Driving Contract Between Parent and Child

Parents of new drivers often don't quite know how to help their child stay responsible at this exciting time. Making them commit, in writing, can help keep them grounded and aware of their responsibility. Using this sample contract as a guide, which is actually quite similar to a contract I had to sign when I began driving, come up with some ground rules for your new driver. In the excitement of their new found privileges, there is an excellent chance that they will take this seriously. All you have to do is enforce all guidelines set in place by the contract. If you happen to be a divorced parent, do your best to obtain support for this contract for your child's other parent as well.

*Note that **NAME** refers to the child's name, and **PARENT NAME** obviously refers to the name of one or both parents.

Contract for Safe Driving

It is recognized that in order for **NAME** to continue to be an active and contributing member of the community, he frequently requires transportation. Further, this period is a training period in **NAME**'s life so s/he can learn how to responsibly pursue his/her independence, which requires exercising that independence and making increasingly difficult decision. Therefore, parents **PARENT NAME** and **PARENT NAME** agree to provide **NAME** primary access to a **CAR MAKE AND MODEL**.

Contract participants enter into this agreement in order to define the conditions under which **NAME** may maintain driving privileges. The contract also defines the conditions under which **PARENTS NAMES** may count on **NAME** for transportation and errand assistance.

The parties agree that these conditions were formulated in order to help sustain **NAME**'s awareness of the risks to health and life that are associated with driving. The conditions also serve to remind the parents of their responsibilities in maintaining a relationship characterized by the mutual respect and two-way communications that are essential to growing up.

Conditions under which **NAME** shall maintain driving privileges:

1. S/He obeys all traffic laws and regulations.

2. S/He drives defensively.

3. As a driver and passenger, s/he always wears his seat belt; as a driver, he insists that passengers wear theirs.

4. S/He doesn't drive after consuming alcohol or other illicit substances, nor does s/he permit a passenger in the car to consume any illegal or unauthorized substance. S/He does not ride in a car in which anyone has consumed or possesses an illegal or unauthorized substance. S/He does not participate in any situation that involves reckless driving. If s/he finds himself in an alcohol or chemical-related situation, or one that involved reckless driving, and he finds that not participating will leave him without transportation, s/he will call parents any time, day or night for help.

5. S/He does not drive another vehicle, nor permit anyone to drive his/hers, except for a genuine emergency, such as illness or injury.

6. S/He keeps parents advised in his/her intended route, anticipated time of return, and any deviations or delays greater than 10 minutes.

7. S/He reports all accidents to parents and completes accident report found in glove box of car.

8. S/He maintains at least 1/2 tank of gas and routinely checks the oil level.

9. S/He willingly responds to parents request for chauffeur duty or running errands or is willing to enter into calm discussion when s/he believes the request is not reasonable.

10. S/He advises parents of any mechanical malfunctions of the car.

11. S/He keeps the vehicle clean, including the interior and exterior, weather permitting.

12. S/He maintains a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

13. S/He keeps up his regular chores at home in a timely manner.

14. S/He continues to spend regular time with his parents (and siblings, if applicable).