Skills and Strategies for Parents - Tips and Techniques for Observing Your Son/Daughter’s Driving - Driving Safety Procedures

Sep 29, 2026

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Guidance for parents on supervising a learner driver, emphasizing supervised practice in safe areas, proper permits and seat positioning, and “commentary driving” where the student verbalizes observations and intended actions. Includes interactive coaching ideas such as quizzes and expectations-setting about driving seriousness, consequences, and accountability, plus advice on modeling safe behavior. Provides structured observation and control procedures for complete stops, intersections, lane changes (SSMOG), turns (signaling distances, right/left specifics), and parking methods including curb, hill, and angle parking.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Skills and Strategies for Parents

Practice Conditions and Coaching Approach

Observing and Teaching Driving Skills

Complete Stops

Intersections

Lane Change Procedures (SSMOG)

Turns (Right Turns and Left Turns)

Parking (Curb, Hill, Angle/45 Degree)

SKILLS AND STRATIEGIES FOR PARENTS 􀁸 You can practice driving with permission in an open area (parking lots, etc. ) or on your private property. 􀁸 Remember that on-street driving requires the student have a permit and a licensed driver at least 21 years of age sitting in the front seat. 􀁸 Use “commentary driving” where son/daughter verbalizes what they observe and actions they should take as they drive. 􀁸 You can quiz your son/daughter when you drive to make sure they are observing and in return, have them quiz you. Perhaps you can make it a contest. The winner may win a treat at the DQ! 􀁸 Sit down with you son/daughter one on one, and discuss what your expectations are and how serious driving is. Explain how it will affect your family’s insurance and know what type of friends they will associate with. Emphasize driving is a PRIVILEGE, NOT a right, and privileges can be taken away. They will be held accountable for their behavior. This may be a good opportunity to discuss consequences for poor behavior. 􀁸 When you (the parent) drive, you need to be a good role model for you son/daughter. It is amazing how they will imitate your driving behavior---good and bad habits. Try to be positive and responsible as your child goes through this process. TIPS AND TECHNIQUES WHEN OBSERVING YOUR SON/DAUGHTER’S DRIVING COMPLETE STOPS After you feel the momentum of a small jerk backward, count to two (to pause for a complete stop) and then proceed. OBSERVATION and then proceed: Your general observation should be completed before you completely stop. Observation at the intersection is to look first to your left, center, right and back to your left. Look first for pedestrians and then cars. If there is an obstruction, then move (creep) forward past the sign to recheck for traffic. INTERSECTIONS “Uncontrolled” intersections (no signs or light present): As you approach, “cover” the brake and check for traffic. “Controlled” intersections (includes STOP and YIELD signs or lights): 1. Stop behind the stop bar at intersections (yield to pedestrians) 2. Come to a complete stop as previously mentions. 3. If you need to creep into the crosswalk in order to gain greater visibility, do so only after pedestrians have cleared your lane. 4. Stop BEFORE the sidewalk when emerging from an alley or driveway. LANE CHANGE PROCEDURES: S – S – M – O – G Search and scan your surroundings Signal your intentions Mirrors, check them. Over the shoulder blind spot, check. (turn your head) Go, if the lane is open. TURNS The law states that one must signal the intention 100 feet before the turn. We recommend ½ block before the turn. Be sure to make appropriate lane changes before turning. Turns can be made from a complete stop (stop sign) or from a non-stop situation (no stop signs or light) . RIGHT TURNS 1. Always try to turn from the parking lane. 2. Lane change into the parking lane so you’re within 3 feet from the curb. Not even a bicycle should fit between your car and the curb. 3. Slow down (brake) as you approach the intersection to roughly 8 mph into the first half of the turn and then accelerate as needed to complete the second half of the turn. 4. When the front bumper is even with where the curb bends, begin turning the steering wheel about ½ turn using hand-over-hand. 5. Finish your turn into the first lane of traffic, nearest the curb. 6. A typical problem with right turns may be speed that is too fast or too slow, cutting the corner (jumping the curb on the right with your back right tire) and or making too wide of a turn and entering traffic over the center line. LEFT TURNS 1. If needed, lane changes to the nearest legal lane closest to the center line as you approach the intersection. 2. As you approach the intersection, reduce your speed to roughly 10 mph for your turn. 3. Allow yourself to enter the intersection and begin your turning action with the steering wheel roughly ½ way into the

FAQs

Where should practice driving be done with a learner, and what supervision is required?

Practice in an open area such as a parking lot or on private property. On-street driving requires the student to have a permit and a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat.

What does “commentary driving” mean for a parent coaching their son/daughter?

The student verbalizes what they observe and what actions they should take while driving. The parent can then quiz the student to confirm they are noticing hazards and applying safe steps.

What are the key steps for lane changes using the SSMOG method?

Search and scan surroundings, signal intentions, check mirrors, check the over-the-shoulder blind spot, and go only when the lane is open.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Logic