Help your teen become a safe, confident driver — one step at a time
Watching your teen get behind the wheel can stir up a lot of emotions — excitement, pride, and yes, a little anxiety. But you’re not in this alone. Florida has a structured process to guide your teen safely toward full driving independence, and you play a vital role in that journey.
This guide breaks it all down: the requirements, the steps, and how to support your teen with confidence and calm.
TL;DR: What You Need to Know
To get a drivers license in Florida, your teen must:
Be at least 15 to apply for a learner’s permit
Complete a state-authorized drug and alcohol course
Log 50 hours of supervised driving
Progress through Florida’s Graduated Driver Licensing system
Step 1: Understand Florida’s GDL Program
Florida’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system introduces driving privileges in stages to help teens build experience safely.
Learner’s License (Age 15+)
Must pass a vision test and knowledge exam
Can only drive with a licensed adult (21+) in the front seat
May not drive after 10 p.m.
Must hold permit for 12 months with no violations
Intermediate License (Age 16–17)
Must complete 50 supervised driving hours (10 at night)
Daytime solo driving is allowed
Night driving and passenger restrictions still apply
Full License (Age 18+)
Teens with a clean driving record may qualify for full privileges earlier with a state-approved course
Step 2: How to Get a Florida Learner’s Permit
Here’s what your teen will need to do:
Provide proof of identity, residency, and parental consent
Pass a vision exam
Complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
Pass the Florida permit test — practice makes perfect, and prep courses can boost your teen’s confidence and success
Step 3: Supervised Driving Practice
Florida requires 50 supervised hours before moving forward. Here’s how to make those hours count:
Mix it up: Practice in neighborhoods, on highways, and during different times of day or weather conditions
Stay calm: Positive feedback goes further than raised voices
Simulate test situations: Practice maneuvers like parallel parking and safe merging
Need a refresher? This permit prep resource can help.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Florida Drivers Ed Program
When selecting a course, look for:
State authorization (like DriversEd.com’s Florida course)
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Mobile-friendly options for on-the-go learning
Reviews from other Florida families
Teen Driver Safety Tips
You set the tone. Help your teen drive smart with these simple rules:
No phones — even at red lights
Obey speed limits, especially in school zones
Avoid driving tired — fatigue impairs judgment just like alcohol
Buckle up, every seat, every time
Want to go deeper? Explore the bad habits even experienced drivers struggle with — and help your teen avoid them.
Insurance + Financial Basics
Adding a teen driver will raise your rates, but there are ways to keep costs in check:
Ask your insurer about safe driving discounts
Show your teen how to budget for gas, routine maintenance, and emergencies
Reinforce the financial risks of tickets or violations
Even If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed…
You’ve got this — even if:
You haven’t studied road signs in decades
Your teen insists they “already know everything.”
You feel unsure about Florida’s rules and timelines
With a little structure and the right support, your family can handle this transition with confidence.
Florida Teen Driving FAQ
What’s the minimum age for a learner’s permit in Florida?
15 years old — with parental consent and completion of the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.
How many hours of practice driving does my teen need?
Florida requires 50 hours total — 10 must be at night.
Is online drivers ed accepted in Florida?
Yes — as long as it's from a state-authorized provider like DriversEd.com.
Can my teen drive at night with a learner’s permit?
Not after 10 p.m., and they must be accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older.
Where can we study for the knowledge exam?
Check out DriversEd.com’s Florida permit test FAQ for practice and prep tips.
Updated 06/04/2025
