Develop a Parent/Teen Driving Agreement
To provide both you and your teen with a framework for setting and enforcing effective rules, it's a good idea to create a written Parent/Teen Driving Agreement. Because state laws vary on graduated driver licensing, an agreement is a great way to establish your rules in a concrete way.
According to research teens whose parents limit initial driving privileges (like driving at night or with other teenage passengers) are less likely to engage in risky driving, to get tickets, and have crashes.
A parent/teen driving agreement should include the following elements:
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Place a temporary limit on passengers under age 18, including siblings, to be gradually lifted over the course of the first 6 to 12 months of licensure.
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Place temporary limits on night-time driving, to be lifted gradually over the course of the first 6 to 12 months of licensure.
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Enforce rules that cover unsafe driving behaviors, such as all drivers in the family will use seat belts and will avoid speeding,cell phone use, and driving while intoxicated.
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Include rules about knowing where your teen is going, with whom, and when he or she will be back. Add an agreement on what to do if plans change.
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Describe the consequences for breaking any of the above points in the agreement.
As you see your teenager gain enough experience, demonstrate skills, and exercise responsibility, allow greater driving privileges over time:
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Don't lift nighttime or passenger restrictions before the first six months of licensure.
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Don't grant too many privileges at once. Gradually phase them in to keep your teen's risk low.
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If your teen is crash and violation-free for the first 6 to 12 months after licensure, start giving new privileges one at a time.
View sample parent-teen agreements and other helpful information:
