Parents tell me they are not sure which is worse: shuttling their teenager from one activity to another or waiting for their teenage driver to return home. Watching your teenager get behind the wheel is a big deal, so I always review basic driving rules with new drivers and parents.
In the state of Pennsylvania, individuals are eligible for an initial learner’s permit at 16 years of age. The application process requires teenagers to have a “medical qualification certificate” completed by a medical provider. This form asks providers to certify that a new driver has no medical conditions, which would impair safe operation of a motor vehicle.
New drivers also complete a knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. Once these are passed, teenagers may begin behind-the-wheel practice. Sixty-five hours of adult-supervised skill-building are required before the road test may be taken for a junior license. Even with a junior license, there are restrictions on nighttime driving (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) and the number of passengers, specifically those under 18 years of age.
As I complete the medical qualification certificate for teenagers in the office, I like to emphasize the following points with parents and new drivers:
1) Seatbelt on. This is clear-cut and non-negotiable.
2) Minimize distractions. Parents know good driving requires both managing yourself and anticipating the moves of others on the road. This is harder to do when distracted. Teenagers should get all controls set before pulling out. Specifically, adjust mirrors, the radio station and temperature controls before driving. Meals should not be eaten while driving, as managing a drink and food without spilling is an unnecessary and added complication. Cell phones should be set to vibrate or silenced to eliminate the distraction from arriving text messages or emails. If a call must be made while driving, teenagers should pull over into a safe spot and stop the car.
3) Leave enough time. A colleague of mine gives his son an absolute latest time he must be out the door if he wants to drive himself to school. Many of us are guilty of leaving the house late and driving just a “little bit faster” in an attempt to make up the time. Again, this is a terrible idea for experienced drivers and even worse for new drivers.
4) Admit when you are not safe to drive. All my parents agree that they prefer to get a late night phone call to pick up their teenager rather than get a phone call about an accident. Teenagers should absolutely not drive after drinking, using any other substances that impair judgment, or even if they are sleepy. This may be a tough phone call for a newly licensed teenager to make, but the consequences of an accident or violation are worse. Junior license holders in Pennsylvania who accumulate six or more points or have a single high-speed violation are subject to a 90-day license suspension.
5) Take it slowly. After passing the road test, a new driver is still inexperienced. As with any new skill, it is best to start with something familiar and advance. For example, as children learn to read, they progress from simple picture books to small chapter books and then full novels. Similarly, a new driver should start off by taking short trips in daylight, in good weather on more familiar roads, building comfort and confidence.
Additional skills parents should address include pumping gas, location of the spare tire, calling for roadside assistance, and location of the car registration and insurance.
Driving is an exciting step towards independence for both parents and teenagers. Though it is certain to cause some anxiety for both parties, discussion and planning can help mitigate many of the challenges.
Dr. Deepa Sekhar is a pediatrician at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
