Teen Drivers Archives | MyImprov Defensive Driving Thu, 23 Nov 2023 04:50:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.myimprov.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-cts-smile.png Teen Drivers Archives | MyImprov 32 32 210546214 How to Teach a Teen to Drive https://www.myimprov.com/how-to-teach-a-teen-to-drive/ https://www.myimprov.com/how-to-teach-a-teen-to-drive/#respond Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:17:30 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=52174 The time comes in every teen’s life where they learn how to drive a car. This ceremony is a milestone in their life because it grants them the freedom one…

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How to teach teen to drive

The time comes in every teen’s life where they learn how to drive a car. This ceremony is a milestone in their life because it grants them the freedom one gets from driving wherever they want, whenever they want.

This means the responsibility of educating your teen falls on you, the parent. You know how to drive, but do you know how to educate someone on how to drive?
Before you ride shotgun with someone with zero driving experience, and while they’re taking an online drivers education course, understand what to expect and how to plan when teaching your teen how to drive a car.

At What Age Should You Teach Your Child to Drive?

When your teen gets old enough, they will be expected to learn how to operate a car and get their driver’s license. You should show your child how to drive a car around the age of 16.
Around this age, teens want to go places. Whether it’s on dates or hanging out with friends, your teen will have a social life developing, and this is the best time they can learn to use the family van.

But you do not have to wait until your teen is 16 years old to drive. Some teens will express interest at an earlier age. You can decide whether they’re ready to learn based on their curiosity and competency.

How Do I Teach my 16-year-old to Drive?

Many parents don’t know how to help their kids learn to drive. When you trust your teen and you believe they have the ability to build this new skillset, you can start the teaching process. There is a lot that goes into teaching your teen how to operate a vehicle. So, here are 13 tips to help you show your 16-year-old how to drive:

1. Get them excited about driving

When your teen is excited to learn, they will become more willing to listen. Excitement goes a long way when learning new skills. It encourages people to take initiative and go the extra mile to understand something. So, when you show your teen the importance of operating a car, they will become excited, knowing that it’s the next step toward personal freedom. When they’re ready, the teaching can begin.

2. Create a practice schedule

You and your teen should commit to a practice schedule. Look at a calendar and choose several days in a week to block off time for driving. Then, decide how long you want them to practice. Make sure you’re setting these days and times in advance to hold you and your teen accountable.

3. Make goals for every session

Set a goal every session. By setting a goal, you have a clear objective when your teen gets behind the wheel. This will help break down a possibly overwhelming lesson plan. Also, goals will help your new driver focus on one lesson at a time.

4. Set a comfortable pace

As the parent, you set the pace. But you should consider where your teen is in their learning process. When you take into consideration the pace of your teen, then you can work with them at a pace that is comfortable to them. When your teen is comfortable, you can ensure a safer lesson without triggering anxiety from being overwhelmed.

5. Start small

Remember, the only driving experience your teen has is from watching you, the movies, or from playing video games. In other words, not much. They are a new driver, so you should show them the basics first. Everyone remembers maneuvering a car in an empty parking lot for one reason: it’s easy. Start them in an empty parking lot with little to no obstacles and have them familiarize themselves with the vehicle. Then, your next lessons can build upon this key first step.

6. Always encourage safe driving

Seat belts, rearview mirrors, and getting the seat adjusted are a few things teens should do when sitting in the driver seat. Parents should always encourage their teens to practice defensive driving and taking the extra steps to be safe while on the roads. Road safety is one of the most important lessons parents can teach their student drivers.

7. Show them good habits

Keep in mind, your teens will look to you for guidance on how to conduct themselves behind the wheel. A new driver will look to a seasoned driver to know what to do on the road. If you practice bad driving habits, then, chances are, your teen will too. Understand which habits make good drivers and emulate those. By doing so, you will introduce them to safe driving habits. That reassures them, and it reassures you that your teen will be safe on the roads.

8. Drive in good weather conditions

Practice driving in appropriate weather conditions. If it is their first time behind the wheel, don’t have them go on a busy highway during a torrential downpour. Keep them comfortable and you will have a comfortable ride. If the weather conditions are too harsh on a scheduled driving practice day, then you should consider rescheduling.

9. Be clear and specific

New teen drivers are prone to information overload. If you give them generic direction, then your teen might not understand what you’re referring to, which can result in a collision. When you’re giving them instructions or directions, refrain from using “right” as an affirmation. Instead, use “correct” or “yes.” Also, give them advance notice when you would like them to make a turn or other traffic maneuver. This will reduce misunderstanding and the risk of an incident.

