What Is the Legal Driving Age in Florida?
Paul Brannon | August 5, 2024 | Florida Law
One of the most exciting rites of passage for a teenager is getting their driver’s license. At the same time, it can be difficult for parents who worry about their children’s safety.
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death and injury for young people in the U.S. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), over 2,800 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in traffic crashes in 2022.
Setting a legal driving age is one way that teens and all those they share the road with are kept safe. Waiting until they have reached a certain age and completed basic safety testing will help new drivers be more confident and safer behind the wheel.
Florida’s Graduated Driver Licensing System
Knowing how old you need to be to get a driver’s license in Florida requires a deeper dive than just citing a number and leaving it at that. Florida adopted a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system in 1996, providing young drivers with more time to learn the skills they need to become safe and capable drivers.
According to information provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are three stages to the graduated system:
- Acquiring a learner’s license
- Earning an operator’s license
- Gaining full driving privileges at the age of 18
Each stage requires the completion of specified driving tasks as well as certain forms, tests, and payment. The goal of the graduated licensing system is to reduce the number of auto accidents involving teen drivers and keep Florida roads safer for everyone.
Getting a Learner’s License in Florida
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner’s license in Florida. Nevertheless, all new drivers, regardless of age, must first apply for a learner’s license before obtaining a full one. Those under the age of 18 must have a Parental Consent Form signed and notarized by at least one biological parent or legal guardian.
Other requirements include the following:
- Passing vision and hearing tests
- Providing proof of the completion of the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course
- Pass a Class E knowledge exam
- Providing your Social Security number, proof of residence, and proof of identity
A complete list of requirements and documents is provided on the FLHSMV website.
For the first 90 days after it is issued, drivers with a learner’s license are only allowed to drive during daylight hours. A licensed driver who is 21 or older must accompany them. After 12 months, the driver is eligible to apply for a driver’s license if they have completed their 50 hours of supervised driving.
Graduating to a Driver’s License
To apply for a regular driver’s license in Florida, you must be at least 16 years old. For those under 18, driving hours are limited to between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Exceptions may apply for those who are accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 and those who are driving to or from work.
These restrictions are slightly lifted when drivers turn 17, as they may drive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Achieving Full Driving Privileges
Once a driver turns 18, they are granted all the privileges of an adult driver. They may drive any time of the day or night and are no longer obligated to have a more experienced driver accompany them.
Are You Ready To Become a Florida Driver?
Patience is not only necessary to go through all the steps of getting a driver’s license in Florida, but also to become a safe driver overall. If your child is nearing age 15 and is eager to get their license, make sure they are mature enough to handle the driving responsibilities. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Reckless or distracted driving may not only cost your teen their life but could also cause the wrongful death of others.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Destin personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:
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Destin, FL 32541
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