One of the biggest milestones in a teenager's life is when he gets his driver's license. He can't wait to get out on the road. You, on the other hand, are proud that he earned the privilege but a little concerned about what could happen out there. So how can you be sure that your teenager drives safely when he's by himself behind the wheel? I have eight children, all grown adults now, and here's what we did in my home:

1 Establish a probationary period (3-6 months). During this period the child can
only use the car to get to and from work and school and do an occasional family

errand. Also, it is a law in the state of Indiana where I'm from; that teens
can't drive with minor passengers without an adult driver in the car until
they're 17. This might be a good idea for your teen if it is not a state law
already.

2. Have your child check in when they reach their destination or if they change
their destination.

3 Give the child a curfew.

4. Make sure the vehicle the teen is driving is in safe operating condition. Do a
monthly check up with your child that includes checking windshield wipers,
brakes, tire wear and fluid levels.

5 Subscribe to a roadside assistance service and make sure their is a charged
cell phone with the child or in the car.

6. Establish safe driving rules. If the child gets a ticket for a moving violation
or disobeys car rules; take the car away for a set period of time.

7. Tell him that he must make everyone riding in the car wear a seat belt.

8. Tell him not to loan anyone the car nor let anyone else drive it.

9. Tell him absolutely no drinking and driving. If he's been drinking he needs to
call you to pick him up. He can't let anyone else drive the car home.

10. If you live in the states of Indiana, Michigan or Wisconsin, you might want to
look into American Family Insurance's Teen Driver's safety program. This is a
new program for families of teens who are covered by this insurance. American
Family places a camera in your car, free of charge, it records your child
as he drives. If he is speeding or is involved in an accident or near accident
the company notifies the parent. Just having the camera in the car has helped
lower accidents in their test study. If you don't live in these states and you
can afford it, you might want to put a camera in the teens car yourself.

11. Make sure that the car is insured.

It is impossible to protect your child 24/7. To help your teen driver remain safe on the road, give him the rules he must follow if he wants the privilege of driving a car and the enforce them.

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Harlan.
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