Solo Driving - The First Year

Teen Driver's First Year Guidelines
 
Basic Driver's Ed is complete. The driving test has been passed. A safe car with appropriate insurance is available. Now onto solo driving. Its a time to balance the thrill of new-found freedom with that of adult responsibility. A time to realize that a major part of driver's education is still occurring. The first twelve months after licensure is a particularly dangerous time which has been shown statistically.
 
With that in mind, that twelve month period will go much better and safer if you follow the simple guidelines outlined here. This time has been divided into six periods, each of which has specific characteristics and recommendations. If you follow these guidelines, novice drivers will have a better chance at becoming a safe driver and a less stressful time while surviving those first twelve months.
 
1st Month - Highest Risk
This is the period of highest risk and the statistics show that new teen drivers are most likely to get into a collision during this period. New drivers should be very cautious and cognizant of the fact that their skills are just beginning to be formed.
 
Specific Items:
- No passengers
- No cell phone
- Familiar streets only
- Daylight only
- Clear skies / dry roads
 
2nd Month – Slightly Lower Risk
When the second month rolls around, the basic skills are still being developed. The risk of a collision is slightly reduced, but this is still a time to be very cautious. Skills such as hazard perception are still being developed.
 
Specific items:
- No passengers
- No cell phone
- Add 2 routes
- Daylight only
- Clear skies / dry roads
 
3rd Month – Easy To Get Complacent
Now the basic skills have been practiced in a couple months' of solo driving, it is very easy to get complacent and get into trouble. Its time to “bear down”, continue to hone those driving skills, and ensure that all prior learnings continue to be applied.
 
Specific items:
- No passengers
- No cell phone
- Add 2 more routes
- Allow high speed roads
- Daylight + 2 hours
 
4th - 6th Months – Night Driving
During this period we introduce night driving. This is a big deal in that everything changes at night. Familiar scenes become strangers at night. Visibility is greatly limited, especially peripheral vision. Nocturnal creatures have a tendency to suddenly jump into harm's way.
 
Specific items:
- Only on known routes
- No passengers
- Good weather
- No cell phone
 
7th - 9th Months – Passengers Allowed
Its now time to add passengers. This sounds like not big deal, but rest assured its been worth the wait. Passengers bring a whole new level of distraction to the driver, which prior to this would make it dangerous to concentrate. Passengers can add a dangerous level of distraction to even seasoned drivers, so the novice driver needs to pay special attention to manage the additional distraction.
 
Specific items:
- Discuss passenger rules
- Must wear seat belts
- Limit of three
- No cell phone
 
10th - 12th Months - Maintenance
This period is one of ensuring there is no “backsliding”. Its a period where most of the basic driving skills have been formed and practiced. Most novice drivers now feel comfortable with their skills and their ability to handle most driving situations. However, it's very important during this time to realize that mistakes can still be made and the art of driving requires continual learning.
 
Specific items:
- Keep passenger rules
- Prepare for independence
- No cell phone