Expert advice for parents about teen driving print friendly
The Starr Group’s Parent-Child Driving Agreement
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THE STARR GROUP’S
PARENT-CHILD DRIVING AGREEMENT
The purpose of this agreement is to create a mutual understanding between a parent and a new driver. By signing
this agreement, the new driver along with parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to follow all rules and conditions set forth in
the agreement.
I, _____________________________ (the new driver) and ___________________________________
(parent/guardian) understand that bad things can happen; we can make mistakes; and spoken words can be
forgotten or misunderstood. By signing this document, we agree to follow the rules and accept the consequences
should any rules be broken; and do acknowledge the evolving nature of this contract -- that it can be reviewed
and/or renegotiated at any time between both parties.
Parent’s Signature New Driver’s Signature
PARENT/GUARDIAN PLEDGE
I understand this is a learning process and agree to be a good role model and instructor. I promise to help the new
driver learn how to drive with love, patience, support, and positive reinforcement. I will listen to the new driver’s
concerns and consider their needs. Instead of micromanaging and discouraging the new driver, I will use positive
reinforcement and encouraging feedback as my child develops the necessary driving skills at his/her own pace.
Parent’s Signature New Driver’s Signature
NEW DRIVER PLEDGE
I understand that being permitted to drive is a privilege my parent(s)/guardian(s) are giving me. Since it is a
privilege, they have the right to take it away, if they see fit, at any time. I will follow the rules of the road as well as
those set by my parent(s)/guardian(s). If I break any of these rules, I will accept the consequences that we have
agreed upon in this document.
Parent’s Signature New Driver’s Signature
2. The Starr Group Parent-Child Driving Agreement
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AGREEMENTS
“Forgetting” any part of the contract is not an acceptable excuse for breaking the contract.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
I will follow all laws while driving, including observing and complying with posted speed limits, and all rules
established by my parent(s)/ guardian(s). This is for my protection and the safety of others around me.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
I understand that the vehicle I drive is the property of my parents. Even if the car was a “gift” or my parents made
me save and pay for the car (all or in part), by law, the vehicle belongs to my parent(s)/guardian(s). Therefore, I will
only drive the vehicle when my parent(s)/guardian(s) allow.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
If, for any reason, the new driver breaks the rules, the car keys will be surrendered to the parent(s)/guardian(s)
without any argument. Refusal to surrender the car keys immediately will result in the vehicle being taken away
without exceptions. The first time the new driver breaks a rule, the driver will not be allowed to drive for ___ days.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
If the new driver’s driving privileges are taken away, and he/she drives without permission, the new driver will not
be allowed to drive for _____ days/indefinitely (strike one). If the new driver drives the vehicle without parent(s)/
guardian(s) permission, the parent(s)/guardian(s) hold the right to call the police on the new driver.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
If the new driver drives another vehicle for which parent(s)/guardian(s) have not given permission, the new driver
will not be allowed to drive for _______ days.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
If the new driver is involved in an accident, regardless of its severity, he/she will not leave the scene without
permission of the parent(s)/guardian(s) or a police officer. The new driver will call parent(s)/guardian(s) to inform
them what happened, and will call the police immediately after checking whether anyone involved was injured.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
If the new driver is stopped by a police officer, the new driver will not leave the scene without permission of the
police officer. While the vehicle is parked, the driver will ask the police officer for permission to call their parent(s)/
guardian(s) to inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of what happened.
Parent’s Initials New Driver’s Initials
3. The Starr Group Parent-Child Driving Agreement
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HOUSE RULES
If any of the following rules are broken, it will result in the suspension of driving privileges as stated in the
following section.
PERMISSION TO DRIVE
The new driver is required to ask parent(s)/guardian(s) for permission to operate the vehicle each time they want
to drive it. Exceptions to this rule are regular, previously-agreed upon trips (to and from school/work). Any other
trips must be discussed with parent(s)/guardian(s) before leaving. The new driver will contact parent(s)/
guardian(s) to inform where they are and where they will be going. No unscheduled stops are allowed.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
CURFEW IN EFFECT
The new driver may not drive after _____ p.m. The new driver must be home before this time or ask permission
from a parent(s)/guardian(s) before leaving the house.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
PASSENGERS
The new driver will not be allowed to have any passengers without permission from parent(s)/guardian(s).
