If you’re looking for tips for how to teach someone to drive, you’ve come to the right place. Teaching driving skills to a new learner requires patience, practice, and clear instruction. In Chicago, where heavy traffic, winter weather, and busy streets pose extra challenges, you’ll want to focus on defensive driving strategies and confidence-building from the start. This guide covers step-by-step advice, from choosing a safe practice location to handling intersections.
For personalized guidance and insurance insights, call Insure on the Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060.
How Do You Start Teaching Someone to Drive?
Begin driving lessons in a quiet, spacious area like an empty parking lot or a low-traffic street. This lets the new driver practice basic controls without pressure. Before starting the engine, review vehicle basics: explain the gauges, seat adjustment, mirror positioning, and how to use signals. Ensure everyone in the car fastens their seat belts as a reminder that safety comes first.
- Pre-Drive Checklist: Adjust the driver’s seat and mirrors, fasten seat belts, and ensure the car is in good working order.
- Start Slowly: Begin with the brake engaged, and practice gentle acceleration and braking in a safe area.
- Explain Controls: Show how to use blinkers, wipers, lights, and the emergency brake before moving the car.
As you drive, give clear instructions one step at a time. Stay calm and patient, offering encouragement and guidance after each maneuver. Avoid overloading the learner with complex information all at once. If a mistake happens, correct it calmly and remind them that every driver learns through practice.
What Driving Skills Should New Drivers Practice First?
Focus new drivers on core maneuvers step by step. First, have them practice smooth starting and stopping in a parking lot or quiet road. Teach them to come to a full stop at stop signs and to scan intersections thoroughly before moving. Emphasize the importance of using turn signals for every turn or lane change.
Next, introduce basic turns and lane changes in quiet areas. Encourage them to maintain a safe following distance (about 2–3 seconds behind other cars) and to use mirrors constantly. Always practice parking exercises early on so they get comfortable with spatial awareness. Starting with smaller tasks builds confidence for more complex driving later.
- Smooth Stops and Starts: Practice accelerating gently and coming to a controlled stop.
- Turning and Signaling: Use turn signals for every turn and check mirrors and blind spots.
- Lane Changes: Teach shoulder checks and smooth lane changes in low-traffic areas.
- Parking Maneuvers: Practice backing up, angle parking, and eventually parallel parking in open spaces.
How Can Chicago’s Road Conditions Affect New Drivers?
Chicago’s roads and weather create unique challenges for new drivers. Traffic can be heavy on expressways (like the Kennedy and Dan Ryan) during rush hour, so teach learners to stay patient in gridlock and to keep a safe space around their car. They should practice scanning for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy areas like downtown or near the lakefront. A busy city means always being alert for unpredictable actions by other drivers.
Winter weather adds another layer of difficulty. Encourage practice during calm, clear days first, but also discuss driving on icy or snow-covered roads. Show them how to brake gently to avoid skidding, and explain that following distances should be much larger on slippery surfaces. Always check the forecast before a lesson and ensure the car has good winter tires or all-season traction.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Congested highways and downtown streets require extra patience and focus.
- Pedestrians & Cyclists: Chicago has many people walking and biking; teach scanning intersections carefully.
- Wintry Conditions: Snow, ice, and slush demand slower speeds and smooth braking.
- Construction Zones: Watch for common construction areas (ramp closures, lane shifts) and adjust driving accordingly.
What Illinois Driving Rules Should New Drivers Know?
Make sure your learner understands Illinois’ graduated driver license (GDL) rules and safety laws. In Illinois, a learner’s permit is available at age 15 with parent consent, and new drivers can begin supervised driving on roads at age 16. They must hold the permit for at least 9–12 months and complete a driver education course or 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 at night) before taking the road test for a license.
Discuss state laws on safety: Illinois requires everyone in the vehicle to wear seat belts at all times. Drivers under 18 are banned from texting or using a handheld phone while driving. Also , explain the minimum insurance requirements: Illinois drivers must carry at least 25/50/20 liability coverage ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property). Ensuring your car is properly insured and legally registered is important before any lesson.
- Permit Age 15: Learners can apply for an instruction permit at 15 with parent/legal guardian consent.
- 50 Practice Hours: Illinois law requires 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night) before taking the road test.
- Seat Belt Law: Everyone in the car must buckle up on every trip, regardless of seating position.
- No Phone Use: Underage drivers cannot use a phone or text while driving, even hands-free.
- Minimum Insurance: Illinois requires 25/50/20 liability coverage; verify your policy meets these minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many supervised driving hours are required for new drivers in Illinois?
A: Illinois law requires new drivers to complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 at night) before they can take the driving test. They should log each practice hour in the state’s official driving logbook. These hours give learners the experience they need and meet Illinois requirements for a license.
Q: What is the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. Learner drivers are generally covered under the supervising adult’s policy while practicing. Carrying at least these minimum amounts of insurance helps protect everyone on the road.
Q: Where can I safely practice driving around Chicago?
A: Start in empty parking lots (like schools or churches after hours) or quiet suburban streets when traffic is low. These areas let new drivers focus on the basics without pressure from other cars. As skills improve, gradually move to busier streets or on-ramps during non-peak hours for a more realistic experience.
Q: At what age can someone start learning to drive in Illinois?
A: In Illinois, a 15-year-old can obtain a learner’s permit with parental consent and start practicing in a supervised car. By age 16, after completing driver education or a training course, they can drive on roads with a licensed adult. After meeting the practice requirements, they can take the road test for a license (typically by age 17 or 18 with restrictions).
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Insurance peace of mind is important as your new driver gains experience on the road. Insure on the Spot has Chicago-based experts who understand local driving conditions and can help tailor the right auto insurance coverage for your family. We make sure your policy meets Illinois requirements and rewards safe driving habits. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today! to protect your family on Chicago’s roads.