Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | April 4, 2025 | Florida Law
Teenagers in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, eager to hit the road, often ask about the legal driving age. In Florida, teens can begin the licensing process earlier than many expect. This article will explore Florida law and some of the most important things to know about the legal driving age in the Sunshine State.
How Florida’s Graduated Driver License System Works
Florida uses a graduated driver’s license (GDL) system designed to introduce driving privileges gradually. This system helps teens gain experience under safer conditions before earning full driving privileges.
The process begins at age 15 when teens can apply for a learner’s permit. This first step requires passing a written exam covering traffic laws and road signs. Before applying, teens must also complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.
Florida’s learner’s permit comes with several important requirements.
With a learner’s permit, teens must:
- Drive only during daylight hours for the first three months
- Drive only with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat
- Maintain the permit for at least 12 months
- Complete 50 hours of driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
These requirements ensure that young drivers gradually gain experience under supervision.
Restrictions for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers face different restrictions based on their age and license type. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles enforces several important restrictions for teen drivers.
Some of them are:
- A parent or guardian can rescind responsibility for their minor’s driving and cancel the minor’s license.
- If teens receive six points on their driving record within a 12-month period, driving privileges are automatically restricted.
- If a teen receives a moving traffic conviction, the one-year period required to hold the learner’s license will be extended.
These restrictions serve an important purpose. Teen drivers have higher crash rates than other age groups, particularly during nighttime hours. The restrictions help protect new drivers while they gain crucial experience.
Full Driving Privileges
Teens get full driving privileges at 18. At this age, all time limits are removed if there are no violations on their record. Still, some rules apply to drivers under 21. Florida has a zero-tolerance policy. Drivers under 21 caught with any blood alcohol level face serious penalties, like license suspension.
Common Questions About Teen Driving In Florida
Parents and teens often have questions about the rules governing young drivers.
Here are answers to some common questions:
- Can teens drive with friends in the car? Yes, but limiting passengers during the first months of independent driving is recommended.
- What happens if teens violate license restrictions? Consequences can include license suspension, fines, and required completion of a driver improvement course.
- Do insurance rates increase for teen drivers? Yes, insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for teen drivers due to increased risk.
Understanding these rules helps teens drive safely and legally.
Safety Tips For New Drivers
Safety should be every new driver’s top priority.
New drivers should follow these important safety practices:
- Avoid distractions, especially cell phones and other electronic devices
- Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Follow speed limits and other traffic laws
- Adjust driving for weather conditions
Following these practices helps reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Parental Involvement
Parents play a crucial role in teen driver safety.
Beyond teaching driving skills, parents should take several important steps to help their teen drivers:
- Set clear rules and expectations
- Consider creating a parent-teen driving agreement
- Continue supervising driving even after teens get their license
- Model good driving behavior
Studies show teens with involved parents are less likely to crash or receive traffic citations. Understanding the legal driving age in Florida is essential for teens and parents navigating the licensing process.
Contact an Attorney If You Have More Questions About the Legal Driving Age in Florida
Florida’s graduated system provides a structured path to full driving privileges while prioritizing safety. However, there are extensive restrictions in place in order to mitigate the risk new drivers can pose to the public. An experienced lawyer who knows Florida law will be able to help answer any remaining questions you may have. Contact one today for a free consultation.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Avenue of the Champions Ste 220
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000
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