5 Things Every Young Driver Needs to Know

Drivers Ed is great, but doesn't cover some of the things that will surely help a young driver!

A flat tire

Start by cracking open the vehicle owner's manual, which will offer detailed wheel-changing instructions specific to the car your teen is driving. The first step will be to locate the spare tire, the jack and other tools required to change the wheel. Try out a driveway tire-changing. Pop off the wheel cover, loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car and lift off the tire.

A dead battery

Jumper cables should be required equipment for every car. Using jumper cables to start a car with a dead battery requires a second car, of course. Seek help from a friend or law enforcement officer, but never from a stranger. Again, the owner's manual will provide a jump-starting procedure specific to the vehicle.

About the only way you can screw up this process is by crossing the cables. Remember to attach the red cable clamps to the positive terminals of each car's battery (which is usually marked with a "+" sign and a red cable end), and the black clamp to the negative terminal on the donor car and, on the dead car, to an unpainted metal surface under the hood that is not a moving part. A bolt head usually works well. Start the donor car, turn off all lights and electrical accessories on the dead car, and turn the key. If nothing happens, check to see that the black cable is on a good ground on the dead car. If it's still a no-go, maybe the starter is shot. Then you call for a tow truck.

Out of gas

"E" stands for empty or "R" for re-fuel. When the low-fuel warning light comes on, it means get gas now - not after the movie. And when a young driver fails to notice the light, and the car sputters to a halt, stay with the car. This applies to any situation that causes the car to simply stop running. Get the car safely off the roadway. Turn on the warning flashers and open the hood, the international sign of driver distress. If the driver has a phone, he or she should call a friend or family member for help. If that's not an option, sit tight and wait for a police officer. The officer may place a phone call for assistance, wait with the driver until help arrives or transport the driver to a safe location. If someone she doesn't know stops and offers to help, the young driver should lock the car doors and reply that she has called the police, who are on the way. Why? Because it's hard to tell a Good Samaritan from a creep.

The fender bender

Minor accidents are par for the course with young drivers. Follow these steps:

- Make sure nobody is injured. If someone is hurt, dial 911 for help.
- Move the car out of traffic but do not leave the scene. Turn on the hazard warning lights, and then assess the damage.
- Call the police. If an adult is driving the other vehicle, he or she may try to intimidate a young driver. It's good to have an officer on hand to referee. Even if the police don't come to the scene, the accident has been reported.
- Call the parents.
- Zip your lip. Instruct your young driver to talk only to his parents, their insurance company or the police. Do not get into an argument with the other driver. Do not answer his or her questions. Do not admit fault for anything. Sit in your car and wait for the police.
- Before the other driver leaves the scene, get license plate numbers, name, phone number and address, and the name of his or her insurance company. Try to get the same from any witnesses.

Hello, Officer

For a young driver, a traffic stop can be a nerve-wracking experience.

Young drivers need to learn to scan their mirrors so they see the red lights when they are in the distance, and start to yield the right of way immediately by moving to the right. It could be an ambulance, a fire truck or a squad car. If an office wants to talk to you, they'll get behind you as you pull over. Never stop on the left side or median. Don't slam on your brakes and slow down suddenly. Hit your flashers and stay calm.

After you've come to a stop, stay in the vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out. Roll down your window when the officer approaches. Wait for the officer to ask for your license and other documents before you start digging in your purse or wallet. Keep both hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them.

The officer will tell the driver why he has been stopped, and ask for a driver's license, registration and proof of insurance. It's helpful to keep them handy. The officer will take them back to his car and check his computer.