Rules for young drivers

Ontario has a graduated licensing system. The initial stage is G1, where the new driver must be accompanied by fully licensed driver. G2 is the next level, where the driver is allowed most of the privileges of a fully licensed driver, with some restrictions.

We've had two sons go through this process, and I'd like to share some of the rules that we imposed, above and beyond what the law says.

Here are Mom and Dad's G2 rules:

• No solo highway driving (ie freeways and other major highways)
• No solo night driving (not very practical in the winter, but workable in the summer. We eased this restriction after a month or two)
• No passengers other than family members and a few trusted friends. In the case of trusted friends, only one of them at a time.
• The 'Trusted friends list' is subject to parental approval.
• All passengers MUST WEAR SEAT BELTS. No excuses, no exceptions. Anyone who refuses to co-operate must be refused a ride, and will be dropped from the 'trusted friends' list.
• Passengers must also have 0% blood alcohol. A young G2 driver is not ready to be a designated driver.
• Never, ever, take the car without permission.
• We reserve the right to veto time, destination, and passengers.
• You will run errands when requested. This includes driving siblings and getting gas.
• At our discretion, you will check in with us when you arrive at your destination. (This is a good time to get him a cell phone, if he doesn't already have one)
• Any ticket, no matter how trivial, will result in the suspension of driving privileges. No excuses, no exceptions, no appeal.
• Ditto for accidents. (We never had to put this one to the test...thank goodness. This may seem unreasonable, but the rule reminds them that they have had defensive driving training and should know how to avoid accidents, even if they technically are not at fault.)
• No eating or drinking while driving. Young drivers need to pay attention to the road at all times.
• No cell phone usage while driving. (Now illegal in Ontario).