Do parents make good driving instructors?

Should learner drivers turn to their parents for driving lessons? Or is it safer and more effective learning from a driver instructor?

Learning to drive is an exciting time for any young adult but it can also be a nerve-racking experience for any parent. We all know just how difficult learning to drive can be and recent statistics suggest that 1 in 5 young drivers fail their K53 Driving License Test on the first attempt.

One of the biggest reasons for this is due to Learner motorists seeking help from their parents or family members. Although these lessons might be free, many young drivers are taught incorrectly.

A recent survey by NRMA Driver Training identified that Learner drivers who were taught by a reputable driving instructor, made them aware of road rules that their parents/supervising drivers had not known of. Although 84% of driving instructors admit that lessons from a parent can help learners progress more quickly, almost 79% of instructors believe that teenagers can also pick up bad driving habits from their parent.

Do parents make good driving instructors?

The top five bad habits parents pass down to their children include:

  • Not checking mirrors
  • Crossing hands while steering
  • Driving over the speed limit
  • Tailgating
  • Answering their mobile phone while driving

There are more advantages to taking lessons with an instructor than most people are aware of. Driving lessons are conducted in a highly professional and organised manner, placing even the most nervous student driver at ease. Driving instructors educate Learner drivers about the latest road rules in South Africa and help Learner’s understand and practice the areas and potential test routes that may be asked in the driving test. There are numerous driving schools that offer K53 Driving and Learners lessons for an affordable price, that can only benefit a young driver.

As a parent, it’s important to lead by example. Now that your teen is ‘driver-aware’, always practice safe driving habits when behind the wheel. Avoid racing through yellow robot lights or switching lanes on a solid line. It’s important to convey that owning a Drivers License is a privilege and should not be taken lightly.

Matrix understands the importance of your and your family’s safety which is why we provide a range of tailor-made packages specifically designed to suit your safety, security and personal vehicle tracking needs.

For more information on our Matrix packages, visit www.matrix.co.za or contact us on 0800 33 99 88