Allowed passengers include:
AREAS OFF LIMITS TO THE NEW DRIVER
The new driver will not drive in any of the following areas until they are more experienced and have demonstrated
compliance with this contract. For the time being, the following roads or areas are to be avoided:
This portion of the contract will be reviewed on ____/____/____ and these areas can be
adjusted accordingly.
NO ONE ELSE WILL DRIVE THE VEHICLE
The new driver will not allow anyone to operate the vehicle without parent(s)/guardian(s) permission on each
occasion.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
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MUSIC
Until ___/___/____ the new driver will not have any music or radio playing without the parent(s)/guardian(s) in
the vehicle.
After this date, the new driver may choose to listen to music while operating the vehicle, however he/she will not
make any changes to the music (volume/station change/etc.) while driving. If any changes need to be done, the
new driver will pull over and make the adjustments while the car is in park.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
CELLPHONE USE
The new driver is not allowed to use a cellphone while driving for any reason. If the new driver needs to use the
phone for any reason, the new driver will pull over and park in a safe location and use the phone.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS
The new driver will slow down as needed to drive safely and maintain control of the car due to weather and road
conditions. The new driver will contact parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss weather and road conditions or to ask for a
ride if it is unsafe for the new driver to continue.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
EMOTIONAL CONTROL
The new driver will not drive when distracted, upset, or angry because it will affect their judgement and
attentiveness. If the new driver is upset for any reason, they will ask parent(s)/guardian(s) for a ride.
The parent(s)/guardian(s) understand that discussing the new driver’s feelings while emotional can be difficult and
will respect the new driver’s privacy until the new driver is calm and ready to talk.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
VEHICLE CARE
The new driver will keep the vehicle clean and well-maintained (gas, windshield fluid, oil, anti-freeze).
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
PASSENGER BEHAVIOR
The new driver will not allow their passengers’ behavior to be a distraction.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
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SEATBELT USE
The new driver will wear a seatbelt at all times and require all passengers in the car to use their seatbelts before
operating a vehicle.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
PASSENGERS MUST ASK THEIR PARENTS’ FOR PERMISSION
If the new driver is required to transport one of his/her friends to a location and the new driver has permission
from his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), the new driver will require the friend to ask permission from their parent(s)/
guardian(s).
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
NO SMOKING
Smoking will not be allowed in the vehicle at any time.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
EATING AND DRIVING
The new driver will not eat while driving. If hungry, the new driver will find a safe place to park the car and eat if
necessary.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
DRIVING IN A RUSH
The majority of crashes occur when a driver is in a hurry. For the safety reasons, it is the new driver’s responsibility
to leave for appointments in a timely manner. If Parent(s)/Guardian(s) feel the new driver is running late, they
have the right to temporarily deny the new driver driving privileges. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) remind the new
driver to leave so that the new driver will arrive 15 minutes before the appointment, the new driver must leave at
least 15 minutes before the appointment. If the new driver is unable to meet this timeframe, parent(s)/guardian(s)
will try to provide alternative options.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
ATTENTION WHILE DRIVING
While operating a vehicle, the new driver will not do things that distract their attention from the road. These
activities include, but are not limited to: grooming (combing hair, applying makeup, shaving, dressing); searching
backpack or purse; changing radio stations or otherwise manipulating the stereo; using a mobile device (talking or
texting); eating food or drinking beverages.
Failure to keep this rule will result in ______ days/ month of driving privileges.
6. The Starr Group Parent-Child Driving Agreement
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TICKETS AND MOVING VIOLATIONS
Any ticket (parking or moving violation) will result in the suspension of the new driver’s driving privileges for a
period of time set by the parent(s)/guardian(s) at the time of the offence. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are not
responsible to pay fines incurred by the new driver.
