Creating a family contract with your teenage new driver

To create a family contract, use and adapt the sample and blank family contracts to set expectations and responsibilities for driving as well as consequences for breaking rules for you and your new teen driver.

Family contracts are effective in setting expectations and responsibilities. By providing specific rules and restrictions, this removes misinterpretation. Once you've identified your house rules, discuss them with your teen to complete the family contract. Decide together what the consequences should be if you or your teen breaks the rules.

Here is sample contract for you and your teen to use and adapt:

• Sample family contract (PDF)

Discussion points for the family contract to encourage safe driving

• Be open to negotiation on some points
• Be firm on those rules that are important to you
• Limit or prohibit driving until your teen signs the contract
• Ensure both parents are in agreement with rules
• Be sincere in meeting your contract terms
• Determine how often you will review the contract