When Parents Won’t (or Can’t) Help

Teens need at least 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice before they can drive alone. This is usually completed with the help of parents. But sometimes mothers and fathers cannot devote the time due to work commitments or other family obligations. In other cases, parents do not drive or don’t feel comfortable being the teacher. That’s okay. You do have alternatives.

One option is to look into instruction from a professional driving school. Be sure to find one that’s a good fit for your family’s budget and your learning style.

You may also want to enlist the help of another trusted adult. It could be an aunt, uncle, coach, friend’s parent, older sibling (check your state permit guide for minimum age requirement for the adult teacher), or neighbor.  Find someone that can devote the time to teach you and will be clear about how you need to improve. Studies show that driving schools help with skill development, but it’s the adult-teen connection that reinforces the lessons needed to become a skilled, experienced driver.

If you are having trouble locating an adult or professional driving school to guide you, ask your school counselor or Driver’s Ed instructor for advice. They may know of another path you can take.