What to do when your kids start to drive

New drivers, particularly the under 20s, are most at risk in the early weeks and months after they pass their driving test.

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has produced top tips to help parents encourage responsible driving in the crucial first few months – and to encourage safer, more responsible drivers.

Parental involvement is one of the sections in the IAM Motoring Trust report Younger Drivers, where and when they are unsafe.

The IAM recommends the following tips on how parents can help their new novice drivers:

Use a professional instructor to teach them do drive whilst giving them extra practice

Teach by example: always use a seat belt and keep to the speed limit restrictions

Take them on routes they are likely to drive on regularly and talk to them about where the risks are

Help them to practice driving in various conditions, such as night time, in poor visibility and if possible on rural roads

Educate them on the potential risks (i.e. lack of concentration, showing off) and the distractions that can follow having their friends in the car for the first time

Help them to further develop their driving skills by proactively encouraging them to continue developing their driving by undertaking further training, such as an advanced driving course.

More help is available at the IAM website, iam.org.uk