Summer is usually when parents realize they need “to do” something about getting their teenager a permit and eventually a license. School is out, sports and other extracurricular activities are at a lull and teens have a little time on their hands. So what are options for parents? In the state of Arizona there are no requirements for formal driver training which gives you the option to teach your teenager yourself. We do not recommend this option for several reasons. First and foremost knowing how to drive and teaching someone how to drive are two very different things. After we have trained a new instructor they tell us how much they’ve learned and how much they “didn’t know.” We spend over 100 hours training new employees to effectively deliver our programs. If it was that simple, it wouldn’t take us that long to train a new instructor.

Second, the parent-teen relationship can be difficult at best. Add the elements of trying to keep everyone alive while trying to teach a skill – it is just not always a good combination (especially without a second brake on the passenger side).  Even those of you that THINK you are really good drivers (90% of drivers consider themselves above average) have picked up some bad habits over the years and you will likely pass those on to your teenager.

Don’t assume just because your teenager presents you with what looks like “pretty decent skills” that it makes them a “good driver.”   Too often I hear those words from parents; you need to remember they are a NOVICE driver. Even those students that can make a good right or left turn, with good lane position and vehicle control, don’t really  know how to handle all the different situations that pop up out there.

With traditional training, they will be a NOVICE driver for the next several years.  According to various experts, they will need to experience thousands of miles of driving in all different circumstances and conditions to be considered “experienced drivers.”  What you need to ask yourself is: “Do I really want them to ‘learn on the job’?”   DrivingMBA compresses that learning curve significantly using simulation, in the same way that airline pilots are trained to handle emergency situations.

Last but not least, shop around. We ALWAYS tell parents to compare our programs with other schools. We encourage you to come and take a tour to really understand how our programs work in comparison to other programs. We believe we have the most comprehensive approach to driver training. You be the judge.

DrivingMBA’s philosophy is that the permit or the license are by-products of what we do at DrivingMBA. Our Mission is to produce safe and responsible drivers. If cost is an issue and you just can’t afford driver training then enroll in our Parent Class. It will provide you with information and tools to assist you in the driver training process. Remember teaching your teen is a process. Don’t rush this, even if you want them to get their license before they start school and consequently make your life easier.

This may be the MOST important thing you do for your teenager.  Don’t let convenience drive your decision making, let readiness drive it.  Is your teenager ready to handle the roadways safely?