Handing over the car keys to a teenager can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent. Recognizing this, General Motors (GM) has developed an innovative solution designed to foster safe driving habits among teens. Enter GM's Teen Driver Technology — an integrated safety system available across many Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac models. This technology empowers parents to set driving parameters and monitor their teen’s behavior behind the wheel.
Key Features of GM's Teen Driver Technology
Speed Management Teen Driver allows parents to set a speed warning, alerting the driver with audible and visual cues when a pre-set speed threshold (between 40–75 mph) is exceeded. Additionally, the vehicle's top speed can be capped at 85 mph, helping to prevent dangerous speeding.
Audio Controls To minimize distractions, Teen Driver includes a volume limiter that restricts how loud the car's audio system can go. Furthermore, the Seat Belt Audio Mute feature silences the audio system until both the driver and the front passenger have buckled up.
Buckle to Drive This smart feature prevents the vehicle from shifting out of park for 20 seconds if the driver or front passenger isn't buckled up. It's a simple yet effective way to reinforce the importance of seat belt use.
Safety Feature Enforcement Teen Driver ensures that essential safety features such as traction control, stability control, and automatic emergency braking remain active and cannot be manually disabled while the system is engaged. It’s a strong layer of protection that promotes safer driving habits.
In-Vehicle Report Card One of the standout features is the in-vehicle report card, which tracks and reports key driving statistics. Parents can review metrics like total distance driven, maximum speed reached, the number of over-speed warnings, hard braking or acceleration events, and activations of features like Forward Collision Alert. It's a powerful tool for constructive discussions about driving habits.
Setting Up Teen Driver Mode Setting up Teen Driver is straightforward:
- Access the vehicle’s infotainment system and navigate to settings.
- Create a four-digit PIN to prevent unauthorized changes.
- Register a key fob associated with Teen Driver settings.
- Configure preferred limits for speed, volume, and safety features.
Vehicle Compatibility Initially launched with the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, Teen Driver Technology has expanded across GM's lineup, including models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse, and Silverado; Buick Enclave and Encore; GMC Acadia and Terrain; and Cadillac CT4 and XT6.
Recognition and Impact In 2024, GM’s Teen Driver Technology was honored with the "Best New Driver Technology" award by Parents magazine, reflecting its critical role in promoting safer roads and more responsible teen drivers.
Conclusion GM’s Teen Driver Technology is more than just a safety tool — it's a peace-of-mind feature for parents and a vital learning aid for teens. By blending real-time feedback, enforced safety measures, and clear performance reporting, GM is helping shape a new generation of responsible drivers.
Interested to learn more? Stop by or give us a call at Tom Smith Chevrolet.
