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 Licensing program, as required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV).
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. 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
Upon completing this step, it’ll be time to apply to the FLHSMV for a learner’s license, from the age of 15 onward. This enables the teenager to drive during daylight hours for the first three months, so long as somebody older than 21 sits beside them. They can drive until 10 PM after those first few months, although there can be no accidents or infractions during this time, or the State will revoke their 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 schools 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.
Provisional Operator’s Licence
To get this operator’s license, the teen should take their learner’s license, driver’s ed waiver, and certification documents to any Division of Driver Licenses office . Once issued, the provisional license will allow a 16-year-old teen to drive unsupervised between 6 AM and 11 PM, and those hours extend to between 5 AM and 1 AM after the 17th birthday. However, restrictions do not apply if driving to or from work, or if accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
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 Council to learn how to enroll in Florida driving lessons. While you're at it, stop by our sister site, DriversEd.com , to learn more about Florida drivers ed, practice tests, and more.
Updated 09/05/2024