I Passed My Driver's Test! by Mark B. Levin, M.D. The Pediatric Group, P.A., Princeton

This is the nineteenth article in a series written for Princeton Online. Click here for an archive of other articles.

The American dream consists of many things. To an older teenager, it often means the freedom afforded by driving: freedom to go out; freedom to roam without constraints. The check up done at this age is an ideal time to discuss the risks and responsibilities of driving. After all, pediatricians are interested in health maintenance and automobiles are responsible for more fatalities in this country than any other cause.

Like any other physical endeavor, whether learning to tie one's shoes or holding a lacrosse stick properly, after a period of time the maneuver becomes automatic. Most of us do not even realize anymore that we are checking the dashboard indicators when we start our car. But if there is any indication of malfunction, it registers in our brain. The key is that it takes time to reach the point of automatism-- approximately 2 years. When your teen participates in a sport now, he or she no longer is thinking how to hold the equipment or how to manage the ball. (S)he is thinking about the strategy of the game--where to stand, how to execute a play. Similarly, when you drive a car, you are likely not thinking of the mechanics of which pedal to step on. You are thinking about when and by what route to arrive at your destination. You are thinking about the strategy of the game.

Teens often think that once the state grants them a license and they know how to start a car and keep it between the lane markers, that they know how to drive. Yet it is not until they master the strategy of driving that they can claim the term "driver". They readily acknowledge that in a sporting event the area of play has boundaries, that there are a limited number of players at one time and that the referees and umpires are there to ensure that the rules are obeyed.

However, they fail to understand that in the game of driving, players often transgress their boundaries (cross line and even go off of the road). There are an unlimited number of players (even uninvited players get into the game--cyclists, children, dogs, deer, moose, squirrels, etc.). The referees (police) are often not around when an infraction is committed. In addition, it seems that players are often unfamiliar with the rules. People will signal as they turn instead of before the turn, if they signal at all. Some people turn right from the left lane and vice versa. They signal right and turn left. They stop in a traffic lane to collect or let off passengers (even if the passengers are children) instead of pulling off the road out of harm's way. They will stop in a traffic lane to watch an animal on the side of the road, or worse, stop for an already-dead squirrel on the road. In sport, an infraction costs participation. In driving, it can mean death. Teens must learn that every driving experience must be approached as if an emergency will happen. (S)he must learn to anticipate trouble, rather than react to it.

Learning driving strategy also means learning to think like a driver. Teens often take affront when a parent does not allow their newly licensed child to transport or be driven by another newly licensed teen. The teen passenger is likely to talk, sing or point out someone or something, distracting the driver. (How many times have we asked our seemingly oblivious children to be quiet while we drive?). The novice driver is likely to turn his or her eyes from the road in response. Whether your teen is the driver or passenger, this circumstance invites injury or death. As much as your teen does not want you to be judgmental, this is one circumstance where (s)he must acquiesce to your decision. For it is up to you, the one ultimately responsible for your child (and the one paying the exorbitant insurance rates charged to teen drivers), to decide when your child is ready to assume this awesome responsibility. It often takes 3-4 years of driving to master the mechanics and have an adequate strategy for driving.

Like many other endeavors, driving requires focus and attention. If your child has, or is suspected of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), be sure (s)he is taking any prescribed medication before driving. Likewise, if your child is ill or tired, (s)he will not be optimally attentive. Let him or her rest and you drive. Lastly, if the road/visibility/weather conditions are not ideal, let a more experienced driver assume the driver's seat. Driving is a responsibility and a risk not to be taken lightly. As the parent, with experience and wisdom, you make the decision, and give your child the opportunity to live and learn another day.

All rights reserved, © The Pediatric Group, P.A. July, 1999

Dr. Mark B. Levin 

Dr. Levin has been a member of the staff at The Pediatric Group since 1977. Currently an attending Pediatrician at the Medical Center at Princeton, he has been Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center at Princeton, 1984 to 1986, 1989 to 1992, and past President, Medical and Dental Staff, Medical Center at Princeton, 1987 to 1988. Dr. Levin has served on numerous Departmental and hospital committees. He has published original articles both while at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and at The Pediatric Group. He has a wife and three children. Dr. Levin enjoys alpine skiing, jogging, hiking and camping, travel, computers and racquetball.