10. Don’t forget to cover parking

There’s one thing you should remember to focus on: parking. So, how can you teach your teenager how to park a car? Familiarize yourself with the three types of parking:

● 90-degree parking
● Angle parking
● Parallel parking

When you’re comfortable with these maneuvers, schedule time with them to show them how to park. Don’t forget to make sure you understand the correct handling to park properly. This will help your teenager to know what to do to safely and successfully park the car.

11. Challenge them

One of the best ways people improve in a skill is by being challenged. This forces them outside of their comfort zone (the empty parking lot). When they overcome the challenge, their driving skills improve, and their self-confidence does too. So, when you’re scheduling practices, think about how you can challenge your teen driver.

12. Test their knowledge

As they start driving on the roads, test their knowledge. Ask them what the speed limit is, how many cars are approaching them, or which is the best lane they should be in at the moment. This will train them to look for important information while driving, such as road signs and how fast they’re driving.

13. Have patience

We want our teenagers to be the best at everything. But one flaw all humans have is the inability to be perfect right away. Teaching your teen to drive takes time, so when you’re driving around lamp posts in a parking lot or switching lanes on a highway, remember to be patient with your child. If they make an error, don’t get angry, or if they feel nervous, don’t push them too much. By doing so, you keep them motivated to improve.

How Does a Scared Teenager Learn to Drive?

Not all teenagers are enthusiastic about driving. In fact, some are downright terrified. Understanding the rules of the road for some can be overwhelming.
Before you push your teen to operate a car, you should see how comfortable they are with the idea. Some teenagers are scared to get behind the wheel. In this situation, here are some tips you can use to help a scared teen driver:

Hear their perspective

When someone is scared, their brain tells them they’re in danger. If your teenager is scared about driving, then they are perceiving a danger surrounding it. That’s why you should hear their perspective. Let them know that you understand their fear. This will help them feel heard so they can start overcoming this fear.

Show them the importance of driving

When they’re ready to listen, show them the importance of driving and the empowerment it brings. They may be letting the fear outweigh the excitement that comes with learning a new skill. Show them the perks of driving, and it can turn something scary into something exciting.

Expose them to driving and reinforce positive development

Introduce driving to them in small bite sizes. You can introduce them to the car without switching gears or leaving the driveway. When you create a safe environment for your teenager, they will let go of the fear they had about driving. Also, positively reinforce good behavior. When they show interest or start driving, you should encourage them. This will help them develop driving skills.

Be patient and let them show interest

The last thing you want to do is pressure your teenager into driving. This will turn them off from learning and create a dangerous environment for them and yourself. Work at a comfortable pace and remember to be patient. Don’t lose your temper and encourage secondhand road rage. Helping your scared teenager takes time, which requires patience from the parent.

Enroll them into a driving school

Finally, you can enroll your teenager into driving school. Professionals can help your teenager become comfortable with operating a vehicle. They have experience working with students from every background and skill level. By doing so, you are guaranteeing them a safe educational experience.

Final Thoughts on Teaching a Teen to Drive

Your teenager has reached a milestone in their life. They’re learning to drive so they can embrace a greater sense of freedom. As a parent, this is an exciting time to show your teens the important skills necessary to help them become better drivers. Always be patient and considerate when you are teaching your teen how to operate a vehicle. When you do, you help your teenager to drive better and create a safer road for everyone.

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The Top 10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Drivers Test https://www.myimprov.com/the-top-10-most-common-mistakes-to-avoid-on-a-drivers-test/ https://www.myimprov.com/the-top-10-most-common-mistakes-to-avoid-on-a-drivers-test/#respond Thu, 18 Jun 2020 22:58:03 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=51216 You finished your driver’s ed course and have practiced driving behind the wheel for months. When you are driving with friends and family, you…

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mistakes avoid drivers test

You finished your driver’s ed course and have practiced driving behind the wheel for months. When you are driving with friends and family, you are the ultimate professional. Now there is only one thing standing between you and that glorious, coming-of-age memento also known as the driver’s license: the driving test. However, just thinking about being judged for your driving skills makes you nervous. What if your nerves get the best of you? Could you possibly fail and need a do-over?

We cannot let that happen. That is why we are going to tell you the 10 most common mistakes to avoid on a driver’s test. As long as you know these are the “moves” to “steer clear of,” you will be holding that sliver of gold in no time!

10. Reverse Park Control

While some states have removed parallel parking from their driving tests, others have not. Double check with your state’s policies to see if this maneuver will be tested during your behind-the-wheel test. If it is, do not worry that much. The driving instructor will not ask you to park your car in a really tight spot. However, they may cast a mark against you for complete misjudgment or if you demonstrate a complete loss of control while attempting this less-than-fun parking skill.

