Driving tips for new and teen drivers (and how parents can help)

The first years of driving are when habits form. Good ones last.

Habits worth building from day one

• Keep a big gap. Three seconds is a good minimum, more in the wet.
• Scan ahead. Look well beyond the car in front, and check mirrors regularly.
• Eliminate distractions. Phone away, music set before you move off.
• Brake early and gently. Smooth stops are safer and calmer.
• Obey speed limits. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance.
• Never drive tired, or after drinking.

Using a score as a coach

A score gives feedback you can both talk about without it turning into a lecture. Look at the breakdown together. Which events happened? Where? What could be done differently?

Tips for parents

1. Agree on goals together. Choose a target average rather than demanding perfection.
2. Praise improvement. Notice when the average rises.
3. Avoid shaming. A bad drive is a chance to learn.
4. Share a private club. Compare scores as a family challenge.
5. Stay realistic. Scores are estimates, not a measure of safety or a replacement for experience.

Set the rules for phone use

The app should be started before the car moves, or by a passenger. Make it clear that the phone is never touched while driving.

Experience matters most

Nothing replaces supervised practice in varied conditions: night, rain, motorways and busy streets. A score is a helpful extra, not the main teacher.