Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 17:25     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.

Yes, but this can only be done after they complete the first segment and obtain their permit. I’m talking about, are they prepared for the road after the first segment?


NP. My child was prepared enough. They’re a little wobbly. They don’t have great control of the car. But if you let them drive every day, they quickly improve. I let my DC drive home after school and practice and whenever we are in the car together. I have not done highways yet.


Yes, highways with merging and changing lanes is the tricky part to learn, in our experience.


It’s terrifying. The best thing is to go early in the AM on a Saturday or Sunday. You need a spine of steel!
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 16:25     Subject: Re:Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
No. At least my kids were not truly prepared. So we did a lot of driving with a parent guiding them from the passenger seat. Hours and hours and hours. Made sure that good driving habits became ingrained.

Then we made sure that their cars were idiot-proof with many safety features. Which means that they got new cars with safety features and not old cars. Finally, whenever they were going for jobs, internships etc and using their car to get there, we did dry runs with them so that there was familiarity with the route.

Also, seat belts of every passenger was mandatory, no drinking and driving, not more than designated number of passengers, no friends riding with them until we were very, very comfortable. And all my kids had access to our Uber app.

My DH also taught my kids to drive on all the vehicles we had at home - minivan, stick shift, automatic.

Also, we ingrained in them to build in generous amount of time for all commute. No driving in hurry and no road-rage. Give the right of way to the jerks in hurry. Be polite and don't react to bad manners. Apologize if you cut anyone off by mistake by a wave of your hand.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 16:16     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Drivers Ed is the biggest scam in Maryland.

They’re not teaching them how to drive. That’s your job as a parent. They’re already supposed to know how to drive on the highway on the roads and obviously laws. All they do is well, nothing! It’s just pointless because your kids should already know the drivers handbook and you should’ve already taught them how to drive.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 14:23     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.


That sounds like a full time job. In an era where everything can be outsourced, can't we outsource this this to someone else and pay for it? Not everyone has the time or emotional bandwith to do all this with their kid.


You certainly can, but it is expensive. $40-50 per 50 minute lesson. You can buy a set of 10 lessons from most driving schools by calling them directly. It's not always a clear option on their websites.
With all the driving we do with our kids to and from practices/games, groceries, school, social gatherings, etc. we were able to log a good amount of the required time. On top of that I purchased 10 lessons which my kid did about once a week through the winter (these also count for the required time, and helped to get meet of the after dark driving required hours), after which he then did the 7 Behind the Wheel.


This is where I get stuck. We're in DC and basically never drive during a regular week. I don't know how my kids will practice when old enough in a couple years. They are very good at the buses and metro at least.

Maybe they'll start driving when they're older. I didn't get my license until 26 because I lived in a city and walked or rode the bus or train everywhere. It wasn't until I moved to the suburbs that I felt I needed a car.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 13:28     Subject: Re:Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Made the mistake of driving with my kid on a neighborhood street during his training. He was driving slowly, someone behind us got impatient, passed us aggressively on a normal neighborhood street, he wasn't watching his side mirrors properly, and we came thisclose to an accident.

So, yeah - haven't read other responses, but start in large parking lots (we found an abandoned mall parking lot in our area), learn to park, make sure they know about mirrors and signals, little things you don't really think about anymore. Next we went to streets by an industrial park area on Sundays when no one is around and worked our way up to neighborhood streets and finally after, honestly, about 6 months, DH drove with him on the highway, but just small stretches at a time in areas that he knew well.

Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 21:23     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.


That sounds like a full time job. In an era where everything can be outsourced, can't we outsource this this to someone else and pay for it? Not everyone has the time or emotional bandwith to do all this with their kid.


You certainly can, but it is expensive. $40-50 per 50 minute lesson. You can buy a set of 10 lessons from most driving schools by calling them directly. It's not always a clear option on their websites.
With all the driving we do with our kids to and from practices/games, groceries, school, social gatherings, etc. we were able to log a good amount of the required time. On top of that I purchased 10 lessons which my kid did about once a week through the winter (these also count for the required time, and helped to get meet of the after dark driving required hours), after which he then did the 7 Behind the Wheel.


This is where I get stuck. We're in DC and basically never drive during a regular week. I don't know how my kids will practice when old enough in a couple years. They are very good at the buses and metro at least.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 17:59     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Op, you ride with them for many, many, many hours AND you do some planning. You drive through neighborhoods -which you know- have a wider street, a straight street. You start, perhaps, with only right hand turns. And advance to left hand turns. You find an empty large parking lot. Do some practicing there. Maybe even start there.