9. Positioning

Make sure you are aware of the lane markings around the school or DMV where you will be taking your drivers test. A common mistake for new drivers is taking up more than one lane while driving. Make sure you stay in your lane at all times. Except, of course, during the times the instructor asks you to change lanes or make a turn.

8. Response to Traffic Lights and Signs

Believe it or not, some people actually respond too slowly to green traffic lights. When the light turns green take a moment to make sure it is safe to drive, but do not wait there uncomfortably. Same goes with stopping at a stop sign. Make a complete stop, check for safety, then mildly step on the accelerator. Make sure you know when it is your turn to go during a 4-way stop. Remember if you and another car come to an intersection at the same time, the car to the right has the right of way and gets to go first.

7. Right turns

Make sure you position your car correctly for right turns. Your car should not cut the corner and should be positioned behind the white line. Look for cyclists, motorcycles, and pedestrians and yield to their right of way. Even if they are waving you to go first, it is always best to let them go before you.

6. Steering

Maintain normal, steady steering at all times. Instructors are looking for a smooth ride throughout your test. Do not drive one handed. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times and make hand-over-hand turns. Make sure you are driving along the contour of driveways, curbs, entrances and exits. You will lose points for lack of steering control. Hitting the curb would fall under this category as well.

5. Check Mirrors

Check both rear-view and side mirrors when making a lane change or turn. It is always good to check them while at a stop sign or signal as well. Major points are deducted when you do not follow this rule.

4. Observation

Similar to the action of checking your mirrors, looking both ways before you cross an intersection is a must. Make sure it is absolutely safe before you proceed.

3. Driving too slow or fast

Make sure you are driving the speed limit. Driving too slowly does not mean you are driving more safely. It will count against you just as much as driving too fast will. It is wise to check the speed limit signs around the neighborhood that you will be taking your driving test in.

2. Improper Lane Changing

One of the most common mistakes students make during their driving test is forgetting to use their turn signals. When your driving instructor instructs you to change lanes, that is your cue to turn on your turn signal. Then check your mirrors – all of them. Then make the lane change.

1. Rolling Stops

The number one common mistake (in most states) students make during their driving test: not making complete stops at stop signs. Perhaps you learned this unacceptable boo-boo from a parent or relative. Many drivers love to come to a rolling stop at stop signs, and even receive a good amount of traffic tickets for doing so. Many students will slow down, but you need to make a complete full stop. Make sure your car is behind the demarcation line as well.

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Top 6 Things to Do When You’re Bored Teens https://www.myimprov.com/top-6-things-to-do-when-youre-bored-teens/ https://www.myimprov.com/top-6-things-to-do-when-youre-bored-teens/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:14:14 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=50888 There are so many things you can do while stuck at home, but how many of them count as being productive? Giving yourself a manicure, catching up on your latest…

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what to do when your bored
There are so many things you can do while stuck at home, but how many of them count as being productive? Giving yourself a manicure, catching up on your latest Netflix binge, and kicking butt in Minecraft do not count. Here are a few fun things to do when bored at home that are also educational!

1. Write a Short Story

You may be amazed at how fun it is to write a story when you get to choose the genre and cast of characters. You no longer have to wait for your English teacher to assign you the task of writing a modern sci-fi adventure starring yourself as the lead protagonist. You can write it now! You may be surprised how the outline and structure you’ve learned during class comes to life. The struggle of finding your introduction, conflict, and resolution may come naturally. This activity will come in handy when you’re thinking about what to do when you’re bored at home alone.

2. Take an Online Driver’s Ed Course

You can learn to drive while you are bored at home! In some states, you do not have to sit in a classroom to get credit for taking a driver’s ed course. For California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Nevada, you can take driver’s ed online! You can log off and on as often as you like and complete the course at your own pace. For FL, IN, and KY, where the state time requirement is only 4 hours, you can even finish the course in one sitting if you like! You’ll be one step closer to having your driver’s license in a matter of days or hours!

3. Play Scrabble

This game has been around since 1933 and is still a favorite board game among teens and families! For almost a century the game has created competition of the wits across the globe. Try tallying how many words you and your competitor challenged each other to look up per game and see how many words you learned each day! Was it more than you did in English class? For those of you who are competitor-less, try playing against yourself! Give “Player 2” an evil name like “Corona,” or that of your ex. No cheating necessary.

4. Bake Something from Scratch

Cooking is one of the most educational yet fun things to do when bored! Going to school, studying, and football practice may have stopped you in the past from developing your culinary skills. Now you can unleash them! Once you learn the basics, you’ll be surprised what you can do. Oh, and you may have heard that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but did you know the same rings true for women? Girls of all ages find it endearing when their date cooks for them. Learning a new recipe is one of the best things to do when bored for guys and girls! It is the perfect time to learn how to measure, baste, blanch, and create a dish you’ll love to share with friends and family… and a few that you’ll save for that special someone.

