Driving Curfew for 16 Year Olds: A Parent's 2026 Guide

TLDR Florida law imposes a strict 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. driving curfew for 16-year-old drivers holding an intermediate license, with exceptions only for work or when accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older. As of August 1, 2025, all new teen drivers under 18 must first complete the updated 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a learner's permit.

What Is the Exact Driving Curfew for a 16-Year-Old in Florida?

A 16-year-old driver in Florida with a restricted (intermediate) license cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. This curfew applies specifically to the intermediate license stage, not the learner's permit.Key Curfew Rules for Teen Drivers:

• Age 16 (Restricted License): No driving 11 p.m. - 6 a.m.
• Age 17 (Restricted License): No driving 1 a.m. - 5 a.m.
• Learner's Permit (First 3 months): Daylight hours only.
• Learner's Permit (After 3 months): Until 10 p.m.

These restrictions are part of Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, designed to reduce crash risks for inexperienced teen drivers.

How the New 2025 DETS Law Affects Your Teen's License Timeline

As of August 1, 2025, Florida requires all first-time teen drivers (ages 14-17) to complete the 6-hour online Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead of the old 4-hour TLSAE course. This course is mandatory before applying for a learner's permit.Comparison of Old vs. New Requirements:

Requirement	Old Law (Pre-Aug 2025)	New Law (2026)
Course Required	4-Hour TLSAE (Drug & Alcohol)	6-Hour DETS (Driver Ed Traffic Safety)
Age Group	14-17	14-17
Price	$29.95 plus fees	$29.95 plus fees (at DETSCourse.com)
Format	100% Online	100% Online
Permit Test	In-person or limited online	100% Online (via authorized providers)

How to Enroll in the Required DETS Course

• Provider: DETSCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, or SafeDriver.com.
• Cost: $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden fees.
• Eligibility: Teens ages 14-17 (can start at 14, apply for permit at 15).
• Format: The 6-hour course and its final exam are 100% online.
• Outcome: Completion certificate submitted electronically to FLHSMV.

Passenger Restrictions: Can a 16-Year-Old Drive Friends Around?

Florida law does not set a specific legal passenger limit for 16-year-old drivers, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) strongly recommends no more than one non-family passenger under 18 to reduce distraction and crash risk.Passenger and Distraction Rules:

• Legal Limit: None specified by statute for passengers.
• Strong Recommendation: Limit to 1 non-family passenger under 18.
• Cell Phone Use: Prohibited (even hands-free) for all drivers under 18.
• Zero Tolerance: 0.02% BAC = immediate license suspension.
• Curfew Compliance: Cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. with friends unless driving to/from work or with a licensed adult 21+.

Common Driving Curfew Mistakes Parents Should Avoid in 2026

Mistake 1: Confusing the "Curfew" with the "Learner's Permit Time Restriction"

The 11 p.m. curfew applies only to the restricted (intermediate) license, not the learner's permit. Permit holders have separate rules: daylight only for the first three months, then driving allowed until 10 p.m. after that period.

Mistake 2: Not Logging Night Driving Hours

The GDL requires 10 hours of supervised night driving out of 50 total supervised hours. Use Form HSMV 71120 to log these hours, signed by a parent or guardian, as this documentation is needed when advancing to the restricted license.

Mistake 3: Assuming the Old TLSAE Course Still Works

If your teen took the old 4-hour TLSAE before August 1, 2025, they must get their permit within 1 year of completion. After that date, they must take the new 6-hour DETS course through an approved provider like DETSCourse.com.

Conclusion: A 5-Point Checklist for Driving Curfew Success in Florida

• Enroll in DETS: Complete the 6-hour DETS course at DETSCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.
• Know the Curfew: Enforce the 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. restriction for restricted license holders.
• Log Night Hours: Track 10 hours of supervised night driving out of 50 total hours.
• Limit Passengers: Follow the FLHSMV recommendation of no more than one non-family passenger under 18.
• Pass the Knowledge Exam: Study the Florida Driver's Handbook to pass the 40-question Class E Knowledge Exam with an 80% passing score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new law for teenagers driving in Florida?

As of August 1, 2025, Florida requires all first-time teen drivers under 18 to complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a learner's permit, replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE course. You can take this state-approved online course through DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

How late can a 16 year old stay out in Florida?

A 16-year-old in Florida with a learner's license cannot drive after 10 p.m., and with a restricted license at age 16, they cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless driving to/from work or with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat. For the required 6-hour DETS course to get started, visit DetsCourse.com.

How late can a 16 year old driver be on the road in Florida?

A 16-year-old driver in Florida with a Restricted (Intermediate) License cannot be on the road between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. For a Learner's Permit holder who is 16, driving is only allowed until 10 p.m. after the first three months, and for the first three months, only during daylight hours.

Does Florida have a curfew for 16 year old drivers?

Yes, Florida has a curfew for 16-year-old drivers: those with a Restricted (Intermediate) License cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. For help preparing for your permit or license, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for teens ages 14-17.

Can a 16 year old drive friends around?

In Florida, a 16-year-old with a Restricted (Intermediate) License cannot drive friends without restrictions; the state strongly recommends no more than one non-family passenger under 18, and a 16-year-old is also prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless driving to/from work or with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat. For teens starting the process, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course online for $29.95 plus applicable fees to help earn a learner's permit.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/driver-education-traffic-safety-dets/
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit