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Florida Driver License Requirements for Teens

Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is designed to help teens gain driving experience under lower-risk conditions before obtaining full driving privileges. This structured, three-phase system ensures that young drivers develop the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely.

Phase 1: Learner's License (Ages 15–17)

To obtain a Florida learner's license, teens must:

  • Be at least 15 years old.
  • Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. This 4-hour course covers essential topics like traffic laws and the dangers of driving under the influence.
  • Pass vision and hearing tests.
  • Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam. This test assesses knowledge of Florida traffic laws and safe driving practices.
  • Provide required identification documents.

Once issued, the learner's license comes with specific restrictions:

  • Driving Hours: For the first three months, driving is permitted only during daylight hours. After this period, driving is allowed until 10:00 p.m.
  • Supervision: A licensed driver aged 21 or older must accompany the teen in the front passenger seat at all times.
  • Duration: The learner's license must be held for at least 12 months or until the teen turns 18, whichever comes first.
  • Driving Practice: Teens must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

For more detailed information on obtaining a learner's permit, refer to the Florida Learner's Permit Guide.

Phase 2: Intermediate License (Ages 16–17)

After meeting the learner's license requirements, teens can apply for an intermediate (Class E) license. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Age: Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Clean Driving Record: No traffic convictions during the learner's license period. One moving violation with a withheld adjudication is permitted.
  • Driving Practice Certification: A parent or guardian must certify that the teen has completed the required 50 hours of supervised driving.
  • Pass the Class E Driving Skills Test.

Driving restrictions for intermediate license holders are as follows:

  • 16-Year-Olds: Driving is allowed between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Driving outside these hours is permitted only when accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older or when driving to or from work.
  • 17-Year-Olds: Driving is allowed between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. The same exceptions apply as for 16-year-olds.

For guidance on transitioning from a learner's permit to a full license, see Transitioning from Learner's Permit to Full License in Florida.

Phase 3: Full Privilege License (Age 18+)

At 18, teens are eligible for a full, unrestricted Class E driver's license, provided they have:

  • Held a learner's license for at least 12 months.
  • Maintained a clean driving record.
  • Completed the required supervised driving hours.
  • Passed the Class E Driving Skills Test.

Additional Considerations

  • Point System: Accumulating six or more points within 12 months results in a one-year restriction to driving for business purposes only. Additional points extend this restriction by 90 days per point.
  • Traffic Violations: Certain violations, such as curfew breaches or speeding, add points to the driving record, potentially leading to license suspension.

Understanding and adhering to Florida's GDL laws is crucial for teen drivers to develop safe driving habits. For more information on driving laws and safety, explore the following resources: