skip to main content
Travelers Home Page
  • About Travelers
  • Careers
  • For Agents
  • For Investors

Problems logging in?   |   Register now

  • Home
  • For Individuals
    • Products
      • Car
      • Home
      • Renters
      • Condo
      • Boat & Yacht
      • All Products
      • Get a Quote
    • Tools & Resources
      • Insurance 101
      • Home Central
      • Travelers Garage
      • Get a Quote
    • Online Service
    • Get a Quote
  • For Business
    • Products & Solutions
      • Boiler & Machinery
        • Boiler & Machinery Risk Control
        • Boiler Reinsurance
        • Equipment Breakdown Coverage
      • Commercial Auto & Trucking
        • Commercial Auto for Public Sector
        • Northland
        • Oil & Gas Auto
        • Small Business Auto
      • Cyber
        • CyberFirst Essentials
        • Cyber for Public Entity
        • CyberFirst for Technology
        • CyberRisk
      • Environmental Liability
      • Excess Casualty & Umbrella
        • Excess Casualty
        • Northfield
        • Oil & Gas EnergyPro Excess Casualty & Umbrella
        • Small Business Umbrella
      • General Liability
        • EnergyPro Control of Well
          • Well Control Services
        • EnergyPro General Liability Oil & Gas
        • General Liability for Public Sector
        • Law Enforcement Liability
        • MedFirst
        • Owners & Contractor Protective Liability
        • Railroad Liability
      • Global Insurance
        • Controlled Master Program
        • Global Companion
        • Global Technology
      • Inland Marine
        • Construction
          • Builders Risk
          • Contractors' Equipment
          • Installation
        • Inland Renewable Energy
        • Museums & Fine Art
        • Special Investigations Group
        • Transportation, Cargo & Logistics
      • Management & Professional Liability
        • Directors & Officers
        • Employment Practices Liability
        • ERISA Fidelity
        • Errors & Omissions
          • Accountants Professional Liability
          • Design Professional Liability
          • Legal Professional Liability
          • Miscellaneous Professional Liability
          • Professional Liability for Financial Institutions
          • Real Estate Professional Liability
        • Fidelity & Crime
        • Fiduciary Liability
        • Financial Institution Bonds
        • Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement
        • Kidnap & Ransom
        • Non-profit Directors & Officers
        • Public Entity Employment Practices
        • Public Entity Management Liability
      • National Programs
        • Contact Us
      • Ocean Marine
        • Luxury Yacht
        • Marine Contractors
        • Marine Service Suppliers
        • Marine Transportation Providers
        • Ocean Cargo
      • Property
        • National Property
        • Oil & Gas
        • Public Entities
        • Technology
        • Travelers Deluxe Property
      • Small Business Owner's Policy
      • Surety Bonds
        • Commercial Surety
          • Owner Obligee
          • POA Verify
          • Travelers Click
          • What is a Surety Bond
        • Contract Surety
          • Owner Obligee
          • POA Verify
          • What is a Surety Bond
      • Workers Compensation
        • Oil & Gas Workers Compensation
        • Public Sector Workers Compensation
        • Small Business Workers Compensation
    • Industries
      • Agribusiness
        • Farm & Ranch
        • Horse & Stable
        • Winery & Vineyard
      • Architects, Engineers & Surveyors
      • Auto & Truck Dealers
      • Business Services
        • Building Services Contractors
        • Legal
        • Printing & Publishers
      • Construction
        • Bridge
        • Concrete
        • Electrical
        • Excavation
        • Fire Sprinkler
        • General Contractors
        • Highway, Street & Road
        • Masonry
        • Millwright
        • Plumbing
        • Tile
        • Utility
      • Education
        • Public Schools
      • Energy & Renewable
        • LP Gas Distributors
        • Oil and Gas
        • Solar
        • Wind
      • Equipment Dealers
      • Financial Institutions
        • Asset Management Firms
        • Banks & Diversified Financial Institutions
        • Insurance Companies
        • Property & Casualty for Financial Institutions
      • Food Services
        • Restaurant
        • Winery
      • Health & Related Services
        • Healthcare
        • Medical Technology
      • Hospitality & Recreation
        • Golf
        • Hospitality
      • Manufacturing
        • Craft Breweries
        • Electrical Equipment
        • Food Products
        • High Hazard
        • Metal
        • Mineral
        • Plastics & Rubber
        • Textiles
        • Wood
      • Marine Industries
      • Museums & Fine Art
        • Fine Art
        • Museums
      • Non-profit
      • Oil and Gas
        • Drilling Contractors
        • Industry Suppliers
        • Manufacturers
        • Midstream Companies
        • Operators & Non-Operators
        • Service Contractors
        • Oil & Gas Risk Control
      • Public Entities
        • Indian Nations
        • Municipalities
        • Public Schools
        • Transit Authorities
        • Water & Sewer
      • Real Estate
        • Real Estate Professionals
        • Real Estate Owners
        • Community Homeowners Association
      • Retail
      • Technology
        • Electronics
        • Global Technology
        • Information Technology
        • Medical Technology
        • Telecommunications
      • Transportation
        • Inland Marine - Cargo & Logistics
        • Commercial Transportation
        • Northland - Owner/Operators/Fleet
      • Wholesale & Distribution
    • Services
      • Premium Audit
      • Claim
      • Online Customer Tools
      • Risk Control
        • Education and Training
        • Industrial Hygiene Laboratory
          • About the Lab
          • Core Lab Services
          • Industrial Hygiene Training
          • Instructional Videos
          • Travelers Policyholder Services
        • Our People
          • Risk Management Success Story Videos
        • Risk Management News and Insights
        • Risk Management Solutions
        • Risk Management Specialization
          • Commercial Fleets
          • Equipment Breakdown
          • Ergonomics Consulting Services
          • Fire Protection
          • Inland Network Risk Control Services
          • Product Safety and Liability
          • Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention
        • The Way We Work
      • Risk Management Information Services
        • Contact RMIS
        • e-Carma
      • Travelers Client Advantage
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Small Business
      • Automobile Insurance
      • Business Owner's Policy
      • Data Breach
      • Employment Practices Liability
      • Professional Insurance
      • Umbrella Insurance
      • Workers Compensation Insurance
        • Workplace 2.0
    • Large Business
      • Casualty
      • Cyber
      • Management & Professional Liability
      • Property
        • Customized Property Coverage
        • Excess Property Market
        • Global Property Coverage
        • Specialty Market Programs
    • Multinational Business
    • Insights & Expertise
  • Claim
    • Report A Claim
    • Should I File a Claim?
    • Roadside Assistance
    • Auto Glass & Windshield Repairs
    • Check Claim Status
    • Find Claim Service Providers
    • Support for Individuals
      • Auto Support
        • ConciergeCLAIM
        • Roadside Assistance
        • Total Loss
        • Understand Your Estimate
      • Home & Condo Support
        • Condo
        • Depreciation
        • Loss of Use
        • Understand Your Estimate
      • Renters Support
        • Depreciation
        • Understand Your Estimate
      • Boat & Yacht Support
      • Umbrella Support
    • Support for Business
      • Auto Support
        • ConciergeCLAIM
        • Total Loss
        • Understand Your Estimate
      • Property Support
        • Business Income Coverage
        • Calculating Coinsurance
        • Depreciation
        • Understand Your Estimate
      • Workers Comp Support
        • State Resources
        • Find a Workers Comp Office
      • General Liability Support
        • Products Liability
      • Specialized Industries & Risks
    • Catastrophe Response
    • Customer Stories
  • Prepare & Prevent
    • Featured
    • Business
      • Business Continuity
        • Business Continuity Planning in 4 Steps
        • Business Risk Assessment
        • Employee Communication & Safety
        • Why is Business Continuity Important?
