The day had finally arrived. I was 15 years and 8 months old. As soon as school was out that day, I had my dad take me to the Department of Motor Vehicles. I was finally of age to obtain a learner’s permit to drive.

Most adults dread the thought of having to go inside the DMV. It conjures up thoughts of grueling long wait times, snail-like service, and grumpy attitudes. On the other hand, my 15-year and 8-month-old self saw that glorious acronym, DMV, as a ticket to freedom, fun, and friends. I got my learner’s permit that day. And, on my 16th birthday, I took the driving test and was handed my license to operate a motor vehicle. Fast forward to the present. In Virginia, the law now states at 15 and a half years old you are eligible for a learner’s permit. They get an extra two months!

My daughter is now 16 years and 5 months. I am asked all the time, “Is she driving?” The answer is no. She has little interest in driving right now, and honestly, that is okay with me. Some kids are ready at that age and others need a little longer. If I were to be honest with myself, I knew enough to pass the DMV test but still had a lot to learn about driving and automobiles.

In the meantime, we’re taking our time with some basic skills that may not always be the focus of a first-time driver but are important, nonetheless. As parents, we’re teaching our daughter about:

• Road signs. There are many road signs and signals besides green light, red light, and stop. Are you familiar with the traffic signs such as soft shoulder, low ground clearance, or hill with grade? I wasn’t either, but I’m learning.
• Pumping gas. Teens may know how to pump gas, but do they know the difference between regular, premium, and diesel? Do they know which side of the car the tank is on? Do they know what to do if the car ever runs out of gas? Do they have a gas can?
• Car parts and features. The engine, steering wheel, and ignition are parts of a car your teen can probably easily locate. Do they know where to find the defrost and defog buttons? If they need to pull over or have to drive under the speed limit due to a deflating tire or other issue, can they locate the hazard lights?
• Emergency kit. Every car should have a first aid kit and emergency supplies and tools such as scissors, a tire gauge, jumper cables, a wrench, and pliers. Keeping a toiletries bag handy with a few personal essentials and a blanket is also a good idea.

As we welcome the new challenges and joys of parenting a teen, it helps to think ahead and be prepared for anything that comes down the road.

About Adrianna Walden

Adrianna has been working with children and youth for more than 25 years. For the past 17 years, she has served as a licensing inspector for children’s programs in the Office of Health and Safety for the Virginia Department of Education. Adrianna has experience counseling youth and teaching early childhood education and parenting classes. She has been happily married to her husband Ryan for 18 years. Both have spent many years jointly teaching infant classes and have a passion for children. Adrianna and Ryan have a teenage daughter (who gives them much inspiration for this blog) and three fur babies.