Florida Teen Driver Curfew Rules

TLDR Florida's teen driving curfew rules are strict: 16-year-olds with a restricted license cannot drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and 17-year-olds cannot drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. To start the licensing process, teens aged 14-17 must complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course online at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Understanding Florida's Graduated Driver License and Teen Curfew Rules

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program enforces specific night driving curfews for teens under 18. The system operates in three stages: Learner's Permit (ages 15-17), Restricted License (ages 16-17), and Full License (age 18+). Night driving curfews only apply to the Restricted License stage, not the Learner's Permit stage where supervision is already required.

License Stage	Age Range	Curfew Restrictions?	Key Rule
Learner's Permit	15-17	No specific curfew	Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. First 3 months: daylight only. After 3 months: until 10 p.m.
Restricted License	16-17	Yes	No driving 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (age 16) or 1 a.m.-5 a.m. (age 17).
Full License	18+	No restrictions	All GDL restrictions lift automatically at age 18.

As of August 1, 2025, Florida replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE course with a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for all first-time teen drivers. Understanding how curfew rules interact with the new licensing process is critical for parents and teens to avoid violations and suspensions.

Exact Curfew Hours by Age for Florida Teen Drivers

How Late Can a 16-Year-Old Drive at Night in Florida?

A 16-year-old with a restricted (intermediate) license in Florida cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Exceptions include driving to or from work, or if a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.

How Late Can a 17-Year-Old Drive at Night in Florida?

A 17-year-old with a restricted license in Florida cannot drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. This curfew is narrower than the 16-year-old restriction. Exceptions apply for employment or with a licensed adult 21+ in the vehicle.

Does a 17-Year-Old Have a Curfew in Florida?

Yes, a 17-year-old driver in Florida with a restricted license has a driving curfew from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. However, there is no general "non-driving" curfew for 17-year-olds in Florida state law; local city or county ordinances may vary.

Is There a Curfew for Teenage Drivers in Florida?

Yes. Florida law imposes a strict driving curfew on all holders of a restricted (intermediate) license under age 18. The curfew is 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. for 16-year-olds and 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. for 17-year-olds. Learner's permit holders do not have a specific curfew but are restricted to daylight hours for the first 3 months.

What's the Curfew for a 15-Year-Old in Florida?

A 15-year-old in Florida cannot hold a restricted license; they can only hold a learner's permit. While there is no specific "driving curfew" for a 15-year-old, they are restricted to daylight hours only for the first 3 months of holding the permit. After 3 months, they may drive until 10 p.m., but must always be supervised by a licensed driver 21+.

How to Get Your Florida Learner's Permit Online (Age 15-17)

Teens aged 15-17 can complete the required 6-hour DETS course and the official Class E Knowledge Exam entirely online from home, avoiding DMV lines. The new DETS course (required since August 1, 2025) replaces the old TLSAE for teens.

1. Enroll in the 6-Hour DETS Course: Complete the state-approved course online at DetsCourse.com or LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees. You must be at least 14 years old to take the course.
2. Study the Florida Driver's Handbook: Access the official handbook at FloridaDriversHandbook.com. Consider a Prep Course (97% first-time pass rate) for unlimited practice tests to prepare for the exam.
3. Take the Class E Knowledge Exam Online: Take the official online permit test from an authorized provider for $29.95 plus applicable fees. The exam has 50 questions with a high failure rate of up to 40% or more.

For a complete solution, the DETSCourse + Official online permit test bundle is available for $44.95 plus applicable fees, or the DETSCourse + Official online permit test + prep course bundle for $69.95 plus applicable fees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Florida Teen Curfew Rules

Mistake 1: Confusing Learner's Permit and Restricted License Curfews

Many parents and teens assume curfew rules apply to learner's permit holders. In reality, learner's permit holders have no specific curfew but are limited to daylight hours for the first 3 months, then until 10 p.m. afterward. The strict 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew only applies to 16-year-olds with a restricted license.

Mistake 2: Not Understanding the New DETS Requirement

Since August 1, 2025, Florida replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE course with a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for all first-time teen drivers. Teens who completed the old TLSAE before August 1, 2025, can still use it if they get their permit within 1 year of completion.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Passenger and Cell Phone Restrictions

Beyond curfew rules, Florida enforces strict restrictions on teen drivers. No cell phone use is allowed (even hands-free), and there is a zero alcohol tolerance (0.02% BAC = suspension). While no strict legal passenger limit exists, FLHSMV strongly recommends no more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 to reduce distractions and crashes.

Conclusion: Your Essential Florida Teen Driver Checklist

• Complete the DETS Course: Enroll in the 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees before applying for a permit.
• Know Your Curfew: 16-year-olds cannot drive 11 p.m.-6 a.m.; 17-year-olds cannot drive 1 a.m.-5 a.m. with a restricted license.
• Understand Exceptions: Curfew exceptions exist only for driving to/from work or with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat.
• Log Supervised Hours: Document 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) for advancement to a restricted license.
• Bring Required Documents: Parental consent form (HSMV 71018), proof of identity, Social Security card, and two proofs of Florida residential address to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How late can a 17 year old drive at night in Florida?

A 17-year-old with a restricted (intermediate) license in Florida cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless they are driving to or from work or have a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. For teens with a learner's permit, driving is only allowed until 10 p.m. after the first three months; for help earning your permit, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour DETS course for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Is there a curfew for teenage drivers in Florida?

Yes, Florida has a curfew for teenage drivers. For 16-year-olds with a Restricted (Intermediate) License, driving is prohibited from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and for 17-year-olds, from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., with exceptions for driving to/from work or with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. To start the licensing process, teens aged 14-17 can complete the required 6-hour DETS course online at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Does a 17 year old have a curfew in Florida?

Yes, a 17-year-old in Florida has a curfew if they hold a Restricted (Intermediate) License, which prohibits driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. (with exceptions for work or if accompanied by a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat). For help earning a learner's permit or license, consider the state-approved 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com.

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

A 16-year-old in Florida with a restricted (intermediate) license cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and a 17-year-old cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., though exceptions exist for work or when accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older. For more details on Florida's Graduated Driver License rules and to complete the required 6-hour DETS course online, visit DetsCourse.com.

What's the curfew for a 15 year old in Florida?

In Florida, a 15-year-old with a learner's permit faces a time restriction: for the first 3 months, driving is allowed only during daylight hours, and after that, until 10 p.m. For the most up-to-date driver education requirements to get your permit, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for just $29.95 plus applicable fees.

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