New teenage drivers and their parents expect a lot from each other. Parents want their son or daughter to show responsibility, follow the rules and stay safe. Teens want their parents to teach them to drive and and help them get a drivers license.
Both sides will need to come to an agreement on how this dangerous-yet-amazing thing (driving!) is going to fit into their lives. What should a loving, trusting, tight-knit family do to make this a reality?
Get it in writing.
It may sound overly formal to have a contract regarding driving and vehicle maintenance, but it’s actually a great way to make sure everybody is on the same page. If young drivers know which rules they have to follow and what the consequences will be for breaking them, the result is usually safer driving (and less stressed out parents).
The contract spells everything out in black and white so that the parent isn’t the bad guy and the teen driver isn’t micromanaged. If your teen is following the rules of the contract it’s a clear indicator they’re taking their new responsibility seriously and may be ready for more freedom. But if the rules are clearly being broken it could be an indicator that more training is needed.
But a contract works both ways. As a parent/driving instructor you have to follow the rules you set yourself. You have to serve as a good example at all times. If not you’ll be in breach of contract, and your kid may just call you out on it.
Don’t worry -- Aceable has written a sample Driving Contract that’s 98% free of legal lingo. Add or change the terms to fit your family’s budget, values and boundaries with lists of bullet points that are easy to read.
Going Through Parent-Taught Drivers Ed? Get a Contract Now
A parent-teen driving contract is particularly beneficial when a new driver is going through parent-taught drivers ed online. You want to make things seem more formal in this scenario, because the teen driver isn’t going to a driving school. They may feel like they can slack off when there isn’t an outside instructor involved.
The driving contract puts them on notice that they need to take the instruction seriously. You can even create a contract specifically for drivers ed and behind-the-wheel training. This type of contract sets clear expectations for both the student driver and the parent instructor as you work your way through the licensing phases.
You could even decide to break the contract down into sections based on the steps required to get a license. There can be a section for:
Classroom/online education
Learners permit requirements
Behind-the-wheel training
Driving exam requirements
Using this method can help keep the student and instructor focused on what matters most in the moment.
Example Parent-Teen Driving Contract
Don’t think you have time to write up a parent-teen driving contract? Of course you don’t. That’s exactly why we’ve done most of the work for you! Use the contract below as a basis for creating your own version that works for your family.
Parent-Teen Driving Contract
The purpose of the following terms and conditions is to define the responsibilities of both the parent(s) and teenager related to driving and vehicle ownership.
Parent(s) Agree to:
Purchase or provide a vehicle for the purpose of driving instruction. Once the teenager is licensed the vehicle can be used for personal use. This car will remain officially owned by the parent(s) but will be used on a day-to-day basis by the teenage driver.
Allow teenager to borrow the family vehicle with permission.
Cover regular vehicle maintenance costs for as long as the young driver is in school. Examples of regular maintenance includes but is not limited to:
Brake repairs
Tire rotation/replacement
Oil changes
Radiator and transmission flushes
Arrange for car insurance under the family's policy.
Provide a sober ride home upon request and not punish the teen for drinking in exchange for him or her making the safe choice not to drink and drive.
Teen Driver Agrees to:
Use safe driving practices and follow all traffic laws.
Wear a seatbelt during every drive and insist passengers do the same.
Follow the terms of the provisional license, including:
Not driving with more than one passenger who is under age 21 and not a family member.
Not driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless it is necessary for attending work or school activities or in case of emergencies.
Not drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Never use a cell phone, including hands-free devices.
Never text while driving.
Drive mindfully to minimize wear-and-tear on the vehicle.
Report any unusual sounds, warning lights or suspicions of car problems promptly.
Check the tire pressure every month.
Practice changing a tire and checking the oil at least once a month.
Never drive after using alcohol or drugs.
Never ride with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pay for any traffic tickets and any increase in car insurance costs resulting from violations.
Keep the interior and exterior of the car clean.
Provide rides to sibling(s) at the parent’s request.
Never give rides to passengers not approved by a parent.
Not drive when sleep deprived or upset.
Not turn the music up too loud to hear noises from the street or the car.
Not let anyone borrow the car without parent(s) permission.
Maintain satisfactory grades and attendance at school.
Fulfill all household responsibilities.
Not drive in severe weather conditions.
Penalties for Failure to Adhere to Contract
The second part of the contract is outlining penalties for failing to adhere to the contract. It should work just like any other contract in the real world. Failure on the teen driver’s part to comply with any of the terms listed above may result in the vehicle or driving privileges being taken away. Penalties may last for any period of time deemed fit by the parent(s).
*This article was updated on 3/5/21.