      • Cyber Security
        • 3 Steps for Data Assessment, Inventory & Classification
        • 4 Steps to Help Manage a Data Breach
        • 5 Ways to Help Protect Your Company’s Data
        • 9 Key Elements of a Data Security Policy
        • 11 Steps to Help Protect Your Business from Cyber Extortion
        • Anatomy of a Main Street Hack
        • Crisis Communications Planning for a Data Breach
        • Cyber Risk Pressure Test
        • Cyber Security Training for Employees
        • Data Management Tips for Business Continuity
        • Developing a Data Breach Incident Response Plan
        • How Digital Forensics Detectives Investigate a Data Breach
        • How Does a Data Breach Happen
        • Network Security Tips & Guidelines
        • Password Security Tips
        • Top 5 Cyber Risks For Businesses
        • What is a Data Breach Coach
      • Driver and Fleet Safety
        • 4 Steps to Help Identify Your Safest Drivers
        • 4 Summer Driving Hazards to Be Aware Of
        • 8 Elements of a Fleet Safety Program
        • Commercial Vehicle Compliance Regulations
        • Creating a Formal Fleet Seat Belt Policy
        • ELD Mandate Can Help Foster Adoption of Telematics Programs
        • Encouraging Driver Health & Wellness
        • Fleet Maintenance Planning
        • Is Your Distracted Driving Policy Working?
        • Keeping Drivers Safe in Dangerous Conditions
        • Tips for Selecting Safe Drivers for Your Business
        • Vehicle Telematics Program Guidelines
      • Facilities Management
        • Building a Commercial Roof Inspection Plan
        • Commercial Boiler Maintenance
        • Fire Detection Systems
        • Fire Hazards in the Workplace
        • How to Help Protect Against Roof Collapse
        • Premises Security and Liability
        • Preventing Frozen Pipes for Businesses
        • Property Loss Prevention Plan
        • Tips to Help Prevent Roof Collapse
        • Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems
        • Vendor Risk Management Guidelines
      • Industries
        • Construction
          • 5 Key Questions for Developing a Sound Lift Plan
          • Construction Risk Management
          • Construction Skilled Labor Shortages
          • Do You Have a Contractual Risk Transfer Program?
          • Finding an Effective Construction Subcontractor
          • Going Beyond OSHA's Minimum Standards for Crane Safety
          • How to Onboard Construction Workers
          • Mitigating Construction Defects with a Quality Control Program
          • Preparing Your Construction Site for Severe Weather
          • Protecting Your Construction Site from Fire, Water and Theft
          • Staying Safe Around Heavy Equipment
          • Types of Construction Defects
          • What Are Roles and Responsibilities During Crane Operations?
        • Manufacturing
          • 3 Steps to Help Attract and Retain Skilled Manufacturing Talent
          • Is Your Manufacturing Supply Chain Vulnerable to Disruption?
          • Metals Manufacturing Trends
          • Plastics Manufacturing Trends
          • Supply Chain Bottleneck Management
          • Top Causes of Manufacturing Injuries
        • Small Business
          • Small Business Saturday Preparedness
        • Technology
          • Defending Your Supply Chain from Counterfeit Electronic Parts
          • How High-Tech Manufacturers Can Prepare for Global Risks
          • How to Help Protect Your Intellectual Property
          • Managing Your Intellectual Property
          • Reduce Risk from Wearables
          • Safely Managing E-Waste
          • The Risks of BYOD
      • Product and Services Liability
        • 5 Steps for Product Liability Risk Management
        • Inside a Products Liability Claim
        • Manufacturers, Do You Understand Your Products Liability Risks?
        • Preparing for a Manufacturing Products Liability Claim
        • Product Life Cycle Risk Management
        • Risk Transfer Guidance for Agribusiness
        • Two Types of Liability
      • Risk Index
        • 2016 Travelers Risk Index
        • 2016 Business Risk Industry Charts
        • 2016 Consumer Risk Key Findings and Charts
        • 2016 Travelers Risk Infographic
        • Travelers Business Risk Index: Past Reports
        • Travelers Consumer Risk Index : Past Reports
      • Supply Chain Management
