15 top teenage driver safety tips for young drivers

Learning to drive is a huge milestone and a big responsibility. While it’s exciting for teens, it can be nerve-wracking for parents. That’s why we’ve put together this guide full of practical teenage driver safety tips.

15 top safety tips for new teen drivers

1. Avoid distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest risks for teen drivers. Texting, changing music, or even chatting with passengers takes focus off the road. According to the CDC, distracted driving leads to thousands of crashes every year, especially among younger drivers.

Encourage your teen to set their phone to "Do Not Disturb" or use apps that block notifications while driving. Building this habit early helps create a lifetime of safer driving.

2. Always buckle up

Seatbelts are the simplest yet most effective safety device in any vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that seatbelts reduce the risk of death for drivers and front-seat passengers by 45% in a car and 60% in an SUV.

Make it a non-negotiable rule: Everyone buckles up before the car moves. Plus, in many states, it’s the law.

3. Stick to the speed limit

Speed limits are carefully calculated for the road conditions, traffic patterns, and environment. Teens are more likely to underestimate dangers and overestimate their handling skills at high speeds.

#1 family finance and safety app

#1 family finance and safety app

Teach your kids and teens to earn, save, and invest with Greenlight.

Use code GLBLOG for one month, on us.*

Try Greenlight today

Help your teen understand that speeding cuts down reaction time and increases stopping distance. Arriving safely matters far more than arriving quickly.

4. Learn to drive in bad weather

Rain, snow, fog, and ice all make driving more dangerous. For inexperienced drivers, the risks go up dramatically. Knowing how to handle poor weather conditions is a must.

Consider practicing in a safe, empty parking lot when conditions are slippery or visibility is low. Show them how to use wipers, defrosters, hazard lights, and when to slow down or pull over if conditions get too bad.

5. Limit passengers early on

More passengers mean more distractions. Studies show that teen crash risk increases with each additional young passenger in the car.

Many states limit how many passengers a new teen driver can have. Even if your state doesn’t, setting your own family rules around this is a smart way to keep distractions low and focus high.

6. Never drive under the influence

This one’s critical. Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or certain medications, impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. Even one drink or a small amount of a substance can seriously slow reaction times.

It’s also important to talk about riding with impaired drivers. Make sure your teen knows they can always call you for a safe ride — no questions asked.

7. Be extra careful at night

Night driving comes with reduced visibility, higher likelihood of drowsy drivers, and more accidents. For new drivers, it’s one of the riskiest times to be on the road.

If possible, limit night driving for the first six months after getting a license. Practice driving at dusk to help teens adjust to changing light conditions safely.

8. Keep a safe following distance

Tailgating is a bad habit for any driver, but for teens, it’s especially risky. A good rule is the "three-second rule": Stay at least three seconds behind the car in front.

This gap gives enough time to react if the car ahead brakes suddenly. Increase this gap in bad weather, at night, or when towing.

9. Know what to do in emergencies

From flat tires to fender benders, emergencies happen. Teach your teen how to handle them calmly. Go over steps like turning on hazard lights, pulling over safely, calling roadside assistance, and exchanging information if needed.

A basic emergency kit — jumper cables, a flashlight, a tire inflator — can make a huge difference in stressful situations.

10. Keep the car well maintained

Mechanical issues like bald tires or worn brakes can turn a small mistake into a serious accident. Routine maintenance is part of being a responsible driver.

Make a checklist with your teen: check tire pressure, oil levels, headlights, and brake pads regularly. Encourage them to speak up if something doesn’t feel right while driving.

11. Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving means being prepared for other people’s mistakes. New drivers should learn to scan the road ahead, check mirrors often, and anticipate potential hazards.

It’s about being proactive—encourage your teen to always expect the unexpected.

12. Use technology, but use it wisely

Navigation, traffic updates, and safety apps can be lifesavers, but only when set before driving. Many apps today offer real-time safety tools for families.

13. Understand your vehicle

Every car handles differently. Whether your teen is driving a sedan, SUV, or pickup, they should know where key controls are: hazard lights, wipers, defrost, and even how the ABS braking feels when engaged.

Spending a few minutes exploring the car’s features before driving regularly can help them feel more confident and prepared.

14. Avoid driving when tired

Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Teens often underestimate how fatigue impacts their reaction times and attention span.

Make sure your teen knows the signs of fatigue — yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting out of lanes — and encourage them to pull over, take a break, or avoid driving altogether if they’re too tired.

15. Stick to planned routes

For new drivers, familiarity is key. Encourage teens to stick to routes they know when possible, at least in the early months.

Learning one area at a time builds confidence. Once they’re comfortable with the basics, they can gradually start branching out to new routes.

How parents can help promote safer teen driving

Parents are the ultimate role models. What you do behind the wheel matters as much as what you say. Model the behaviors you expect: wear your seatbelt, avoid your phone, follow speed limits, and handle frustration calmly.

Set clear expectations about things like curfews, passengers, and phone use. Have open, honest conversations about risks, including impaired or distracted driving. Creating a written driving agreement can help reinforce boundaries while giving teens ownership over their responsibilities. And don’t forget to check your state’s graduated licensing laws for restrictions on things like nighttime driving and passenger limits.

How Greenlight helps keep your teen driver safe

Greenlight’s Infinity Plan is designed to help families navigate teen driving with more confidence. Parents can access tools like:

• Crash detection and alerts*: Get notified if an accident happens.

• Driving reports and scores*: See patterns in your teen’s driving habits.

• Location sharing*: Know where your teen is while they’re on the road.

• SOS alerts*: Teens can quickly request help in an emergency.

These features create an extra layer of safety — and peace of mind — for parents of new drivers.

Keep your teen driver safe! Protect them with Greenlight’s money and safety app. From crash detection to emergency alerts, we have your back. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free. †

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

*Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.