Florida Driving Lessons: What Teens Need to Know

Quick answer: Begin with a driver's education course, then apply for a learner's license at 15 to drive with an adult. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving and take a behind-the-wheel exam for a provisional license. Full, unrestricted driving privileges are granted at 18.

In the United States, a driver's license is essential. Recognizing its importance, states like Florida allow individuals to start the process as early as 14 ½ years old. Any teenager applying for their first license in Florida must go through a Graduated Driver LicensingFlorida Fl Gdl For Teens Drivers Ed program, as required by the Florida licensing office.

Besides the theory and paperwork, they will also need to get some supervised behind-the-wheel practice. This step is critical in helping the teen generate the right amount of confidence through experience so they can become unsupervised drivers in their own right.

Starting with Driver’s Ed

There are several steps to take, and each teen younger than 18 will need to complete a certain amount of driver’s ed first. Many teens are opting to take this course online through an approved provider such as DriversEd.com or Aceable.

The approved course not only teaches young drivers how to understand the rules of the road and prepare for the actual in-car lessons, but once completed, the teen can also take the learner’s permit test right there. 

🚨 Florida Permit Update for July 2025
Starting July 1, Florida is replacing the TLSAE course with the Drug, Education, and Traffic Safety (DETS) program. Either course will be accepted during the month of July—but teens must complete one by July 31 to stay on track for their learner’s license. 👉 Get full details on the DETS transition and what it means for your permit.Big Changes Florida Teen Permit Requirements Starting July 1 2025 Blog 

Successful course completion will trigger a waiver that eliminates the need to take the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course, which should have lasted a further four hours.

On to the Learner’s License

After completing the required education, teens can apply to the Florida licensing office for a learner's license once they turn 15 years old. This enables them to drive during daylight hours for the first three months, so long as someone 21 or older is seated beside them. After that, they can drive until 10 PM, as long as there are no infractions. Violations could result in the loss of driving privileges.

Gain Experience from Florida Driving Lessons

The learner’s license presents the ideal opportunity to get professional tuition from experts in a real-world environment. There are several driving schoolsFlorida Driversed.com dotted throughout Florida, where the learner will be supervised by driving instructors who are certified by the State. The school will provide the vehicles with necessary insurance, and most cars have dual control brake systems, just in case. The next phase is the big one, involving a behind-the-wheel exam. So long as the teen has completed at least 50 hours of supervised practice, with 10 or more hours at night, and a parent or guardian can certify this, the State will issue a provisional operator’s license upon passing the exam.

Intermediate License

To get this license, teens must present their learner’s license, driver’s ed certificate, and proof of practice hours to any Division of Driver Licenses office. Upon passing the test, 16-year-olds can drive unsupervised between 6 AM and 11 PM, and from 5 AM to 1 AM after turning 17. These curfews don’t apply when driving to/from work or when accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21+.

Successful Journey

The Graduated Driver Licensing journey should end on the 18th birthday when the teen will finally get their full, unrestricted license.

More Information

Visit Florida Safety CouncilBehind The Wheel Training Courses Category to learn how to enroll in Florida driving lessons.