FLORIDA’S GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING LAW HAS 3 STAGES:
1. Learner’s License:
Teens must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Learner’s License.
Documents needed to apply:
- Proof that you completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course
- A notarized parent consent form, or parent with you to sign it
- Proof of identify, social security number, and address
What to expect:
Applicants will need to take a 50 question multiple-choice exam, a vision test, and a hearing test to prove they are ready to learn to drive.
Driving Privileges:
With a Learner’s License, teens can ONLY drive during daylight hours during the first 3 months, and until 10:00 PM after that. They must ALWAYS drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.
2. Intermediate License:
You must be at least 16 years old AND have held a learner’s license for at least a year without any traffic convictions to apply.
Documents needed to apply:
- Learner’s License
- Parents certification that you have had at least 50 hours of behind the wheel practice, with at least 10 of those hours being at night
What to expect:
Applicants will need to take a driving test to prove they are a safe driver and know the rules of the road.
Driving Privileges:
- 16-year-olds can ONLY drive between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM by themselves, unless they are traveling to and from work OR are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.
- 17-year-olds can ONLY drive between 5:00 AM and 1:00 AM by themselves, unless they are traveling to and from work OR are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.
3. Full Privilege License:
When teens turn 18-years-old, restrictions are removed and they have a full privilege license.
State-Imposed Consequences
Driving privileges can be restricted or revoked for a number of reasons including:
- If you are under 21 and have a blood alcohol level of .02% or more
- If you are truant in your school attendance
- If you are under 18 and convicted for possession of tobacco or nicotine products
- If you receive a moving traffic or speeding conviction
The bottom line for teen drivers: DRIVE SAFE and follow the rules of the road!
