PARENT - TEEN DRIVING CONTRACT

As a condition of obtaining my driver’s license, and as witnessed by my parent(s) or legal guardian(s), I hereby agree to the following rules. Failure to abide by any of these rules may result in the loss of my driving privileges for a period of time to be determined by my parent(s) or legal guardian(s):

1. I will obey all traffic laws and drive with caution and patience, observing the rules of the road as I have been taught. These laws include but are not limited to speeding and improper passing of a school bus.
2. I will safely move over to the side of the road when encountering an oncoming emergency vehicle.
3. I will always wear my seat belt while driving, as required by law. I will also make sure my passengers wear their seat belts as well.
4. For the first six months I have my license, I understand that the law may only allow me to have only one additional passenger in my vehicle under age 20 unless the passenger is a sibling.
5. Unless my parents say otherwise, my parents and I are the only people allowed to drive my vehicle. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
6. I will never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, I will never accept a ride from anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and I will never allow open alcohol or illegal drugs into my vehicle.
7. I will not make or receive cell phone calls or text messages while driving.
8. I will observe the driving curfew, which is _____ p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and ____ on Friday and Saturday. I am responsible for calculating the time it will take me to drive home and plan my evening accordingly.
9. I will not be a distracted driver. I will not play music at an excessive level, or eat food and drink beverages while I am driving my vehicle.
10. I will always be a courteous driver. I will not become impatient or angry and will not fall victim to road rage.
11. I will not throw anything out of my vehicle, as this is both illegal and dangerous to other drivers.
12. I will take every possible step to make sure my vehicle is in good operating condition. These steps include but are not limited to checking the tires, brakes, mirrors and headlights before operating the vehicle. It also includes ensuring that the front and rear license plates are properly displayed and that the vehicle registration renewal sticker is properly adhered to the rear license plate.
13. If stopped by a law enforcement officer I will conduct myself in a respectful manner. I will present to the officer my driver’s license and insurance card. I will keep my hands on the steering wheel and remain in the vehicle unless otherwise directed by the officer.
14. If I am stopped by law enforcement or issued a traffic ticket I will notify my parent(s) or guardian(s) immediately.
15. If I violate any of the rules in this contract, I understand and accept that my parent(s) have the authority to take away the car keys for a period of time to be determined by them. (For example: One week for the first rule violation, two weeks for the second rule violation, etc).
16. I understand that my parent(s) have the legal authority to take away my driving privileges up until the time I turn age 18 by contacting the Secretary of State’s office.

This contract is not a requirement for a teen to obtain a driver’s license, but solely an agreement between the parent(s) and teen driver. The contract is a recommendation from the 2006-2007 Illinois Teen Driver Safety Task Force as a way to encourage safe and responsible driving. It is an issue solely between the parent(s) and teen driver. Please visit MyTeen.com for additional details and teen driving information.

www.myteen.com