5. Learn a New Language

Learning a new language has been on the list of top teen activities for years. For those who are already studying a different language in school, you can step away from the conjugation overload and focus on knowing where to place the accent and roll the “R.” You can also enjoy getting ahead of the lesson plan so when you go back to school, you’ll sound like a native speaker. For those who did not pick a language as an elective, you can start off casually by learning how to say a few words and your favorite phrases in a different language. There are also many online tools and apps that can assist you as well, such as Duolingo or Spanishdict.

6. Take a FREE DMV Practice Test

If driving a car down a long, windy road towards the beach comes to mind as one of the things to do when bored, but you do not have your driver’s license yet, then taking a free DMV practice test can make it happen! You’ll have unlimited access to quiz yourself until you know the DMV Driver’s handbook like the back of your hand. You’ll probably discover that most of the rules of the road are common sense, but you’ll definitely learn some new defensive driving skills and techniques that will keep you safe and become a better driver.
See how distracted driving affects your driving with this driving simulation video game.

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NY Junior License vs. NY Senior License https://www.myimprov.com/ny-junior-license-vs-ny-senior-license/ https://www.myimprov.com/ny-junior-license-vs-ny-senior-license/#respond Thu, 11 Oct 2018 23:20:50 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=44815 Once your teen turns 16 and has their driving learner’s permit, it’s only a matter of time before they aim for their driver’s license. But before you get nervous about…

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Defensive driving NY Jr License vs. Sr.
Once your teen turns 16 and has their driving learner’s permit, it’s only a matter of time before they aim for their driver’s license. But before you get nervous about letting them loose on the open road, know that for young drivers, the privilege isn’t fully awarded until New York 16-18-year-olds have proven themselves worthy and capable. They do this by following New York state’s gradual-step licensing process, which starts with a junior license and ends with a senior license – the Graduated License Law.

While the Graduated License Law places restrictions on a driver with a junior license, it also incentivizes young drivers. They can take an additional defensive driving course NY to get a reduced auto-insurance rate.

But what is the difference between driving with a junior license and a senior license?

Distinct Driving Aims

A young driver with a NY junior license has studied the New York manual and driven mostly unsupervised with some restrictions to gain experience – or training – behind the wheel. With a senior license, a teen driver has proven their experience.

Because a junior license is a ticket to train, young drivers must stay within the state of New York when behind the wheel (or in a state with applicable permit regulations). But with a senior license, NY drivers can drive in any state of the country.

New Drivers Have A Probationary Period

Young drivers earning a junior license have a 6-month probationary period. That means, within that timeframe, conviction of any of the following traffic violations results in an automatic 60-day suspension of their license, which is followed by a secondary 6-month probationary period:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Racing on public roads
  • Driving recklessly
  • Distracted driving (any distraction — including conversing with passengers, eating, and adjusting radio)
  • Driving while using any portable electronic device, including cellphone, GPS navigation, and tablet
  • Any 2 traffic violations

When the suspension ends, a second 6-month probation period begins. Traffic violation committed within this timeframe results a revocation of the junior license of at least 6 months. The end of that period begins yet another 6-month probationary period.

Drivers earning a senior license have no initial probationary period.

Age Rules

If a young driver decides to hold off until they’re a little older to get behind the wheel, their age determines which license they begin with. If they’re 18 or older and pass both the written and driving exams, then senior license it is. But ages 16 up to their 18th birthday must start with the junior license

Training and understanding the key fundamental principles, as well as the rules, of a discipline are the keys to learning and mastering it. Today’s teenagers are well versed in that concept, thanks to their activities and interests, which can range from playing la cross to performing on the stage. Driving is no different. That’s why, thanks to the Graduated License Law that includes a defensive driving course NY, auto collisions involving teenaged drivers have dropped to almost half of 51,000 that were reported in 2009.

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How to Stop Teens from Texting While Driving https://www.myimprov.com/how-to-stop-teens-texting-while-driving/ https://www.myimprov.com/how-to-stop-teens-texting-while-driving/#respond Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:24:36 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=44708 Your teenage son or daughter is driving a car. Simply thinking that or saying those words aloud might fill you with a little pride and a lot of worry. You…

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california drivers ed texting while driving

Your teenage son or daughter is driving a car. Simply thinking that or saying those words aloud might fill you with a little pride and a lot of worry. You think, or at least hope you impressed them with the gravity of the responsibilities involved with getting behind the wheel and the consequences of mistakes or lapses in attention for other drivers, pedestrians, their passengers, and themselves. You sent them to a solid prep program like a certified California Drivers Ed class. But they don’t know what they don’t know, and all you can do is hope they don’t fill in the gaps in their knowledge the hard way.

