I taught my son (and my wife) to drive with all your senses tuned in
(good reason to NOT have a radio).  In addition to looking at gauges
occasionally, get used to the normal sounds and smells and the way
your butt feels in the seat and your hands feel on the steering wheel.
 If there's a change, figure out why.

If you haven't already done so, go along with your son on a short (30
- 50 mile) road trip, just so that he's familiar with the vehicle and
he's had a chance to let the van "speak" to him.

Karl Wolz