As teens take the wheel, parents play a crucial role in shaping their driving behaviour. This International Youth Day (12 Aug), empower your teenager with the skills and mindset needed for a lifetime of safe driving.

For many teens, earning a driver’s license represents a rite of passage into adulthood. It signals independence, freedom, and for parents, a rising tide of worry. Globally, road traffic injuries remain a leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 29, according to the World Health Organization.

In Singapore, the Traffic Police regularly report that younger drivers are disproportionately involved in speeding, inattentive driving, and collisions. Here’s a guide for parents to support their teens on the road to safe, confident driving.

Be a model driver

Your teen learns from what they see. If you routinely speed, use your phone at traffic lights, or complain about road users, they’re absorbing those habits, consciously or not.

In Singapore, where strict penalties exist for traffic violations, modelling good behaviour is more than responsible, it’s legally essential. For example, holding a mobile communication device in your hand and using any of its communicative or other functions while the vehicle is moving on a road or in a public place is an offence. Conviction can lead to a fine of up to S$1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Speeding results in demerit points and hefty fines, and with recent increases in penalties, the stakes are even higher. For new drivers during their one-year probation period, accumulating demerit points can quickly lead to a license suspension.

Create a parent-teen driving agreement

Setting clear expectations from the start helps prevent conflict later. Consider drafting a written agreement that outlines night-time driving restrictions, mobile phone usage rules, passenger limits (especially important in the first few months), and commitments to wearing seat belts at all times.

You can customise resources like the CDC’s Parent-Teen Driving Agreement, and discuss what the Singapore Road Traffic Act requires, such as the display of the red “P-plate” throughout the probation period.

Enrol them in defensive driving courses

Driving schools offer structured courses that go far beyond basic test preparation. These often include modules on defensive driving techniques, safe navigation in wet weather or congested road conditions, and how to handle emergencies behind the wheel. While such add-ons are not mandatory, they can greatly enhance your teen’s confidence and may also lead to lower insurance premiums later on. Parents looking for reputable programs in Singapore can consider the Automobile Association of Singapore’s Safe Driving Workshop, which is highly recommended for both teens and their families. You can also explore other established providers for well-rounded driver education and additional advanced courses.

Prioritise real-world practice

In Singapore’s dense urban environment, practical experience matters. Encourage your teen to practise driving under a variety of road, traffic, and weather conditions while supervised, so they gain experience handling different situations, and build the confidence to respond calmly when they encounter something new on their own. Let them drive during peak hours in city traffic, in the rain or at night, and once licensed, on expressways. The goal is to help them experience as many different road conditions as possible. It also allows you to gently coach them through mistakes.

Equip them for emergencies

Basic car knowledge isn’t typically taught in schools, so parents need to fill in these gaps. Make sure your teen knows how to call for Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) assistance, who to contact in the event of a breakdown or minor accident, and how to interpret warning lights on the dashboard. It’s also extremely helpful to teach your teen how to safely change a tire in case of a flat, an essential skill, especially if they’re stranded in a remote location. Keep a compact emergency kit in the car with a flashlight, phone charger, jumper cables, water bottle, and printed emergency contacts, including a trusted workshop.

Talk honestly about distractions and risky behaviour

According to the Singapore Police Force, distracted driving, including mobile phone use, is a major cause of road accidents. Teenagers often underestimate these risks, especially when influenced by peers. Have open conversations with your teen about the dangers of even a “quick glance” at their phone, the risks of driving while drowsy (such as after late-night study sessions), and the extra pressures that come with giving rides to friends.

Encourage your teen to adopt safe habits like activating “Do Not Disturb” features on their smartphones before every drive, and remind them to keep conversations focused on the road. You can also guide your teen to check out AA Singapore’s “Drive in the Moment” initiative, which offers practical tips and tools specifically designed to help young drivers reduce distractions and stay focused while driving. This proactive approach helps teens develop mindful driving habits for safer journeys.

Use technology wisely

While Singapore strictly enforces laws against using handheld phones while driving, there are apps and tools available that help young drivers stay connected safely, such as hands-free features and “Do Not Disturb” modes, that comply with the rules and minimise distractions. Apps like Life360 allow parents to monitor driving behaviour such as speed and sudden braking. In-car dash cams offer feedback and accountability to many insurance providers, and some even offer discounts for having one.

Always have a conversation with your teen about why monitoring tools are in place. It’s about support, not surveillance.

Reward progress and stay engaged

Acknowledge your teen’s growth by celebrating milestones, perhaps a family dinner after a month of safe driving, or even more autonomy with the family car. Also, maintain an open door for conversations. Mistakes will happen. What matters is that your teen knows they can come to you without fear of being judged or punished unfairly.

Start habits that last a lifetime

In Singapore’s fast-paced urban landscape, safe driving is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. As a parent, your presence, preparation, and ongoing support can make the difference between a reckless teen and a responsible young driver.

This International Youth Day, commit to guiding, not just supervising, your teen’s journey on the road. While getting a license takes weeks, building habits that save lives takes intention, trust, and time.