Receiving a Text While

You can picture it clearly; your son or daughter is late for something and driving a little faster than they probably should. Maybe they blow through a yellow light that’s really red. They approach another intersection in the distance when their phone buzzes and beeps, the face lighting up with the message, “Where are you? We’re about to leave. Hurry up.” Your child picks up the phone and tried to type the standard “OMW”, but they hit the wrong keys. They look down for three seconds to correct their text.

Visualizing the Worst Has Happened

At 45 miles per hour, the car travels over 200 feet. By the time they look up, there’s a crosswalk, an intersection, and a red light in front of them. There is no way the teen driver can possibly stop in time. What happens now? Do they hit a pedestrian? When you picture that, do you picture the carnage first, or the months and years in and out of jail and court for your child? Do they enter the intersection and get hit by another car? Or do they whiz right through the empty intersection, feel shook up for a while, but in the back of their mind think maybe they’ve been wrong to be so conservative and nothing bad will ever really happen to them?

Did You Know There Are Apps to Help?

All those scenarios are bad, though some are obviously worse than others. Fortunately, there are proven, effective measures to keep teenagers (or anyone, for that matter) from texting while driving. On the iPhone, iOS 11 and later has an embedded Do Not Disturb While Driving feature. This feature blocks incoming calls, messages, and stops notifications when the phone is traveling at driving speeds on a road. It will send an auto-reply or message to the sender if programmed to do so.

If you’re a parent, you can set your child’s phone so this feature is impossible to turn off. This free feature embedded in the operating system is one of the best available, but many others are similar in functionality, albeit easier for a teenager to disable. Driving Detective, a free app for Android phones, is very effective, as are a host of other apps, most of them free. AT&T, Verizon, and most major cell phone carriers have or are developing similar driving apps that block some or all incoming transmissions. Apple’s software is still the only one that requires an outside password to disable, but most are effective.

A Responsible Parent

An innate sense of responsibility, a good head on a teenager’s shoulders, and a good driver’s education class are all important, but when temptation strikes, and other measures break down, the most effective way to make sure teenagers don’t text and drive is to make sure the phone itself is disabled while it’s in motion.

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Driving Age By State https://www.myimprov.com/driving-age-state/ https://www.myimprov.com/driving-age-state/#respond Fri, 10 Aug 2018 23:00:27 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=44202 Woah, there! Slow down. Everyone knows that you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a car and hit the rough roads. The only problem is you’re 14 years old and that’s too young… in most…

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driving age traffic school online

Woah, there! Slow down. Everyone knows that you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a car and hit the rough roads. The only problem is you’re 14 years old and that’s too young… in most states.

There are a few states out there that have lower learner’s permit ages, which will allow you, a 14-year-old person, to drive on the roads.

You don’t even have to prove you’re a defensive driver by enrolling in traffic school online. You can grab that learner’s permit and go! So long as you live in that state as driver. To help you figure out if you’re eligible to drive, we’ve put together a list of which states it’s legal to drive at 14.

Where should I move to?

Every state has a different set of laws when it comes to driving ages. Living in one state could mean you’re not full licensed driver until the age of 18. Other states will make you a master driver by the age of 16. Below, you’ll find the complete list of states that give you a learner’s permit as early as 14 years of age:

● Alaska
● Arkansas
● Idaho (14 years and 6 months)
● Iowa
● Kansas
● Michigan (14 years and 9 months)
● Montana (14 years and 6 months)
● North Dakota
● South Dakota

Looking at this list, you could begin to think that the driving ages are design completely arbitrarily. The only reason these rules exist is because there was a group of older people in government who wanted to free the roads from young whippersnappers. That might be true, but there’s also other reasoning behind the age restrictions on driving.

Age Restrictions and Why They Exist

The main reason why these age restrictions exist, is because the brain is still maturing. A study published in the Journal of Safety Research showed raising the age needed to receive your driver’s license reduces the number of accidents that young teens are in. Therefore, prohibiting teenagers, under the age of 16, from receiving their learner’s permits will account for less accidents on the road.

That’s why some states have held tight to the 16 or over regulations that we’re so very familiar with. It’s not because they’re trying to oppress your 14-year-old-who-knows-everything-about-the-world voice. The DMV and government bodies are trying to decrease the number of incidents on the road.

Prepping Your Teen for Driving

To help reduce the number of accidents on the road, it’s important to be safe and know how to be prepared as a driver. You might be a 14-year old in South Dakota who just got their learner’s permit, but that doesn’t mean you’re not prone to being in accidents. Here’s a few tips on being secure while behind the wheel.

