New Teen Driver Law Takes Effect in Florida on July 1st

Beginning on July 1st, teenage drivers in Florida will face a higher set of requirements in order to obtain their driver’s license and learner’s permit. The change will affect teens seeking to get their driver’s licenses who are ages 15 to 17. When the new policy takes effect, teens must complete a six-hour driver’s education course, complete a four-hour traffic law and substance abuse education course, and obtain REAL ID-compliant documentation. Those exempt from the rules include those who’d obtained a permit or license before July 1st, who are transferring a license from another state to Florida, or who have already completed the traffic law and substance abuse course when they were 14 or older. “These updated requirements ensure our youngest drivers receive thorough education and training before hitting the road,” said Flagler County Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson. “Our office is here to support families through every step of the licensing process.” How the Law Came to Be The bill, SB 994, was introduced into the state legislature this year by Florida Senator Jay Collins, a Republican from Tampa. It passed both chambers of the legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support. “The bill aims to improve the educational requirements for obtaining both a standard driver’s license and a learner’s driver’s license,” Collins said on the Senate floor. “Applicants for a driver’s license who are 18 years of age or older must complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course unless they have previously been licensed in another jurisdiction, or have successfully completed a Department of Education driver’s ed course prior.” How to Get a Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License Those visiting for a driver’s license, teenager or not, have to bring certain documentation with them to the Tax Collector’s Office. A primary identification is required, which can be a birth certificate, passport, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Beyond that, motorists are required to bring proof of social security and of their residential address. Existing requirements for teens obtaining their learner’s permit include being 15 years old with a signed parental consent form for minors, passing a vision and hearing test, and passing the Class E knowledge exam. Teens getting their driver’s license must be at least 16 years old, have a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult 21 or older fill out a certification of minor driving experience, have no moving violation convictions for one year after getting their learner’s permit, and pass a Class E driving test.