Teaching your teenager to drive can feel like one of the most rewarding — and nerve-wracking — parenting milestones. While professional driving lessons are essential, the role parents play in reinforcing good habits and building confidence is just as important. In NSW, including Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas, parents are often the main supervisors for learner drivers logging their hours.
Here are practical, localised tips to help you guide your teen safely and successfully on their journey to becoming a licensed driver.
1. Understand NSW Learner Driver Requirements
Before you hit the road, make sure you’re across the rules:
- Learner drivers in NSW must complete 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night.
- All driving should be logged in the Service NSW Learner Logbook (or the digital logbook app).
- Learners must always display L-plates and stick to posted speed limits — with a maximum of 90 km/h.
💡 Local tip: In Wagga Wagga, quieter roads like Bourke Street or Pearson Street are good for early practice before progressing to busier roads like Edward Street.
2. Start in Low-Stress Environments
Your teen’s first lessons should be in quiet areas with minimal traffic. Large car parks after hours or wide, low-traffic streets can help them focus on the basics without pressure.
- Avoid peak-hour traffic or school zones until their confidence grows.
- Gradually increase complexity — from suburban streets to regional highways.
3. Model the Behaviour You Expect
Teenagers learn a lot by watching you drive. Keep your own driving habits sharp by:
- Obeying speed limits.
- Avoiding distractions like mobile phones.
- Using proper signalling and safe following distances.
If you cut corners or ignore rules, your teen may think it’s acceptable to do the same.
4. Break Lessons into Manageable Segments
Avoid marathon driving sessions. Shorter, focused drives of 30–45 minutes help learners retain more and stay engaged. You can focus each session on one or two skills:
- Roundabouts
- Hill starts
- Lane changes
- Reverse parking
💡 Wagga tip: Practice hill starts on streets like Simmons Street and reverse parking around the Baylis Street shopping precinct when it’s quieter.
5. Stay Calm and Patient
It’s natural to feel anxious when supervising, but harsh reactions can make your teen more nervous.
- Use a calm tone when giving instructions.
- Give praise when they get something right — confidence is key.
- Correct mistakes with guidance, not criticism.
6. Expose Them to Different Conditions
To prepare them for the real world, learners need experience in a variety of conditions:
- Day and night driving.
- Wet weather practice.
- Rural and highway driving (e.g., Sturt Highway).
- Navigating school zones and roundabouts.
Remember, it’s better for them to experience challenging situations with you than for the first time alone.
7. Book Professional Lessons Too
While parents provide valuable practice, professional driving instructors bring:
- Structured teaching methods.
- Knowledge of the latest road rules.
- Experience preparing students for the driving test routes in Wagga Wagga.
A mix of professional lessons and supervised practice gives your teen the best chance of passing first go.
8. End on a Positive Note
Finish each session with a quick recap and encouragement. Highlight improvements before discussing areas for work next time. This keeps morale high and makes them more eager to get behind the wheel again.
🚗 Ready to Boost Your Teen’s Driving Confidence?
At Paramount Driving Academy, we specialise in teaching safe, confident drivers in Wagga Wagga and across NSW. Our instructors work hand-in-hand with parents to prepare learners for their driving test — and for a lifetime of safe driving.
📅 Book a lesson today and take the stress out of teaching your teen.