Getting sleep is dire. You want to be well rested while traveling. If not, your reaction time is diminished, your vision is impaired, and… you’re a bit cranky. Be well rested enough to drive, especially for a growing teen!

Don’t be distracted while driving. Putting the cell phone away is another important trait of a good driver. It’s easy to fall victim to checking the phone when you’re at a stoplight, in traffic, or just bored. Whether texting and driving or having a drama filled conversation on the phone doesn’t matter. Distracted driving is just another reason why 14-year-old drivers might be too immature to operate a moving vehicle.

Finally, learn from teachers, instructors, and parents. They’re here to teach you how to be a safe driver. That’s why it’s important to learn from their lessons.

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Top CA Teenage Driving Statistics https://www.myimprov.com/top-ca-teenage-driving-statistics/ https://www.myimprov.com/top-ca-teenage-driving-statistics/#respond Fri, 27 Jul 2018 18:28:23 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=44082 Teenagers are often stereotyped as being the worst drivers on the road. People will describe them as being reckless and distracted while driving, because of their rambunctious attitude and delusions…

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driver education course driving statistics

Teenagers are often stereotyped as being the worst drivers on the road. People will describe them as being reckless and distracted while driving, because of their rambunctious attitude and delusions of living forever. But, is there a little fact to this notion that teenagers are horrible drivers?

Let’s look at the statistics and data to find out.

We’ve done extensive research on the subject and collected the finding to show you the top California teenage driving statistics. Are teenagers really learning when they enroll in a driver education course? Let’s look at the data.

Teenager Driving Death Toll

Teenagers are still learning the mechanics of driving vehicles. That combined with their desire to impress and woo their friends can be a deadline concoction. According to the CDC, in 2015, the U.S. death toll for teens in motor accidents was roughly 235,845.

That many driving-related deaths is the equivalent to 6 fatalities a day. Between the inability to recognize hazardous situations, distracted driving, and influence from friends, driving as a teenager could be a matter of life and death.

In 2008, the amount of California teen driver fatalities was the 2nd highest in the state. Coming in about 219 total deaths, the only state higher was the amount of deaths in Texas. Those were just the vehicle drivers, too.

The California DMV reported that, when counting vehicle passengers and non-occupants, the total teenager death total was 593. This goes to show that when teenagers engage in reckless driving, they risk their life and the lives others on the road as well.

Teenager Driving Injuries

When it comes to being injured as a teenage driver, the number is even higher. Drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 only accounted for 7% of the total U.S. population. Yet, they were responsible for 11% of the total vehicle incidents and injuries in 2015. This accumulates to be roughly $10 million in damages across the country.

In California, roughly 61.4% of drivers, 16 years old, were involved in some form of motor vehicle incident. The DMV reported that the crash rate for all drivers, between the ages of 16 and 19, was 2.9 times higher than the crash rate for drivers 20 or more years older. If teenagers are doing this bad in wrecks, how are they doing with getting ticketed?

Teenager Ticket Trouble

Teenagers can be risky drivers. They have a hard time understanding the behaviors that make a great, defensive driver. This means they tend to be sporadically out of control when it comes to breaking the rules of the road.

According to the DMV, 52.7% of teenagers were ticketed for speeding violations in 2008. That means half of the drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were fined for some form of speeding violation. The citation rate for drivers between the age of 16 and 19 were 2.1 times higher than the rest of the population.

The second highest traffic violation that teenagers committed was proper signaling and turning. Unable to communicate on the road was a hard suit for teenagers. But that’s probably because they were busy communicating with their phones.

Safe Teen Driving

These statistics shows that they can be extremely reckless. So, what does it take for teens to drive defensively on the roads? When driving it’s easy to be distracted by people, phones, and obstructions in the road. Teenagers must remember to not fall for that bottlenecking trap. Being safe behind the wheel is all about being responsible.

Patients comes with experience. As people age, they are involved in less incidents, according to the data. When it comes to driving, teenagers might need to do some growing up.

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CA Teen Drivers: Are They Better Drivers? https://www.myimprov.com/ca-teen-drivers-are-they-better-driver/ https://www.myimprov.com/ca-teen-drivers-are-they-better-driver/#respond Fri, 20 Jul 2018 23:47:55 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=44039 Traffic build up is caused by reckless and selfish drivers trying to shave off a few minutes in their commute. California driving is no joking matter. But, that doesn’t stop…

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CA teen drivers california traffic school
Traffic build up is caused by reckless and selfish drivers trying to shave off a few minutes in their commute. California driving is no joking matter. But, that doesn’t stop us from throwing out the few satirical comments about inexperienced drivers – especially teenagers.

But, are they really that bad?