You do a lot of work. It's expected.
Anonymous
Post 04/21/2026 17:19     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
my DD has had her license for 6 months and she is still a terrible driver. I can't even ride with her because it stresses me out
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 18:43     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.

Yes, but this can only be done after they complete the first segment and obtain their permit. I’m talking about, are they prepared for the road after the first segment?


NP. My child was prepared enough. They’re a little wobbly. They don’t have great control of the car. But if you let them drive every day, they quickly improve. I let my DC drive home after school and practice and whenever we are in the car together. I have not done highways yet.


Yes, highways with merging and changing lanes is the tricky part to learn, in our experience.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 18:21     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.

Yes, but this can only be done after they complete the first segment and obtain their permit. I’m talking about, are they prepared for the road after the first segment?


NP. My child was prepared enough. They’re a little wobbly. They don’t have great control of the car. But if you let them drive every day, they quickly improve. I let my DC drive home after school and practice and whenever we are in the car together. I have not done highways yet.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 15:15     Subject: Re:Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:In Virginia:

1) at 15.5 get permit from DMV - this includes the two part test and vision test and they take your photo

2) practice driving with a parent for 45 hours, 15 of those hours at night over the next 9 months

3) take drivers ed in school. In FCPS they assign you to a quarter dependent on your birthday

4) attend the parent/student night course at your high school - offered during the quarter of drivers ed. You get a "pink slip" saying you both attended

5) sign up for behind the wheel when you near the end of the 9 months you must hold a permit (16 and 3 months if you got it right at 15.5). Your driving hours should be near complete

6)the behind the wheel instructor does a week long driving course. They determine if the student is ready to drive, check driving log and pink slip, and sign off on a 180 day provisional license that begins 9 months after the permit was issued.

7) license comes in the mail

In Virginia, your child is driving under your insurance while they are a permitted driver. You add their name to your insurance, but it's you on the line for any incidents. There are no added fees until they are fully licensed.



PP here who has supervised in multiple states.
You're talking about the road test in 6... Instruction is instruction, and it's before they practice. I don't drive with teens until they have had 6 instructional hours on the road, teaching the basics.


NP. In Virginia, the behind the wheel instruction from a professional is usually done towards the end of the 9 month/45 hour period, and the instructor tests you at the end of instruction. Then you get your license. No separate road test at the DMV.

Though, does anyone know how this works if you haven’t completed all 45 hours yet? Does the instructor not test you? You have a license but can’t use it yet?


Per DD, if they pass you, you get your license, regardless of whether you have the required hours.


Per my DCs instructor, if you pass the road test but haven’t finished your hours, the instructor holds on to the paperwork until you show a completed log. Whether they actually do that or it’s just talk I do not know.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 14:38     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.


That sounds like a full time job. In an era where everything can be outsourced, can't we outsource this this to someone else and pay for it? Not everyone has the time or emotional bandwith to do all this with their kid.


You certainly can, but it is expensive. $40-50 per 50 minute lesson. You can buy a set of 10 lessons from most driving schools by calling them directly. It's not always a clear option on their websites.
With all the driving we do with our kids to and from practices/games, groceries, school, social gatherings, etc. we were able to log a good amount of the required time. On top of that I purchased 10 lessons which my kid did about once a week through the winter (these also count for the required time, and helped to get meet of the after dark driving required hours), after which he then did the 7 Behind the Wheel.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 14:37     Subject: Are they truly prepared to hit the road after driver’s training?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember anything of driver’s training, but I’m struggling to imagine how my teen will go from zero-driving in just six hours behind-the-wheel instruction. I’m terrified of when it’s my turn to take over instructions. Do they truly become confident and experienced enough in just six hours?


No, it's basic instruction. Your job is to then assess how strong a driver they are and do a minimum of 50 hours of practice, preferably in as many many adverse conditions as possible. That means timed restrictions on roads, interstate driving, rush hour, after dark, rural and urban, ice, rain, etc. I start with showing me basics in a mall parking lot before it opens on a weekend morning, then working from there. Get a list of parking and driving maneuvers if you can't remember them all, make sure the teen has a basic level of competence.


That sounds like a full time job. In an era where everything can be outsourced, can't we outsource this this to someone else and pay for it? Not everyone has the time or emotional bandwith to do all this with their kid.


You can, if you have lots of money or another driver willing to take this on. It's not really that onerous, though. DD drove in a parking lot 3 or 4 times before she was comfortable enough to get on the road. At that point, she was doing all the driving we would otherwise do anyway - driving to ECs, friends' houses, gym, etc. So, net difference is only 3 or 4 hours spent driving around in circles in a parking lot right at the beginning.