IN CAR SUPERVISION
The parent(s)/guardian(s) reserve the right to insist on additional supervision while the new driver is driving. This
can be in response to a ticket, accident, or to review driving skills development.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The new driver agrees to their parent(s)/guardian(s) financial responsibility and contribution for the car as stated
below:
FAMILY OBLIGATION
As a condition to use the vehicle, the new driver agrees to provide transportation to any family member at the
request of parent(s)/guardian(s). Family obligations will be considered priority, and every effort to cooperate will
be made to accommodate everyone.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The new driver will drive safely and responsibly. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) will take into consideration general
responsibilities (i.e. school work, household chores, employment) and determine the level of satisfaction to which
the new driver is performing. The new driver will maintain a level of respect in/outside of the home as the new
driver’s action is a reflection of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
The new driver has the right to ask parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide clear explanations of rules and goals, as well as
the expectations to be quantified and measured to ensure each metric is successfully being met.
AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONTRACT
Contract can be amended as deemed necessary by the parent(s)/guardian(s). Contract Amendments will be
discussed between parent(s)/guardian(s) and the new driver before any Amendments will be enforced. The new
driver understands and agrees that by following the rules set forth on an ongoing basis, the rules can become
more relaxed, however failure to comply with the rules can result in stricter rules and consequences.
7. The Starr Group Parent-Child Driving Agreement
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COMPLETE LOSS OF ALL DRIVING PRIVILEGES
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: PRESENCE AND USE
ALCOHOL USE
While the new driver has possession of the car keys, he/she will not drink alcohol, whether or not they themselves
will drive the vehicle.
DRUG USE
The new driver will not operate any vehicle while under the influence of a drug (legal or illegal) that could impair
the ability to drive. If the new driver needs to travel while under the influence of medication, the new driver will
work with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to arrange alternative transportation ahead of time.
The use of any illegal drug is prohibited regardless if the new driver will drive or not.
OTHER DRIVERS AND ALCOHOL/DRUG USE
The new driver will not ride as a passenger of any driver who has used alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) that impair
the ability to drive. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be available to pick up the new driver at any location or to arrange
for another responsible adult to pick up the new driver.
NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS IN THE VEHICLE
The new driver will not allow any alcohol or illegal drugs in the vehicle at any time. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will
hold the new driver responsible for any alcohol or drugs found in the vehicle regardless if the items belong to the
new driver, a passenger, or any other person not in the vehicle.
RECKLESS DRIVING
The new driver will only use the car for transportation purposes. The new driver will not drive recklessly or part
take in any racing behavior or any “stunts” that involve the new driver or the vehicle.
SEATBELT USE
The new driver must wear their seatbelt correctly whenever the keys are in the ignition.
All passengers are required to wear their seatbelts at all times, regardless of whether they are seated in the front
or the back seats.
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ENCOUNTERS WITH THE POLICE, AND INFORMING PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) OF CRASHES
PROMPT NOTIFICATION
The new driver will promptly inform parent(s)/guardian(s) about all crashes, tickets, and encounters with the
police.
CRASH PROCEDURE
In the event of a crash, the new driver will:
check if anyone involved in the incident was injured;
call the police to report the incident;
call parent(s)/guardian(s) while waiting for the police to arrive at the scene of the incident;
exchange information with the other driver involved (i.e., name, address, phone number,
insurance information, photos of the accident).
BEING STOPPED BY THE POLICE
If the new driver is stopped by the police for any reason, the new driver will remain respectful of authority. After
pulling over and providing the police officer with driver’s license and proof of insurance, the new driver must ask
the police officer when they can contact their parent(s)/guardian(s) inform them of what happened. The new
driver must contact parent(s)/guardian(s) while parked and the vehicle is not moving.
WEAPONS
The new driver will not drive with weapons of any kind in the vehicle whether they belong to the new driver or
someone else. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will hold the new driver responsible for any weapons found in the vehicle
whether or not the item(s) belong to the new driver.