Teenagers may have just picked up the driving manual, but they could be the superior driver in relation to other, more experienced drivers. That’s why we’ve dusted the dust off our magnifying glass and did some investigation on the matter. The best traffic school California has to offer has the answers. Therefore, here’s our finding on who’s the best driver.

The Ultimate Driving Test

In an investigation that was led out of UCLA, researcher and vice-chancellor, Nancy Wayne, tackled this same idea with cold-hard data. With the help of a driving instructor from a local driver’s ed school, they put the pedal to the metal on teen drivers versus adult drivers. As a result, what they found would change ours, and maybe your perceptions too, of who makes the best driver.

The test assembled “100 novice drivers who had less than five hours of driving experience before their first driving lesson.” Moreover, the group was divided equally by their gender and the average age was roughly 18 years old. This mixed-match team represented teenage drivers with little experience.

The other group of Guinee pigs were male and female adults in their mid-20’s, who had accumulated years of experience, especially when compared with the fresh new drivers. Paring the two groups allowed Wayne to fully understand the scale of expertise and precision the newbies had.

The test took place in the wonderful, car-friendly city of Los Angeles, California. Subjects would engage in the standard testing environment, experiencing the same type of pressure one may feel during any other driver’s test. That includes the sweaty, older driving instructor who judged each turn of the wheel. The instructor would rank the performance of the driver on a scale of 1 to 4.

After the testing was complete, Wayne found herself questioning the fabric of reality itself in a shocking reveal of the data. Maybe it wasn’t that dramatic.

Teenage Trouble

The results of the experiment concluded that teenage drivers scored higher on the test than their adult competitors.

In other words, one could determine that teenagers perform better as drivers on the road than other age groups. It lays to rest the age-old myth that teen drivers are worse than others. It doesn’t end there.

Wayne discovered that students who participated in sports scored the highest on the test. This shows a connection between sport engagement and good driving engagement. It was also found to be similar across both genders of subjects.

The hacky comedy shtick of “men drive like this while women drive like this” is apparently not true. Who would have guessed?

Should Teenagers Drive Everyone Around?

Probably not. Teenagers may be deemed as the most competent drivers on the road, however that doesn’t make them qualified to drive people around. This journey wasn’t just a vain test to see if adults were as good as everyone said they were at driving. There are some actionable results coming from it.

More specifically, Wayne released a statement encouraging, “The Department of Motor Vehicles in California and across other states [to] consider extending mandatory driver’s education to all new drivers and not only teens.”

The goal is to, hopefully, cut down on the number of accidents by increasing the duration of education that drivers have while on the road.

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Hardship License For California 14-Year-Olds https://www.myimprov.com/are-you-eligible-for-a-teen-ca-hardship-license/ https://www.myimprov.com/are-you-eligible-for-a-teen-ca-hardship-license/#respond Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:47:58 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=43669 What is a hardship license? In the state of California, the minimum age for teens to get their licenses is 16. However, there are times when younger teens simply need…

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What is a hardship license?

In the state of California, the minimum age for teens to get their licenses is 16. However, there are times when younger teens simply need their licenses. Many states, including California, offer a solution in times of dire need. It is up to the state to determine how dire that hardship is, and if it is worthy of giving a hardship license California and restricted license to a teenager.

Let’s look at some reasons the state might approve an application for a CA restricted hardship license for a teenager. While the state may not require the teen to first take online traffic school, it may be a good idea.

Location and Distance Between Home and School

Where you live is a big factor in whether a hardship license will be granted.

In metropolitan areas with extensive public transportation, hardship licenses are less likely to be necessary. For example, if a teenager needs to get to school ten miles away in San Francisco, it’s not a big deal. They can just wake up a few minutes early and hop on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). San Francisco has mastered public transportation, so there are very few circumstances where a young teen would need to drive.

Los Angeles is less proficient, but still, between the bus system and Uber, teens can pretty much find their way wherever they need to go.

But in more rural areas, attending school ten miles away could be a real problem. Despite the old adage about people walking to school ten miles away, barefoot, in the snow, uphill both ways, that actually sounds a whole lot like child abuse by today’s standards. The hardship license is a much healthier alternative.

This requires a signed letter from the principal, explaining that there are not any other viable transportation options to reliably get the teenager to school.


Illness

Speaking of health, one valid reason to get a teen hardship license is for health concerns.

For example, there is a teenager with a need for doctor’s appointments that are only available when the teen’s parents are working. That teen may be granted a hardship license so that they can drive themselves to their appointments. Alternately, there could be a parent suffering from an illness which prevents them from driving the teen to school. That would also be a valid reason, in the eyes of the state, to obtain a hardship license.