        • 5 Tactics Cargo Thieves Use and How to Help Prevent Them
        • Counterfeit Parts Detection
        • Global Supply Chain Management Tips
        • Helping Protect Your Cargo While in Transit
        • How Well Do You Understand Your Cargo Theft Threats?
        • Supply Chain Inventory Management Backup Planning
        • Supply Chain Management Tips
        • Supply Chain Pressure Test
        • Where is Your Supply Chain the Most Vulnerable?
      • Workplace Safety
        • 6 Behavioral Interviewing Tips
        • Best Practices for Developing a Fire Safety Plan
        • Cold & Flu Prevention in the Workplace
        • Creating a More Resilient Workforce
        • Creating a Safety and Wellness Culture in Your Company
        • Creating a Safety Culture in the Workplace
        • Ergonomics for the Road Warrior
        • Ergonomics in the Mobile Office
        • Ergonomics in the Modern Office
        • Guide to Ergonomics in the Workplace
        • Helping Employers Manage a Safer Workforce
        • Holiday Safety for Businesses
        • How to Adjust Your Desk Chair and Workstation
        • How to Attract the Right Job Candidates
        • How to Onboard and Train Employees into a Safety Culture
        • Injury Management Strategy and Planning
        • Is Distracted Walking on the Job a Hazard?
        • Ladder Safety Tips
        • Protecting Against Slips Trips and Falls During Winter
        • Slips, Trips, and Falls
        • Space Heater Safety in the Workplace
        • Stay Warm During Severe Cold Weather
        • The Modern Office Brings Emerging Risks
        • Tips for Creating a Safety Management Program
        • Workforce Pressure Test
        • Workplace Emergency Action Planning
    • Individuals
      • Boating
        • Boating Safety Tips
        • Developing a Storm Preparedness Plan for Your Boat
        • Emergency Preparedness Tips and Checklist for Boaters
        • How to Help Prepare Your Boat for Spring
        • How to Help Prevent Your Boat from Sinking
        • How to Help Trailer, Tow and Launch Your Boat Safely
        • Three of the Most Dangerous Boating Conditions
        • What Should I Do if My Boat is Damaged?
      • For Drivers
        • Distracted Driving
          • Distracted Driving Statistics
          • What Is Distracted Driving?
        • Safe Driving
          • 5 Tips to Choose a GPS
          • Car Safety Technologies that May Save Your Life
          • Distracted Driving Quiz
          • Do I Need Snow Tires?
          • Driver's Ed Quiz
          • Driving in Fog Safely
          • Driving in Heavy Rain & Wind
          • Driving in Icy Conditions
          • Driving in Tornado and Hail Conditions
          • Drowsy Driving Statistics and Facts
          • How Crumple Zones Work
          • How to Help Winterize Your Car
          • Keeping Your Passengers Safe on the Road
          • Share the Road
          • Shopping for a Safe Car
          • Spring Driving Tips
          • The Science Behind Winter Driving
          • The Science of Car Crashes
          • The Science of Traffic Patterns
          • Tips for Handling a Tire Blowout
          • Tips to Check Tire Tread
          • Winter Driving Quiz
          • Winter Driving Safety Tips
          • Winter Driving Survival Kit Infographic
          • Work Zone Traffic Safety
        • Teen Driving Safety
          • 5 Teen Texting and Driving Tips
          • Apps to Help Keep Your Teen Driver Safe
          • A Timeline for Getting Your Teen Driver on the Road Safely
          • Choosing Safe Cars for Teens
          • Driving Safety Talk for Teens
          • Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe
          • Parent Teen Coaching Guide
          • Teen Driving Statistics
        • Traveling
          • 3 Second Rule for Safe Following Distance
          • Car Rules for Passengers
          • How to Pack a Car Safely
          • How to Protect Your Car From Theft
          • Summer Driving Tips
          • Truck Zone Safety
          • What to Do If You Are in a Car Accident
          • What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down
      • For Households
        • Fire Safety
          • Electrical Safety in the Home
          • Fireplace Safety and Maintenance
          • Help Prevent Common Household Fires
          • Help Prevent Cooking Fires
