How much can you learn your first time driving?

[Ghoste]

In the case of my daughter, quite a bit.  Took my girl out today for her first driving lesson and she was doing awesome.  We borrowed a friends Jeep because its an automatic and she didn't want to start in my daily driver since its a stick.  Fair enough.  She drove great for a couple of hours and on the way back to his place we got literally two blocks from his house and she made a right turn and cut it too sharp and before I could do anything she put it into the back of a parked truck.  No damage to the truck but pushed in the grille on my buddys Jeep and she got a fine on top of it all.  No injuries and no damage to the other vehicle.  Not even damage to her pride but her father is a bit humbled.  Not angry, the cop was great, my buddy isn't angry (was laughing and teasing her about the speech hes giving at her wedding).  But wow, what a day. 

[oldcarnut]

When does she get to practice in the Charger?    You'll have something to talk about a long time from now.  At least there were no serious injuries, damage, or friendships harmed  .  My daughters first drive was into the garage brick wall.  Not a pretty sight.

[ITSA426]

Maybe you learned that two hours is a long time for a first driving lesson... or were you wondering what she should learn.  Good luck.  I've taught a number of kids to drive and it's always been an enjoyable experience for me and hopefully for them.  Just remember to keep your sense of humor, even when she's frustrated and your terrified.  Good dad and daughter bonding time.  Enjoy it.  My son was driving one of my 66 Chargers while he still had his permit. 

[Ghoste]

It was too long.  Now most of that was out of town and she kept insisting she was good to keep going but it was enough.  Which is why it was two blocks from done, we were on our way back to his place.

[myk]

Wow I didn't know you had kids.  In any case, you're spending quality time with your child, and for better or for worse that time is priceless.  I think she's fortunate to have you as a parent and an instructor...

[Ghoste]

A pair of teenage daughters Myk, 18 and 15.  Not to mention a dog a cat and one ex-wife.

[skip68]

A pair of teen girls equals grey hair on Ghoste.     
So how many times did you hit the imaginary brake?    I'm going through this with my son.    He's doing ok except he's scared of the Vegas freeways.   
Sad thing is part of his test is getting on the freeway and merging.   IN VEGAS.     It's a bit much for a green driver IMO.  It's challenging for experienced drivers in some spots because of all the drivers from all over this country and drivers from around the world.    I've been thinking about just having him drive with an instructor for that.   I'm calm and cool with him but he may get better tips from the instructor.    That's something that you might consider.   Pay for a few driving lessons, she might feel more confident without dad watching know what I mean.    Good luck.   

[Ghoste]

Looked into an instructor but the way its set up here they cant just get a couple of lessons they have to take the whole program and as an almost monopoly it is ungodly expensive.  The other issue is that they only operate during regular business hours and this kid is an A+ student who spends a lot of time on her schoolwork (actually has been selected for an international studies program in the fall- her first year of university will be spent in England), she's on a competitive dance team that takes up about 20 hours a week just with practice plus she volunteers at the hospital.  I don't know where she would fit lessons in.  July she could do it but not right now.

[ITSA426]

When we were raising my niece I taught her to drive.  I also put her through a one day teen driving course called "StreetSmart".  It is geared at new drivers and teaches them about handling, regaining control, real life situations and a lot more.  She only needed a learners permit to take the course.  It was put on by/at Brainerd International Raceway.  She got to step outside of her comfort zone in a safe environment with a professional race driver and do a lot of the stupid things we learned on the street.  I'd recommend such a course.  Also, make her drive in all kinds of weather and, if possible, with other drivers.  They need lots of experience in all kinds of conditions.

My niece has been driving more than four years now and no accidents.  I also taught her to drive a stick shift because I think it's a basic life skill.  She hated it until she found out none of her friends or her boyfriend can drive one.  Now it's cool.  A stick shift also keeps her too busy to text and drive. 

We had the usual talk about the rules for using my cars.  We have one additional rule.  If she gets caught texting and driving she loses the car and the phone - period.  I don't mean to get long winded here but my previous wife and sixteen year old daughter were killed by a distracted driver.  Take it serious but have fun.