Training Safer Teen Drivers – Wisconsin Teen Clinic
By Mark Prodoehl
The Audi Wisconsin Chapter hosts three Teen Car Control Clinics every year. Two clinics are held in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and one in Milwaukee. This article focuses on the most recent clinic held in Milwaukee on May 16th, 2026.
It was an unseasonably warm and mostly sunny day in the upper 70s. The event was held at American Family Field’s Uecker parking lot., and home of the Milwaukee Brewers. This large lot accommodates 1,933 vehicles, so it provides a great area to set up various driving exercises safely. Conveniently, there is a pavilion on one side of the parking lot where we hold classroom sessions.
We host these clinics to create safer drivers. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S., accounting for more than one in three deaths. Young people are at greater risk for traffic accidents due to one major reason—lack of experience.
Our clinic teaches the fundamentals of vehicle control during classroom sessions as well as behind-the-wheel exercises with an emphasis on:
- Driving basics and driver courtesy
- Proactive vs. reactive driving techniques
- Importance of vision
- Proper braking concepts with and without ABS
- Effects of vehicle weight transfer
- Cornering – understeer and oversteer
- Unexpected lane changes
The clinic is a full day. It starts at 8:00am and wraps up by 4:30pm. The students attend a classroom session, then participate in two driving exercises. There are four cycles of classroom and driving exercises. Lunch is provided for the students and their parents.
There are specific course requirements:
- The driver needs a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit.
- A parent or guardian must attend the clinic with the teen driver.
- We recommend the teen uses the car he or she typically drives.
- The car must be insured, in good working condition, and have good tires.
Our wet skid pad exercise simulates the slippery conditions students may encounter during rainstorms or Wisconsin winters. Students drive around a large cone-marked circle, aiming to stay within the boundaries and complete three laps. To reduce traction and make the exercise more realistic, we add four gallons of dish soap to the water!
The true benefit of this clinic is the skills development we observe throughout the day. In the morning, some teens may be disinterested because they are losing their Saturday. Some teens are very hesitant during the exercises because they have minimal driving experience. We expect this range of attitudes; however, the clinic is designed to build their confidence.
For instance, two girls who’d just received their WI Learner’s Permit were both very hesitant and cautious when they started. However, they were very diligent about participating in the classroom sessions and followed instructions during the exercises. We find that every student has an “Ah Ha moment” where they apply what they have been learning, and their confidence grows tremendously. These two had that moment during the morning and were very engaged and had fun for the rest of the day.
At the end of the day, we connect several exercises into an autocross course, and this time, the parents ride along. They are often amazed at the skills and confidence their child has developed! With consistent positive reviews from parents, the instructor team also feels rewarded for their efforts, making these clinics worthwhile for everyone.
To see this story and more, click here to access the Q3_2026 digital issue of quattro Magazine.
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