          • Holiday Fire Safety Tips [Infographic]
          • How to Create a Fire Evacuation Plan
          • How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
          • Kitchen Fire Safety
          • Pellet Stove Safety Tips
          • Space Heater Safety
          • Types of Fire Extinguishers
          • Wood Stove Safety Tips
        • Home Maintenance
          • Call Before You Dig
          • Fall Maintenance Tips
          • How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
          • How to Help Prevent Water Damage
          • Protecting Your Home from Storm Water Damage
          • Spring Maintenance Tips
          • Summer Home Maintenance Tips
          • Sump Pump Maintenance
          • Tree Maintenance and Care
          • Winter Home Maintenance Tips
          • Winterize Your Home Water System
        • Home Safety
          • 5 Smart Home Automation Safety Tips
          • 6 Essential Travel Tips
          • 9 Home Security Tips
          • Generator Safety
          • Grilling Safety Tips
          • Halloween Safety Tips
          • Holiday Decorating Safety
          • Home Solar Panel Installation Tips
          • How Smart Thermostats Can Help Protect Your Home
          • How Water Sensors Can Help Prevent Costly Water Damage
          • How to Help Prevent Heat Stroke
          • Preparing Your Home for Vacation
          • Snowbirds Winterize Your Vacant Home
          • Swimming Pool Safety Tips
          • The Use of Smart Home Technology in Fire Prevention and Detection
          • Three Minute Home Security Checklist
          • Tips to Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
          • Top Five Dangers to Your House
          • What Is a Smart Alarm System and Why Should I Consider One?
          • Yard Safety Tips
        • Smart Home
          • 5 Smart Home Automation Safety Tips
          • How Smart Thermostats Can Help Protect Your Home
          • How Water Sensors Can Help Prevent Costly Water Damage
          • Smart Home Technology in Fire Prevention and Detection
          • What Is a Smart Alarm System and Why Should I Consider One?
      • Identity Theft
        • 4 Tips for Holiday Safety
        • How to Protect Yourself From Package Theft and Id Fraud
        • Online Identity Theft Prevention
        • Preventing Offline Identity Fraud
        • Preventing Tax Fraud and Identity Theft
        • What to do If Your Identity is Stolen
      • Risk Index
        • 2016 Travelers Risk Index
        • 2016 Business Risk Industry Charts
        • 2016 Consumer Risk Key Findings and Charts
        • 2016 Travelers Risk Infographic
        • Travelers Business Risk Index: Past Reports
        • Travelers Consumer Risk Index : Past Reports
    • Weather
      • Earthquakes
        • Earthquake Facts and Myths
        • Earthquake Safety and Preparedness
        • Earthquake Safety Quiz
      • Emergency Preparedness
        • 4 Tips to Help You Stay Safe During a Natural Disaster
        • Disaster Planning Guide
        • Disaster Preparedness Tips
        • Emergency Evacuation Planning
        • Home Inventory Checklist
        • How to Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit
        • Natural Disaster Recovery Plan
        • Preparedness Kit Quiz
      • Hurricanes
        • How to Help Prepare for a Hurricane
        • Hurricane Facts and Myths
        • Hurricane Facts and Safety Tips
        • Hurricane Preparedness for Businesses
        • Hurricane Survival Guide
        • Returning to Your Property after a Hurricane
      • Severe Weather Alerts
      • Thunderstorms
        • Lightning Safety Outdoors
        • Lightning Safety Tips
        • Protecting Your Home from Lightning
      • Tornadoes
        • How to Help Prepare for Tornadoes
        • Tornado Facts & Tips Infographic
        • Tornado Safety at Home
        • What to Do During a Tornado
      • Winter Storms
        • How to Help Prepare for a Snow Storm
        • How to Help Prevent Ice Dams
        • How to Help Treat Hypothermia and Frostbite
        • How to Identify and Help Remove an Ice Dam
        • Removing Snow From Your Roof
        • Snow Shoveling Tips
        • Use Your Snow Blower Safely
  • Contact Us
  • About Travelers
    • Corporate Citizenship
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Investors
    • For Agents
  • Careers
  • For Agents
  • For Investors

