Florida’s Graduated Driver’s License Program
It’s no secret that car crashes are the number one cause of death among teens ages 15 to 19. That’s why the State of Florida now uses a “graduated” license system to introduce teens to driving.
Teens progressively earn more driving privileges between the ages of 15 and 18. Here is a breakdown of these privileges:
Learners License: Teens must be 15 years old to get a Learner’s License. They can only drive during daylight hours for the first three months, and thereafter, only until 10:00 pm. They must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old seated next to them in the front passenger seat when they drive. Additionally, before the Learner’s License is issued, the teenager must:
a. Take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course
b. Pass a written test
c. Pass vision and hearing tests
d. Present a signed Parental Consent Form
Intermediate License 16: At 16, teens can earn an Intermediate License which loosens some of the restrictions of the Learner’s License. To qualify, teens must have had their Learner’s License for a full year without any traffic violations. They can drive between the hours of 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. If driving at any other time, they must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.
Intermediate License 17: Once the teenager turns 17, he or she can drive between 5:00 am and 1:00 am. To drive at any other hour, they must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old driving with them and seated in the front passenger seat.
Full Privilege License: At age 18, all driving restrictions are lifted, and the teen is granted full driving privileges.
To learn more about Florida’s graduated driver’s license program, please visit www.FLHSMV.GOV/TEENS.
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