What is a Parent/Teen
Driving Agreements

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A Parent/Teen Agreement is a written document that defines restrictions, privileges, rules and consequences for you and your teen driver. With a written agreement, parents and teens:

• Set expectations for their driving experience.
• Discuss different types of risk, gradually set parameters for increasing driving privileges, and define consequences for violating expectations.
• Have guidelines — you are able to see a plan for minimizing risk and your teen sees a road map for earning driving independence.

Why Use a Parent/Teen Driving Agreement?

Parents can use an agreement to reduce risks teens face during the first 6 to 12 months of solo driving experience. Teens can use an agreement to chart progress to full licensing with full driving privileges.

Because a written agreement sets expectations clearly from the start, it is harder for you or your teen to forget or bend the rules. It's especially helpful when a request for an exception arises. For example, "Mom, I know we said I had to have the car home at 8 PM, but can I keep it out a little longer just for tonight?"

If an exception is granted, the agreement helps ensure that it stays an exception – and does not become a new rule. Parent-teen communication is stronger because everyone is clearer about expectations and consequences.

Download our Parent/Teen driving Agreement