In cases where there are medical reasons to need that license, the state will require a letter from the doctor. That letter would need to describe the condition and give an estimated date when the situation may be resolved.


Work

If a teenager is working to supplement their family’s income, that’s a solid indicator the teen is responsible enough to have a hardship license. Keep in mind, this isn’t like having a summer job for some extra cash. The job would need to be necessary to the teen’s family for their financial well-being in order to qualify for a hardship license. To get the hardship license for that reason, a parent would need to send in a written statement detailing the financial need of the teenager’s job. Of course, the teen would also need to have no other options to get to work than to drive.

Do You Need To Get A Permit First?


In short, no. You do not need a permit to apply for a hardship license. But don’t worry. They’ll have plenty of other hoops for you to jump through.

Under normal circumstances, the minimum California driver’s permit age is 15 ½ years old. Also, a permit can usually only be obtained after completing a driver’s education course. The next step would be to take and pass a permit test at the DMV. From that date, new permit holders must wait six months before becoming eligible to test for their licenses. Even if they turn 16 less than 6 months after earning their permits, they must have the permit for six months before being able to test for the license.

On the other hand, if a driver reaches the age of 18 and has never had a valid license, that driver can skip the driver’s ed course and test for a permit. That permit has a little more freedom than the standard teenage permit, but there are still limitations until the full driver’s license can be earned.

How to apply for a CA hardship license

Hardship licenses are meant to be granted in only the most extreme circumstances. To apply, click here.

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How to Get a Kentucky Driver’s License https://www.myimprov.com/get-kentucky-drivers-license/ https://www.myimprov.com/get-kentucky-drivers-license/#respond Tue, 05 Jun 2018 22:31:30 +0000 https://www.myimprov.com/?p=43659 If you are 16 years of age or older in the state of Kentucky, then you are eligible to get a driver’s license. You can sign up for a Kentucky…

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Kentucky drivers ed license
If you are 16 years of age or older in the state of Kentucky, then you are eligible to get a driver’s license. You can sign up for a Kentucky Driver’s Education course after you get your driver’s learning permit. The course will teach you quality driving skills that can last a lifetime. Learning to drive safely, correctly, and developing good driving habits can save your life while you’re on the road.

New Driver Steps for Kentucky Drivers Under Age 18

If you have never had a driver’s license before and are between 16 and 18 years old, here are some steps so you can take to get your Kentucky Driver’s License.

• Students must also get and present a School Compliance Form if under 18 years old.
• Potential drivers need to obtain a driver’s learning permit
• If you are under 18 years of age, a parent will have to give consent for you to get a driver’s learning permit.
• Students will also need to complete a Kentucky Drivers Ed course.


Drivers Moving to Kentucky for the First Time

If you’re already an experienced driver and just relocating to Kentucky, here are a few steps you will need to take to get your Kentucky Driver’s License.

• You have 30 days to transfer your license.
• Complete an application.
• Show proof of identity and Kentucky residency.
• You will need to take a written exam and it is recommended to study the Kentucky Driver Manual prior to taking the exam as you need at least an 80% to pass.
• Kentucky Drivers Ed courses are available if you’d like to freshen up on your knowledge, skills and good driving habits.


Driver’s Learning Permit

A driver’s learning permit allows you to drive with supervised driving to practice and learn about the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle.

To obtain your learning permit, you’ll need first to study the Kentucky Driver Manual. After you feel you have studied and are knowledgeable, then you will need to take and pass a written exam. You need a score of 80% or more to pass. This exam will test your knowledge of traffic laws, road signage and safe driving methods. If you do not pass the written test, you may take it as soon as the next day.

Learning Permit Restrictions if you are younger than 18 years old
• No driving between 12 am, and 6 am
• You cannot drive with more than one person under age 20 in the vehicle with you unless they are related.
• You can only drive when with a licensed driver 21 or older sitting next to you
• Complete your practice driving log with the required practice driving


Kentucky Driver’s Education Course

You can begin the Kentucky Drivers Education course after you receive your driver’s learning permit. As you participate in a Kentucky Drivers Ed course, you’ll learn all about driver safety and awareness. This course can reduce your insurance premiums, depending on your insurance provider. The knowledge you gain can provide you with wisdom and confidence.

All of this can help prepare you for the challenges of passing the driving test to obtain your Kentucky driving license. It also helps prepare you for future driving circumstances when you are driving alone.


Get Your Driver’s License Today

You may be read to get your Kentucky Drivers License. This means you have had your learner’s permit to practice driving for at least 180 days. You have also completed a Kentucky driver’s ed course. When you enroll in a Kentucky Drivers Ed course, it is a huge step forward toward obtaining your Kentucky Driver’s license and becoming a safe Kentucky driver.

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