get started now for the opportunity to bond with your teen, watch them become more independent, and gain another licensed driver for the household!
Updated 09/11/2024