Key Points for Parents 

You play a critical role in your teen’s learning-to-drive process. Here are some important actions you can take at this stage.

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Evaluate your teen’s readiness. Talk with your teen about personal responsibility, the ability to follow rules, and any other concerns before beginning the learning-to-drive process.

Get informed. A lot has changed since you earned your driver’s license. Graduated driver licensing (GDL), driver education, license restrictions, and supervised practice driving are all part of today’s licensing process. The state of Nebraska sets parameters throughout a multi-stage licensing process for young drivers, such as times of day they can drive and how many passengers they can carry. GDL Overview

Be involved. When you’re behind the wheel, talk about what you see (road signs, pedestrians, other vehicles, etc.) that could result in the need to change speed, direction, or both. Have your teen comment, too. Be active in the learning-to-drive process: Maintain an ongoing dialogue about your teen’s driving, appropriately restrict driving privileges, and conduct plenty of supervised practice driving. Teaching Tips for Parents

Road-Ready recommends at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving.

Be a good role model. Your teen has been watching your driving habits for the last decade or so. And as your teen begins the learning-to-drive process, that focus will likely increase. So, make changes in your driving to prevent any poor driving habits from being passed on. Show that you take driving seriously.

 WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Always wear your seat belt.

  • Obey traffic laws.

  • Do not use a cell phone while driving.

  • Watch your speed.

  • Don’t tailgate.

  • Use your turn signals.

Download and fill out the Agreement

Having regular conversations about safety, practicing driving together, and leading by example go a long way in ensuring your teen makes smart decisions when they get behind the wheel.

But there’s another simple step you can take to get on the same page about your family’s rules of the road. Create a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement that puts your rules in writing to clearly set expectations and limits. Work with your teen to outline hazards to avoid and consequences for breaking rules. Keep it on the fridge and update it as your teen gains experience and more driving privileges.

Download Parent-Teen Driving Agreement