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A teenage driver's rites of passageJun 03 '01 (Updated Jun 06 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line If you really want to show your teenage driver what it is to be a driver...read on.
A year ago, my older son got his driver's license. For him, this was considered the ultimate rites of passage...to be behind the wheel of something that only "adults" can be entrusted with, to be the king of the road, to have almost absolute control of his destination. After the usual celabratory congratulations and party, my wife and I sat him down for the real "responsibility" talk. We explained to him that to have a driver's license is one thing BUT so long as he was living under the family roof, he should consider driving...a privilege. We stressed that he has a long life ahead of him and that in time, he will get to do all the driving he wants to do. BUT for now, keep the "I need the car" requests to a minimum. We lectured him on how driving is considered not only a pleasure BUT also a responsibility...for his own personal safety, the safety of the other drivers, and OUR sanity. And finally, we drilled into him that nothing is free and that he is expected to kick in his share of the costs, primarily for gas. In the end, we made him sign a "contract" of which I am sharing below. Feel free to use this in any way you wish with YOUR teenage driver. It is understood and agreed that having a driver's license and driving a motor vehicle are privileges. Any privilege has to be earned and it must be earned on a continuing basis. This means that driving privileges may be revoked due to an infraction of the following rules: 1. Breaking the driving laws or abusing a motor vehicle can result in the loss of driving privileges even if we learn about it from another source other than the police. You never know who may be observing you. 2. You will strive to maintain your grades, conduct and attitude at the same level as when we first granted you driving privileges. 3. No one else should be allowed to drive a vehicle entrusted to you. This means you may not lend your vehicle to your friends. 4. If you are ever in a condition that might render you less than 100% competent behind the wheel of a car, PHONE US. We will come and get you. This will not result in the loss of driving privileges. 5. You are never to be a passenger in which the driver should not be driving. A call to come and get you will not result in the loss of driving privileges. If you cannot reach us, hire a taxi. We will pay for it and there will be no punishment. I have read the above and agree to abide to the about contract. (signed by teenage driver) (signed by parent) This "contract" is on the bulletin board and in clear view where he can see it and be reminded.  |
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