Teen Driving Laws In Florida: What Every Teen And Parent Needs To Know

James D. Payer | December 15, 2024 | Florida Laws

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers 16 through 19 are three times as likely to end up in a fatal car accident than drivers who are over the age of 19. Inexperience and risky behaviors, like texting while driving, contribute to this increased fatal crash risk.

Florida has implemented several measures to mitigate the risk of teenage car accidents. Parents and teens must know these laws. By understanding how these laws work, teens can drive more safely and reduce the risk of a traffic violation.

Florida Teen Driving Laws

Florida’s teen driving laws cover two primary areas. First, the state has a graduated driver’s licensing system. This system has proven effective in reducing teen crashes. Second, several traffic laws only apply to teen drivers. These restrictions are designed to reduce the risks to teen drivers and other road users.

Graduated Licensing

Florida has a two-stage graduated licensing system. The initial license, called a learner’s license, can be granted as early as the applicant’s 15th birthday. To obtain a learner’s license, the teen must satisfy the following requirements:

• Have a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form
• Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
• Pass a vision and hearing test
• Pass the driver’s license written exam

A teen must hold the learner’s license for at least 12 months or until their 18th birthday, whichever occurs first. Before graduating to the next level, the teen must have at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving.

After completing the learner’s license experience and holding period, the teen can apply for a driver’s license. The requirements for this next stage include the following:

• The teen must be at least 16 years old
• An adult over 21 must certify the teen met the driving experience requirement
• The teen cannot have any moving violations for one year on the learner’s permit
• The applicant must pass a road skills test

The teen’s driver’s license will subject them to greater restrictions than an adult driver’s license.

Restrictions On Teen Drivers

Teen drivers face several restrictions until they turn 18. These restrictions are imposed in three stages. A driver with a learner’s license must follow the following limits:

• The driver must only drive during daylight for the first three months
• Starting in the fourth month, the driver has a 10 p.m. driving curfew
• The driver must always be accompanied by a licensed driver over 21

Once the teen receives their driver’s license, they must still observe additional restrictions until they turn 18. 16-year-old drivers must only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless they are commuting for work or accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. 17-year-old drivers can drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. They have the same two exceptions for commuting and supervised driving.

Teen drivers have one additional notable restriction. People under 21 cannot legally consume alcohol in Florida. As a result, Florida has zero tolerance for underage drunk driving. Drivers under 21 can be arrested for drunk driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

What If A Teen Driver Violating The Laws Gets Into An Accident?

The consequences when a teen violating the laws gets into an accident will depend on the violation. If a teen causes a DUI accident, the teen and their insurer face liability for crash victims’ injuries.

However, other violations might have less serious consequences. For example, a teen driver who gets hit by a distracted driver one minute after the curfew might face no consequences. In this situation, the violation did not cause the crash.

Driving Safely Is Essential

Florida’s teen driving laws are meant to decrease crashes by giving teens more time to learn how to drive safely. By talking with your teens and understanding the laws, you can help reduce the risk of a dangerous crash.

Contact Our Orlando Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

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