Advanced Driving Lessons – Highways
Begin by driving on highways at quieter times of the day to practice merging into traffic, staying in the lane, and using higher speeds and safe following distances.
Before heading out onto the highway, prepare your new driver for:
- Higher speeds that call for longer stopping distances
- The need to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Driving near large trucks
- Anticipating interchanges by reading signs
- Allowing a "safety bubble" of space around you, in case you need to pull off the road for another vehicle or debris
- Looking for traffic stopped or slowing ahead
Skills checklist
Have your teen master these skills while in high-speed, high-traffic conditions:
- Merging into traffic
- Identifying road signs and exits
- Toll booths
- Passing
- Maintaining proper speed
- Being courteous to others who may be trying to pass or change lanes
- Keeping a safe following distance
- Using features like the defroster, fog lights, and bright headlights.
