Parent involvement is a leading factor in improving teen driver safety. Parents are unofficial "driving coaches" – they help their teen learn to drive and lead the licensing process. But parents rarely receive the help to do this effectively – until now. Top Driver has identified key steps and created many tools for parents to more effectively coach their teens.

• Before starting the process, talk with your teen and agree on your expectations and the implications of violations.
• Use a Teen Driving Contract.pdf to put those expectations on paper.

• Driver education is an investment in your teen's health and safety - choose a school based on the quality of its education.
• Learn how to Evaluate a Driving School.pdf.

• Getting a license can be a tricky process; learn upfront the various steps and related documents required.
• Top Driver has summarized everything in a simple Teen Driver Checklist. Learn about required grade documents at IL Grade Requirements.pdf and a simple grade verification form at IL Grade Verification Form.pdf.
• To learn more, review the Illinois Rules of the Road and the Illinois Cyberdrive Web Site.
• Understand your teen's driving school policies; see Top Driver Customer Policies - IL.pdf.

• Teens often copy their parents' driving behaviors and techniques. You should always follow the rules of the road, put away the cell phone while driving, and not drive aggressively.
• Become a better driving coach to maximize practice driving with your teen. Our free training at http://coaching.topdriver.com teaches you what to/not to say and helps you spot dangerous driving habits.

• As with any subject, parent involvement is essential to teens mastering key concepts.
• Ask what classes are like; see Top Driver Classroom Rules.pdf
• After classes, ask them what they learned and its importance.
• After in-car lessons, talk to the instructor to identify proficient and deficient skills so can appropriately focus on them during practice sessions.
• Review the On Road Coaching Guide.pdf given after every in-vehicle lesson and adjust practice accordingly.

• Illinois requires teens to drive with their parents for at least 50 hours. This is a minimum requirement - you judge whether your teen is ready or if they require more practice.
• Ensure they have experience in all driving conditions - e.g. day/night, city/highway, light/heavy traffic, sun/rain/snow.
• Record all practice hours and conditions on a Teen Driving Log.
• Consider additional professional in-vehicle training if needed.