Notes

Your teen locates the following controls and explains how they work:

4-way flashers.
Emergency and parking brakes.
Headlights.
Heater/defroster.
Horn.
Windshield wipers.
Before Starting the Vehicle

Adjusts the mirrors.
Fastens safety belt.
Starting the Vehicle

Vehicle is in “Park” or “Neutral.”
Foot is on the brake pedal.
Starts vehicle smoothly.
Moving Forward

Signals.
Looks over shoulder before pulling into traffic.
Uses both hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel.
Stopping

Stops when necessary behind crosswalks or limit lines.
Uses correct foot on the brake pedal.
Turns

Signals and slows for turns.
Begins and ends turns in the correct lane.
Yields right-of-way, when necessary.
Accepts legal right-of-way, when safe.
Sees and reacts to hazards.
Backing

Before moving, surveys the surroundings for possible obstacles.
Looks back over right shoulder when backing.
Checks the mirrors and glances quickly to the side while backing.
Changing Lanes

Signals.
Checks the mirrors.
Checks over shoulder.
Changes lanes safely.
Parking on Hills

Signals.
Curbs the wheels properly.
Sets the parking brake.
Signals and checks over shoulder before entering traffic.
Parallel Parking

Signals.
Looks over shoulder while backing.
Yields to other vehicles, when necessary.
Entering the Freeway

Checks traffic flow.
Signals.
Times entry into freeway.
Checks over shoulder when accelerating into gap in traffic.
Signals early and slows down on the exit ramp to posted speed limit.
Adjusts speed to road conditions.
Defensive Driving Techniques

Checks the mirrors frequently and before braking.
Checks the cross streets before entering intersections.
Checks the signal lights and signs.
Keeps eyes “moving” (watching sides and middle of road).
Keeps a “space cushion” around the vehicle.
Follows at a safe distance.