Have your wee ones hit the landmark age of driving? Are you freaking out a little?  Well, it’s safe to say you’re not overreacting… teens between the ages of 16 and 19 years are more likely to be injured or killed as a result of motor vehicle crashes than by any other cause. 

Maybe a little special attention to their risk is warranted. Have you signed a parent/teen driving agreement with your not-so-wee one? 

Download it here: parent/teen driving agreement 

Here’s what it looks like:

I, ________________, will drive carefully and cautiously and will be courteous to other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians at all times.

I promise that I will obey all the rules of the road:

• Always wear a seat belt and make all my passengers buckle up
• Obey all traffic lights, stop signs, other street signs, and road markings
• Stay within the speed limit and drive safely
• Never use the car to race or to try to impress others
• Never give rides to hitchhikers

I promise that I will make sure I can stay focused on driving:

• Drive with both hands on the wheel
• Never eat, drink, or use a cell phone to talk or text while I drive
• Drive only when I am alert and in emotional control
• Call my parents for a ride home if I am impaired in any way that interferes with my ability to drive safely
• Never use headphones to listen to music on an mp3 player or other electronic devices while I drive

I promise that I will respect laws about drugs and alcohol:

• Drive only when I am alcohol and drug-free
• Never allow any alcohol or illegal drugs in the car
• Never accept a ride if the driver is not also alcohol and drug-free

I promise that I will be a responsible driver:

• Drive only when I have permission to use the car and will not let anyone else drive the car unless I have permission
• Drive someone else’s car only if I have parental permission
• Pay for all traffic citations or parking tickets

Complete my family responsibilities and maintain good grades at school as listed here: ____________________________________

Contribute to the costs of gasoline, maintenance, and insurance as listed here: ___________________________________________

Additional Promises: ___________________________

I agree to the following restrictions, but understand that these restrictions will be modified by my parents as I get more driving experience and demonstrate that I am a responsible driver.

• For the next _ months, I will not drive after p.m.
• For the next _ months, I will not transport more than _ teen passengers (unless I am supervised by a responsible adult).
• For the next months, I won’t adjust the stereo, air conditioning/heater or any electronic devices while the car is moving.
• For the next __ months, I will not drive in bad weather.
• I understand that I am not permitted to drive to off-limit locations or on roads and highways as listed here:___________________________
• Additional restrictions:__________________________________________

Penalties for contract violations:

• Drove after drinking alcohol or using drugs No driving for ___ months
• Got ticket for speeding or moving violation No driving for ___ months
• Drove after night driving curfew No driving for ____ weeks/months
• Drove too many passengers No driving for ____ weeks/months
• Broke promise about seat belts (self and others) No driving for ____ weeks/months
• Drove on a road or to an area that is off-limits No driving for ____ weeks/months

I agree to follow all the rules and restrictions in this contract. I understand that my parents will impose penalties including removal of my driving privileges if I violate the contract. I also understand that my parents will allow me greater driving privileges as I become more experienced and as I demonstrate that I am always a safe and responsible driver.

Signatures:

Driver: ___________________________________ Date ____

Parent promise: I also agree to drive safely and to be an excellent role model.

Parent (or guardian): _______________________ Date ____

Parent (or guardian): _______________________ Date ____

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