Main Navigation

  • For Individuals

      • Insurance for Individuals

      • Products

        • Car
        • Home
        • Renters
        • Condo
        • Landlord
        • Boat & Yacht
        • Weddings
        • Umbrella
        • More
      • Tools & Resources

        • Insurance 101
        • Home Central
        • Travelers Garage
      • Affinity Group Discount

      • Online Service

    • Every Second Matters - father walking across street with baby in hand and oncoming car

      Stop Distracted Driving: Texting

      Every second someone takes their eyes off the road to do another task can be dangerous. But how dangerous? Share these videos to help raise awareness that every second matters.
      Watch the video
  • For Business

      • Product & Solutions

        • Commercial Auto & Trucking
        • Cyber
        • General Liability
        • Management & Professional Liability
        • Property
        • Small Business Owner's Policy
        • Surety Bonds
        • Workers Compensation
        • More
      • Industries

        • Construction
        • Energy & Renewable
        • Financial Institutions
        • Healthcare
        • Manufacturing
        • Real Estate
        • Technology
        • Transportation
        • More
      • Insights & Expertise

      • Services

        • Risk Control
        • Claim
        • Premium Audit
        • More
      • Pay Your Bill

      • Small Business

      • Large Business

      • Multinational Business

      • For Business Overview

    • boost your cyber IQ

      Boost Your Cyber IQ

      Take our 3-minute cyber IQ quiz to ensure you can talk the talk, and help protect your organization against cyber security risks
      Take the quiz
  • Claim Center

      • Report a Claim

      • Should I File a Claim?

      • Roadside Assistance

      • Auto Glass & Windshield Repairs

      • Check Claim Status

      • Find Claim Service Providers

        • Auto Repair Shops
        • Emergency Property Services
        • Medical Providers
      • Support for Individuals

        • Auto Support
        • Home & Condo Support
        • Renters Support
        • Boat & Yacht Support
        • Umbrella Support
      • Support for Business

        • Auto Support
        • Property Support
        • Workers Comp Support
        • General Liability Support
        • More
      • Catastrophe Response

      • Customer Stories

      • Report Fraud

      • About Travelers Claim

    • Claims adjuster assessing damage

      Travelers offers a network of specialized services.

      Find claim services
  • Prepare & Prevent

      • Featured

      • Individuals

        • For Households

          • Fire Safety
          • Home Maintenance
          • Home Safety
          • Smart Home
        • For Drivers

          • Distracted Driving
          • Safe Driving
          • Teen Driving
          • Traveling
        • Boating
        • Risk Index
        • Identity Theft
      • Business

        • Business Continuity
        • Risk Index
        • Cyber Security
        • Driver and Fleet Safety
        • Facilities Management
        • Product and Service Liability
        • Supply Chain Management
        • Workplace Safety
      • Industries

        • Construction
        • Manufacturing
        • Small Business
        • Technology
      • Weather

        • Earthquakes
        • Emergency Preparedness
        • Hurricanes
        • Thunderstorms
        • Tornadoes
        • Weather Alerts
        • Winter Storms
    • woman texting behind wheel of car

      Are You Driving Under the Influence of Your Phone?

      It may be surprising to know just how distracting a phone really is. This quiz gives people the essential facts on distracted driving.
      Take the quiz
  • Contact Us

  • Featured
  • Individuals
  • Business
  • Weather
  • Home
  • Prepare & Prevent
  • Individuals
  • For Drivers
  • Teen Driving Safety
  • A Timeline for Getting Your Teen Driver on the Road Safely

A Timeline for Getting Your Teen Driver on the Road Safely

Parent teaching teen daughter how to drive Parent teaching teen daughter how to drive

Teens eager to drive often have parents equally concerned about keeping their new drivers safe. In fact, the rate of fatal crashes per mile driven for teen drivers is 3X that of drivers over age 20.1 The reality is that novice drivers can take years to develop real-world experience behind the wheel.

Until then, parents can set expectations for safe driving behaviors, provide opportunities to practice in a safe environment and stay involved, even after their teen earns a driver’s license. Help teen drivers stay safe behind the wheel by preparing them for risks on the road with this teen driver timeline.

One Year in Advance: Set a Good Example

Starting long before your teen receives his or her driver’s license, demonstrate the kind of safe driving behaviors you will expect from your teen, including never driving while distracted by technology. It should be an easier conversation when it comes to setting expectations when your teen gets behind the wheel if those expectations reflect your own behavior.

