Be sure to incorporate all of the following into your practice driving sessions with your student.

Preparing to Drive:

• Choose clothes and shoes for comfort and control
• Make outside checks for obstacles to safe movement
• Familiarize yourself with all devices and controls, including the braking system
• Adjust the seat, head restraint, mirrors, and ventilation for optimum visibility and safety
• Be certain that everyone is wearing a safety belt before moving

Executing Maneuvers:

• Steering, turning, parking, braking, signaling, backing, accelerating, and lane-positioning

Interacting in Traffic:

• Lane-changing, right-of-way, intersections, traffic controls, blind spots, scanning techniques, managing space, safe following, use of mirrors, school zones, railroad crossings, and speed control

Experiencing Environments:

• Darkness, twilight, expressways, highways, cities, towns, and rush hour
• Adverse weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, ice, and wind

• Be a role model for your teen. Be calm, patient, and belted.
• Start with driving in low-risk areas and situations.
• Select routes in advance, and strategize with your teen before getting in the vehicle.
• Demonstrate specific skills at the beginning of the practice session.
• Be specific with your directions. Provide at least a one-block notice on city streets, and a one-mile notice on highways.
• Praise driving accomplishments.
• Give clear and accurate instructions. Use "right" for a direction, not to confirm correctness.
• Sit in a position that will allow you to guide the steering wheel with your left hand if needed.
• Have your teen give a running account or commentary on what he or she sees.
• Use a safe vehicle, in good condition.
• Spread out lessons evenly over at least six months.
• On the log provided by your teen's driver education teacher, record practice immediately after each session.