Only 13% of parents believe they are consistently positive role models behind the wheel for their children, according to a new survey conducted by Young Driver, the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school. With over 2,270 parents surveyed, the results reveal a startling gap in confidence among parents when it comes to demonstrating safe and responsible driving habits.
In response, Young Driver has introduced a unique driving lesson program tailored specifically for parents. These lessons aim to refresh and refine parental driving skills, helping to eliminate bad habits that could unconsciously influence young learners.
Why Parents Matter as Driving Role Models
Children often begin observing their parents’ driving long before they are old enough to hold a license. Lance Peake, a team manager at Young Driver and a driving instructor with over 15 years of experience, highlights the importance of early influence:
“From a young age, children are watching their parents behind the wheel. Many parents only start being mindful of their driving habits once their child begins learning at 17, but by then, years of subtle observation have already taken place.”
Peake notes that common behaviors, such as steering with a single hand, getting distracted by a phone, or showing impatience in traffic, can easily become normalized for children, even during something as routine as the school run.
What the Lessons Entail
Parents attending the refresher lessons will spend 30–60 minutes with qualified instructors, who will observe their driving and offer practical tips to improve technique. The sessions are designed to uncover bad habits, such as neglecting the ‘mirror, signal, manoeuvre’ sequence or improper use of gears, and provide actionable advice for safer driving.
Parents also have the option to sit in the back of their child’s Young Driver lesson. By observing the teaching methods used with their children, parents can gain insight into modern driving techniques and the latest road safety guidelines.
Top Bad Habits Learners Inherit from Parents
A separate survey of 150 driving instructors working with Young Driver identified the ten most common bad habits parents unintentionally pass on to their children:
- Neglecting ‘mirror, signal, manoeuvre.’
- Steering with one hand or crossing hands too often.
- Failing to observe surroundings adequately.
- Coasting (driving with the clutch pressed and no gear engaged).
- Speeding.
- Incorrect gear usage, such as coming down through individual gears instead of block changing.
- Failing to ‘creep and peep’ when exiting a junction.
- Riding the clutch.
- Impatience or aggression while driving.
- Following outdated myths or misconceptions about driving techniques.
The Bigger Picture
Since its inception in 2009, Young Driver has delivered over 1.4 million lessons to children aged 10–17 at more than 70 private venues across the UK. Lessons take place in dual-control vehicles with government-approved instructors, offering a safe and controlled environment for early driving education. Research has shown that this approach can significantly reduce accident rates among newly qualified drivers.
“By starting conversations about driving early and demonstrating proper habits, parents can set the foundation for their children to become safer, more confident drivers,” adds Peake.
How to Book
Parents interested in refreshing their driving skills can book a lesson at www.youngdriver.com, specifying in the notes section that the session is for a parent refresher lesson. Alternatively, bookings can be made via phone by calling 0333 577 9010.
For families already attending Young Driver lessons, one adult is welcome to sit in the back of their child’s session, providing an opportunity to learn and observe.
Setting the Right Example
As the survey reveals, only a small percentage of parents feel confident in their role as driving mentors. With initiatives like parent refresher lessons, Young Driver is empowering parents to be the role models they aspire to be, ensuring the next generation of motorists starts their journey on the right track.