While distracted driving is dangerous for all drivers, Dr. Charlie Klauer, who studies teen risk and injury prevention at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, has found that the risks are much higher for novice drivers who engage in manual-visual tasks, such as texting while driving.2

Less Than a Year in Advance: Discuss Dangerous Behaviors

Parents can help teens understand how certain behaviors behind the wheel may increase the risk of a crash. These behaviors include speeding, tailgating, drowsy driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or while distracted. Engaging in two or more of these behaviors at the same time may greatly increase the risk of crashes, according to Dr. Klauer.3 Parents should discuss the importance of safe speeds, a safe following distance and being aware of potentially dangerous conditions.

Six Months in Advance: Set Specific Expectations

Talk with your teen about his or her plans for driving. If your teen plans to drive, does he or she plan to drive every day? Does he or she plan on owning a car? Discuss the potential risks of driving, including legal and financial responsibilities, which can include insurance premiums, repair costs and fines for unsafe driving.

Establish the rules of the house, including when and where your teen is allowed to drive, so he or she knows your expectations. For example:

  • Do you want them to turn off their smartphone so they will not be distracted while driving?
  • Do you want them to reach a certain number of hours or miles driven before they can have passengers other than adult family members?
  • Do you want to set specific rules about driving at night or during inclement weather?

There are also teen driver apps that can monitor driving behavior, including speeding.

Four Months in Advance: Know the Rules of the Road

Many states have extensive learner’s permits and graduated driver’s license laws. It is important to learn the rules and guidelines for your state. Strive not to just meet the minimum requirements, such as hours driven with supervision, but to exceed them. Most state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) offer a driver's handbook, which may also be available online.

  • Take any necessary classroom instruction to prepare your teen for getting a license.
  • Practice, practice, practice. It takes a long time to learn how to drive well. The more a new driver gains experience, the better. New drivers can practice in empty parking lots and other low-traffic areas to develop their skills.
  • Know the car. Have your teen get familiar with the vehicle and all of the controls, such as how to turn on the windshield wipers, headlamps, hazard lights and set the emergency brake.

Three Months in Advance: Plan for the Unexpected

Talk with teens about what to do if they are in a car accident. Do not assume new drivers instinctively know the basics, such as getting the other driver’s insurance and contact information, calling the police, taking pictures, completing an accident report and notifying your insurance company as soon as possible.

Help them pack an emergency kit for the car and discuss what they will do if their car breaks down on the road, including getting the car to a safe place before they get out. Make sure they have the number for roadside assistance, if you have a service that they can call.

Road Test Day and Beyond: Continue the Conversation

Stay involved with your teen driver even after he or she gets a driver’s license. Let him or her know it’s okay to ask you for help or for more practice. Encourage your teen to only drive in conditions where he or she feels safe. Continually review the safety guidelines, including prohibition of use of portable electronic devices while driving, which you discussed before they earned their license, so it remains top-of-mind.

Remember, even after a new driver takes the keys, continuing to talk about your expectations for safe behavior can help reinforce good decisions.

Sources:
1 http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/teenagers/fatalityfacts/teenagers
2 Travelers Institute: Insurance Essentials - Your Questions Answered: Avoiding Distracted Driving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ATrVJMtO0s&list=PL8FE0867C48DE1649&index=21
3 Presentation by Dr. Charlie Klauer, “Naturalistic Studies and Teenage Drivers: What Have We Learned?” University Risk Management and Insurance Association, 2015.
Top Stories
Parent checking teen driver safety app

Apps to Help Keep Your Teen Driver Safe

Is your teen driving? New technologies can help you monitor your teen's driving habits and how to help keep them safe.

  • Learn more

Related Links

  • Driving safety talk for teens
  • Teen driving coaching guide
  • Keeping your teen driver safe

Talk to an Agent

Find an agent near you to discuss your specific coverage needs.

  • Start now

On the Road

See All Teen Driving Content

See All Auto Content


  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Security
  • Accessibility

© 2018 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved

  • Go to Traveler's LinkedIn Page
  • Go to Traveler's Facebook Page
  • Go to Traveler's Twitter Page
  • Go to Traveler's Youtube Page