Parents' Role in Developing Safe Teen Drivers

Train and Monitor Teens' Driving, and Establish Rules

Parents need to train their teens on a variety of road types and in different conditions (nighttime, rain, snow). The more supervised experience, the safer the teen driver. Continue to monitor and train teens during the period of greatest crash risk — the first six to 12 months after licensure.

To minimize the risks of crashes, injuries and death, talk with your teen and establish clear and reasonable driving rules that favor safety over convenience. Follow through with consequences.

• Encourage teens to speak up when they don't feel safe when driving or riding with others.

• Agree to provide a safe ride for teens anytime it's needed. 

Parents' Role in Developing Safe Teen Drivers — Laws, FAQs and Tips

• Train teen on a variety of road types (urban, rural) and in different conditions (nighttime, rain, snow).

• Provide significant supervised driving experience for the teen — use driving skills checklist.

• Talk with teen to reinforce teen driver laws and set limits (such as passengers, nighttime driving) — use driving contract between parent and teen. 

• Continue to monitor and train teens during the period of greatest crash risk — the first six to 12 months after licensure.

• FAQs — answers for parents and teens 

 

Resources for Parents of Teen Drivers

• Teen driver state laws — nighttime and passenger limitations, cell phone use, drinking and driving, and more.

• Teen Driver Road Rules — brochure provides overview of teen driver laws, including Minnesota's nighttime driving and passenger limitations during the first year of licensure.

• Teens Behind the Wheel — brochure helps parents understand the risks associated with teen driving. Provides tools to help parents teach teens to be safer drivers. Includes a practice log and parent–teen driver contract.

• Driver's License Information — Website provides driver manuals, exam locations and more.

• Driving Contract Between Teen and Parent; and Teen Driving Skills Checklist/Practice Log