Parent/Teen Contract

Have the Talk, Take the Pledge, Follow the Rules

Write your Parent-Teen Driver Contract now!!

What is a parent-teen driving agreement?

A parent-teen driving agreement is a formal agreement between you, the parent, and your teen driver. It outlines specific rules that parents and teens agree to follow and the consequences for breaking the rules.

Why use a parent-teen driving agreement?

Car crashes are the leading killer of teens in New York State. As a parent, you have the greatest influence over your teen’s driving. Parents who set driving rules and keep track of their teen’s whereabouts in a supportive, non-controlling manner may cut their teen driver’s crash risk in half. Setting specific rules will provide much needed limits to keep your teen driver safe. Everyone will be on the same page about your family's rules of the road.

We agree that having a parent-teen driving agreement is important to us. What should we do next?

1. Have the Talk – Have a parent teen discussion about each of the rules below. Talk about why they are important to follow as well as the consequences for breaking the rules. Familiarize yourself with the New York State - Graduated Drivers License Law. For information on the law go to GTSC's Younger Driver Resources Page.

2. Take the Pledge – Together – Teen driver and parent should check the boxes below for each of the rules that have been agreed to. Once the pledge is submitted, you will each receive an email with the details of your pledge.

3. Follow the Rules – Print out your pledge and hang it in a visible spot in your home, like on the refrigerator door. It will be a reminder of the importance of safe driving.

Parent First Name

Parent Last Name

Parent Email

Teen Driver First Name

Teen Driver Last Name

Teen Driver Email

Non-Negotiable Rules

(teen must acknowledge each rule with check)

I pledge to:

wear my safety belt at all times, when driving or riding as a passenger.

require that every passenger wear a safety belt.

have the car home by 9 pm or earlier.

always drive at safe speeds for the conditions- at or below the speed limit.

obey traffic laws.

immediately inform my parent(s) about any tickets or crashes.

Other

Please specify

I pledge to NOT:

talk on a cell phone and/or text message while driving.

drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

be a passenger in a car driven by someone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

allow alcohol or other drugs, or weapons in the car.

engage in thrill-seeking, stunts, or any form of racing.

allow anyone else to drive the car.

allow passengers, other than parents, until that privilege is given by my parents.

Other

Please specify

Parental Commitments

(Parents must check all that apply)

As Parents we pledge to:

provide and maintain a safe vehicle.

pay for driver training classes/materials.

be available to ride with you so you can fulfill your Graduated Licensing Law requirements and gain experience in a variety of conditions and locations.

be there when you need us.

pick you up or arrange for your safe transportation home, regardless of the situation or time of your call.

be role models and lead by example.

Other

Please Specify

Courtesies and Considerations

(Teen must acknowledge with Check)

I agree to:

provide my parents with my destination and time of return.

call home if I feel I will not make curfew.

not make unnecessary side trips or stops.

not drive outside of agreed upon territories or boundaries.

not eat, drink or smoke in the car.

pull over and park the car before using my cell phone, or any electronic devices.

always treat pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists with courtesy.

Other

Please Specify

Use this space to formalize any other agreements you may come to:

Date