Florida Online Driver Education and Florida Licensing Procedures

So you’ve taken your first step to become a new driver in Florida? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill to know but it can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Florida has implemented a graduated driver license program for Florida drivers who are between the ages of 15-18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Florida.

Florida Instruction Permit (aka-- Learner Permit)

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit in Florida.

Before taking the written (knowledge) test, you will need to have done the following:

• Completed a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Course (contact the Florida DMV for further information)
• Studied the Florida driver handbook (question on the written test is based on the material in this book)

When you go to take your drivers’ test, you need to take the following documents with you to the DMV office:

• A signed, parental-consent form
• Proper forms of ID
• Proof of residence
• Social Security Card

For a complete, accurate listing of exactly what paperwork/documents you will need to have, please contact the Florida DMV or visit

At the DMV office, in addtion to a vision and hearing test, you will need to take two (2) written tests:

• Written Test—Road Signs
• Written Test—Road Rules

Once you pass both these tests, you will have earned your Florida instruction permit. You may start driving right away, but there are some restrictions:

• You may only drive with a licensed, 21-year-old driver sitting next to you in the front passenger seat.
• During the first 3 months—daylight driving only. You may not drive at all after 10pm.

Your First Florida Driver's License

After you’ve had your instruction permit for one (1) year, and you’ve turned 16, you may apply for your first Florida intermediate driver license providing you meet the following prerequisites:

• Completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 of which must be at night) from a licensed adult driver who’s at least 21 years old. Your parent or guardian will need to certify that you have completed this practice.
• You have received no traffic citations during the past 12 months.

At the DMV office, you will need to take a vision test, and then you will need to pass a written test as well as the road test (the road test may be skipped if you have successfully completed a state-approved drivers education course).

With an intermediate drivers license, the following restriction still applies (if you’re under 18):

• You can only drive unsupervised between the hours of 6am and 11pm. After those hours, you must have a licensed adult driver seated in the front passenger seat (exception is if you are traveling to or from work).

When you turn 18, all restrictions are removed.

Florida Auto Insurance Florida Financial Responsibility Laws

In Florida, you must have auto insurance liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. If you drive without insurance you risk having your license suspended plus a hefty fine.

The minimum amount of coverage you are required to carry is as follows:

• $10,000--personal injury
• $10,000--property damage

Florida Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Florida, and the penalties for breaking this law are very severe.  Upon your FIRST DUI offense, you will face the following consequences:

• Six (6) months of jail time
• Suspension of your license ranging from 6 to 12 months.
• A fine ranging from $500 to $1,000
• 100 hours of community service
• A mandatory DUI education program
• An ignition interlock device may be installed on your vehicle

Further DUI violations will result in far more stringent penalties, including extended jail time, license suspension/revocation, fines, and community service.

Florida Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws

In 2010, the Florida Senate overwhelming approved a bill banning the use of text-messaging devices while driving. Action is still pending in the Florida House.

Florida Online Driver Education

Anyone 16-18 applying for a Florida intermediate license may skip the road test if they’ve successfully completed a state-approved driver education course. Please visit the Florida DMV website for a list of approved drivers education courses available.

www.gathergoget.com.