How to Set Rules for Using the Car

Make the rules clear and fair so you won't have to renegotiate every time your teen wants to use the car.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Car Insurance Policy
• Car Keys
• Cars
• Gas Credit Cards And Loans
• Bulletin Boards
• Key Chains

1. Decide who will pay for the teen's insurance coverage, which can be a big expense, especially for young male drivers. You can add your teen to your existing policy, which will drive up the rate, or obtain a new one. Either way, you can pay for it yourself, require your teen to pay for it, or split the cost in any way you think is appropriate.
2. Discuss gas usage and who will pay to fill the tank.
3. Write out a schedule of times when the teen can have access to the car.
4. Clarify permissible destinations, such as within a 25-mile radius of the house, to school, to work or to the beach.
5. Set down any other conditions for use of the car. For example, you could say that the teen can use the car after completing homework, cleaning up the bedroom, or earning all Bs or above on a report card.
6. Make rules concerning who is allowed in the car when the teen is driving. Letting a carload of friends accompany a new driver is not a good idea. (In fact, it may not even be legal; check with your state's department of motor vehicles for specific rules.)
7. Explain your policy regarding lending the car to friends or letting friends drive it.
8. Tell your teen what you expect when he or she is using the car. Issues may include removal of litter, adjusting radio stations, locking the car in the driveway after use, or washing the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if a teen has his or her own car, parents remain financially responsible until the driver reaches age 18.
• Make certain your teen driver understands what to do in case of an accident.
• Many states have license conditions for new drivers. Contact your state's department of motor vehicles for specifics.