It's here!  Your student(s) will be asking you to take them driving.  What will your response be?  Are you ready for the challenge or not?  The more practice your student gets, the better and more comfortable they will be at the task of driving.  If your student is comfortable, many times it may put the parent at ease also.  Here are some helpful tips to start your driving experiences off right:

• Keep an accurate driving log.  Log all hours--even if it's just 10 minutes to the store and back.
  
• Develop a parent/teen contract.  Let your student know your expectations and their responsibilities.  Having a contract may eliminate any miscommunications that may occur.
  
• Be firm and consistent with lessons.  Use positive reinforcement if they are doing well, but be constructive when they need help.
  
• Have plenty of practice driving sessions.  Schedule time out of both of your schedules to be sure driving time is not cut short and the importance of driving is emphasized.
  
• Start slow.  Take your student(s) to an empty parking lot or area that is virtually hazard free.  Teach them to work on the basics, then progress out to the roads as they gain comfort and experience.