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parking lots to practice driving near me

Open Parking Lots To Practice Driving Near Me

Empty Parking Lots Near Me To Practice Driving

When a teen gets a learner’s permit (or is just beginning to drive) one of the most important things for them to do is learn in a safe environment. Feeling comfortable behind-the-wheel takes practice and one of the best ways to gain that confidence in a real-world driving environment is in big, open parking lots. Empty places free of common highway dangers allow teens time to practice their driving skills, whether that be night driving, parallel parking, or simply learning to drive better. If you are looking for parking lots to improve your driving abilities, here are the top 7 open parking lots to practice driving near you!

Top 7 Good Places To Practice Driving Near Me (For Teens)

Best open parking lots to practice driving

parking lots to practice driving near me
Empty Parking Lots Near Me To Practice Driving

Community College Campuses

Community college campuses are usually quiet and have relatively low traffic, making them a great place for beginners to practice driving. They also usually have a mix of different types of roads, including parking lots, residential streets, and larger roads, allowing for a variety of driving experiences.

Open Parking Areas At Grocery Stores

Parking lots at grocery stores are usually large and have plenty of space for practicing parking, turning, and navigating through obstacles like shopping carts and pedestrians.

Public High Schools

Can My Parents Track My Car

High school parking lots are often empty outside of school hours, making them a good place for practicing maneuvers like backing up, turning, and parking. Additionally, many high schools have driving courses marked on their lots, which can be helpful for practicing specific driving skills. Here, your teen can gain confidence with each practiced maneuver, paving the way for safe driving habits.

Head to your local public high school during off-hours; their lots are ideal for new drivers. Utilize the empty space for practicing basic skills like backing up and turning. These areas often include marked driving courses, perfect for focused skill development.

Open Parking Areas At Retail Stores (Wal-Mart)

Driving Open Parking Lot At Night

Seek out retail store parking areas, like those at Wal-Mart, for your teen’s driving practice. These lots are spacious, allowing room for a variety of driving skills to be honed. Use them during off-peak hours for the most benefit.

Guide your teen through different parking techniques and maneuvers in these open spaces. The layout is also great for practicing lane driving and understanding traffic patterns. Make sure to choose times when the store is less busy, such as early mornings or late evenings. This strategy ensures a quieter environment for your teen to learn with minimal distractions.

Industrial Areas

Industrial areas are often quiet and have relatively low traffic, making them a good place for beginners to practice driving. They may also have a mix of different types of roads, including residential streets, larger roads, and even dirt roads, allowing for a variety of driving experiences.

Locations For Sporting Events (Baseball, Football, Soccer)

Driving In Empty Parking

Look for sporting venues after hours; their empty lots offer perfect practice grounds. Here, your teen can get comfortable with the car’s controls without the pressure of traffic. Transition from basic maneuvers to more complex ones like parallel parking, using the ample space to their advantage.

As they progress, encourage practice in navigation, using lot lines and markers as guides. Aim for times when games aren’t scheduled, ensuring a quiet practice session. Consistent practice at these venues will help your teen develop a solid grasp of driving skills in a spacious, distraction-free environment.

Anywhere You Have Some Space

Any large, empty space can be a good place for practicing driving skills, including empty parking lots, industrial areas, and open fields. Just make sure to choose a location that is safe and legal to use for driving practice.

Ultimately, the best place to practice driving with your teen will depend on the specific skills they need to work on and your local area. The key is to choose a location that is safe, legal, and provides plenty of space for your teen to practice driving skills in a controlled environment.

Teen Driving Monitor

What Driving Skills Can I Work On With My Teen In An Empty Parking Lot?

Teaching your teen how to drive can be a stressful experience, but practicing in a parking lot can be a safe and effective way to help them gain confidence behind the wheel. Here are some driving tips that you can work on with your teen in a parking lot:

  • Steering control: Encourage your teen to practice steering the car at different speeds, making sure they keep their hands at the “10 and 2” positions on the steering wheel. You can also have them practice making small turns and larger turns.
  • Braking and accelerating: Have your teen practice braking and accelerating smoothly and consistently. Teach them to apply the gas pedal and brake pedal gradually and evenly, without jerking the car forward or backward.
  • Parking: Parking can be challenging, so have your teen practice parking in different spots, such as parallel parking or backing into a parking space. Make sure they use their turn signals, check their mirrors and over their shoulders, and park within the lines.
  • Scanning and situational awareness: Teach your teen to scan their surroundings while driving, checking for other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. Also, have them practice checking their mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes or backing up.
  • Basic traffic rules: Even in a parking lot, traffic rules apply. Teach your teen to obey stop signs, yield signs, and speed limits. You can also have them practice navigating through intersections and turning left and right.

Remember to take it slow and go at your teen’s pace. Encourage them to ask questions and be patient with their progress. Most importantly, always emphasize the importance of safety while driving.

What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Teen Drivers – GPS Tracking

teen gps tracking device

After a teen has completed drivers’ ed, passed their driving test, and for all intents and purposes learned how to drive, the next thing parents need to do is make sure safe driving behaviors are being utilized. GPS tracking devices help parents of teen drivers by providing them with data about how fast a teen is driving, where they are going, and more. The technology makes sure teens are following the speed limit, and are taking every driving lesson they learned in a school parking lot and putting it into practice. If you want to stop reckless teen driving, GPS tracking is one of the best ways to keep your teenage driver safe.

FAQs

Is It Okay To Practice Driving In A Parking Lot?

Absolutely! An empty lot is a great location for teen drivers or adult drivers to work on their driving skills! Having space to practice will help novice drivers feel comfortable driving doing things such as parking, turning, and understanding how a vehicle operates.

Why Are GPS Tracking Apps Not The Best For Safe Teen Driving?

As a concerned parent, you may be tempted to purchase a GPS tracking app to monitor your teen’s driving habits. However, it’s important to recognize that simply installing an app on their phone may not be the most effective solution. Teens are often glued to their phones and may find ways to outsmart the app by leaving their phone behind, claiming the battery died, or simply turning it off. If you’re serious about monitoring your teen’s driving habits, it may be better to invest in a more dynamic piece of vehicle tracking hardware.

How Are Teens Out-Smarting Parental Safety Measures Like GPS Tracking Apps?

Many parents invest in the latest technology, such as GPS tracking apps, to ensure the safety and monitor the activities of their teenage children. This stems from the common belief that teenagers can sometimes be irresponsible or make poor decisions. However, teens, being tech-savvy and resourceful, often find ways to bypass or outsmart these tracking measures. Some might turn off the GPS functionality on their devices, use alternate devices, or even employ other apps to spoof their location. It’s a constant game of adaptation between parents seeking to use technology for safety and teens navigating their growing desire for privacy and autonomy.

Hassan
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