Getting a driver’s license is a big step toward independence for teens — and a big shift for families. It’s also one of the riskiest times in a teen’s life. Inexperience, distractions, and peer pressure can increase the chance of serious accidents, especially in the first year of solo driving. That’s why parental involvement remains key, even after a license is earned.
Helping teens become safe drivers means setting clear expectations, modeling good habits, and staying involved in their learning process. It’s not just about rules — it’s about building their confidence and judgment on the road.
Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Practice driving together in a variety of settings and weather conditions Spend time driving with your teen during the day and at night, in rain and sun, on highways and local roads. These experiences help build confidence and prepare them for real-world scenarios.
Talk about distractions and the importance of staying focused – Have honest conversations about the dangers of texting, scrolling, or even talking to passengers while driving. Encourage your teen to keep their phone out of reach and stay alert behind the wheel.
Set clear rules around curfews, seatbelts, and phone use – Make your expectations known from the start and explain why these rules matter. For example, insist on seatbelt use every time and avoid late-night driving, when crash risk is higher.
Use a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement to set expectations and consequences – Writing things down helps reduce confusion and reinforces accountability. Many templates are available online to guide conversations and make agreements feel collaborative rather than punitive.
Talk about distractions and the importance of staying focused – Have honest conversations about the dangers of texting, scrolling, or even talking to passengers while driving. Encourage your teen to keep their phone out of reach and stay alert behind the wheel.
Set clear rules around curfews, seatbelts, and phone use – Make your expectations known from the start and explain why these rules matter. For example, insist on seatbelt use every time and avoid late-night driving, when crash risk is higher.
Use a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement to set expectations and consequences – Writing things down helps reduce confusion and reinforces accountability. Many templates are available online to guide conversations and make agreements feel collaborative rather than punitive.
Helpful Resources
Massachusetts RMV – Junior Operator License Info outlines the specific rules and restrictions for teen drivers under 18 in Massachusetts, including curfews, passenger limits, and penalties for violations.
CDC – Teen Driver Safety: Prevention offers evidence-based tips for preventing crashes among teen drivers, including key risk factors like inexperience, speeding, and nighttime driving, along with guidance for families on how to reduce those risks.
AAA Teen Driving provides tools to help families through the learning-to-drive process, from supervised practice tips to evaluating readiness for solo driving.
Drive It Home – National Safety Council features real-world advice, videos, and weekly practice lessons for parents of new drivers, focused on building skills and reducing crash risks.
CDC – Teen Driver Safety: Prevention offers evidence-based tips for preventing crashes among teen drivers, including key risk factors like inexperience, speeding, and nighttime driving, along with guidance for families on how to reduce those risks.
AAA Teen Driving provides tools to help families through the learning-to-drive process, from supervised practice tips to evaluating readiness for solo driving.
Drive It Home – National Safety Council features real-world advice, videos, and weekly practice lessons for parents of new drivers, focused on building skills and reducing crash risks.
