Survey of parents of novice teenage drivers: Views on age of licensure, monitoring teens' driving, and vehicle choice

This study examined parental decisions about teenagers' driving: timing of obtaining a learner's permit and license, monitoring driving after licensure, and vehicle choice. Three-hundred parents of 16-17 year olds were interviewed in three states with varying graduated licensing provisions. The percentage of teens taking the driving test within two months of the minimum age ranged from 45% to 70%. Among parents of these teens, the chief factor in earlier licensure was the teens' desire to get licensed quickly. Parents whose teens waited longer most often said the teen needed additional practice driving. Most parents intended to supervise their children's driving after licensure, usually by riding along or requiring permission before trips. When not riding along, parents most wanted to know whether teens were speeding, on cell phones, or otherwise distracted. Half of parents were aware of in-vehicle devices that can be used to monitor driving and of these, 30-50% would consider using these devices. Most parents understood some of the important criteria for choosing a safe vehicle (e.g., vehicle size). Half of teens' vehicles were midsize/large cars or minivans, types considered safer; the other half were mini/small/sports cars, or pickup trucks or SUVs – vehicles not recommended for teens. The majority of teens' vehicles were older models. In summary, many parents supported their teenagers' decision to obtain their driver's license soon after they were eligible. Parents were eager to monitor their teen's driving, and many were open to using in-vehicle technologies to obtain feedback on their teen's driving.