Lauren is 16 years old and she has just received her driver license. Her mom will allow Lauren to drive to school, soccer practice, the movies, and the mall in her first few months of driving.
Phasing Privileges for your new teen driver is the best way to acclimate your teen to different situations.
Meet with your teen in a relaxed setting, a favorite pizza place or coffee shop to discuss the privileges & responsibilities of driving.
The new driver should start out by driving alone or with one passenger to school, sports practice and events, and to friends that are close by. The parent and teen should discuss a set of expectations and sign an agreement. When your new driver freely chooses to follow the agreed upon rules, he/she should be rewarded by being allowed to go to the next level.
Congratulate your teen for completing Step 1 and discuss possible scenarios that may happen at this next stage. Additional privileges may include limited nighttime and weekend car use. Emphasize to your teen that the determination to stand up to fellow teens and not allow additional passengers, cell phone distractions, or loud music who will lead to full driving privileges.
Sign your teen up for a defensive driving class. It is the best way for your teen to identify hazardous situations on the road and respond competently.
Defensive Driving: Download Earned Privileges, A Phased Privilege Program for Teens or go to the US News and World Report article: Firm Parents Keep Teen Drivers Safe or Download Our Current Issue.
