Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver
Watching your teen learn to drive can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. At Rhodes Driving Schools in San Antonio, we understand the challenges parents face during this milestone. Our 40 years of experience teaching teens has taught us how to support both students and their families. Here’s a practical guide to help you guide your teen toward becoming a safe, confident driver:
- Choose a Reputable Driving School: Start with a trusted program like Rhodes Driving Schools. Our state-certified Teen Driver Education includes 32 hours of classroom instruction, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 7 hours of in-car observation, all designed to meet Texas DPS requirements. With four locations (Helotes, Ellison, Eckhert, Culebra), we’re conveniently accessible across San Antonio.
- Reinforce Classroom Lessons at Home: Discuss key concepts from our curriculum, like traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving. Ask your teen to explain what they’ve learned to solidify their understanding. Our online and in-person classes make it easy to stay engaged with their progress.
- Supervised Practice is Key: Texas requires 44 hours of parent-supervised driving (30 daytime, 14 nighttime) for teens with a learner’s permit. Use this time to practice skills like parallel parking, merging onto highways, and navigating San Antonio’s busy roads. Stay calm and offer constructive feedback to build their confidence.
- Model Safe Driving Habits: Teens learn by example. Demonstrate good habits like wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and maintaining safe speeds. Show them how to handle challenging situations, such as heavy traffic or adverse weather, to prepare them for real-world driving.
- Prepare for the DPS Road Test Together: Our instructors focus on test-ready skills, but you can help by practicing maneuvers like three-point turns and lane changes. Review the DPS handbook with your teen to ensure they know what examiners expect.
- Encourage a Safety-First Mindset: Reinforce the importance of defensive driving—staying alert, anticipating hazards, and respecting road rules. Our program emphasizes these principles, and your support helps make them second nature.
At Rhodes Driving Schools, we partner with parents to ensure teens are ready for the road. Our experienced instructors and comprehensive training take the stress out of driver education. Ready to get started? Enroll your teen today at www.rhodesdrivingschools.com or call (210) 680-3980 to learn more about our programs at any of our San Antonio locations. Let’s work together to create safer roads for your teen and our community! #TeenDrivers #ParentTips #RhodesDriving