For Parents Only

Note: See files below for AEA Drive Grade Sheet

Dear Parents,

I highly recommend parents read/use “Parent's Supervised Driving Program.” See link below. This is an excellent guide for parents.

I realize that probably it has been a very long time since you took Driver Education. So please take the time to review the parent guide from Iowa DOT, the Drive Grade Sheet, and the Driver Ed Questions we go over in class. You are the primary teacher for your teen, not me. You are required (by law) to have 30 hours with your teen, I only get 6hrs. My job is to help your teen become a better and safer driver, to take them to the next level. I simply can't teach your teen everything, but you can.

The most important thing you need to do as a parent is spend time with your teen driving. You don't need to be a certified Driver Ed instructor, I am. Don't worry, just do your best, teach them basic car control and then when they are ready, get them into traffic. Again, review the AEA Drive Grade Sheet (I use the old one) and the Driver Ed Questions (I use this in class) listed below.

Note: Students need to have basic driving skills before taking this class and be able to drive in traffic the first day they drive. At the least, students should complete 20hrs supervised driving before the end of Driver Ed class. I tell my students: "Your homework is to drive every day." Even after completion of the class, parents should continue to drive with their teen and refine their skills. I do recommend a total of 50hrs of supervised driving (which is IL law). Remember, like writing an essay, the more you drive with your teen, the better driver they will become. You got this! :)

My two favorite sayings that I teach are-

>"All other drivers are stupid" Drive defensively. You are constantly scanning and looking for stupid drivers to hit you.  

>"When in doubt, wait it out." Take your time when pulling out (making L/R turn). 

And lastly, the most dangerous time for your teen is the first year. Research says this first year can be much safer if you have a "contract" with your teen. Click here for details. 

Mr. Achs

Iowa DOT info for parents: Click Here (scroll down to the bottom of the webpage)

PARENT’S SUPERVISED DRIVING PROGRAM 

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to offer the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program to new teen drivers and their parents. The goal of the program is to improve the driving experience for teens and parents, and to help them complete the supervised driving hours required to progress from an Instructional Permit to an Intermediate License (20 hours), and from an Intermediate License to a Full License (10 hours) if the driver is under age 18.

The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program guide contains guided lessons, skills, and rules of the road to help parents coach teens to be safe drivers. In addition, you can download the free app, RoadReady, to access lessons and track driving time.

Click Here for the actual PSDP program guide (pdf handout)

Parents should read and consider Consumer Reports article "How To Protect Yourself." Click here for the short article.

AEA Drive Grade Sheet, old and new version, see file below (I use the old one).

Note#1: For more info go to Iowa DOT website: Click Here

Note#2: Students need 70% or above to pass Drive #1-6.