Can You Drive to School with a Permit in Florida?

Oct 30, 2025

No, you cannot drive to school alone with only a learner's permit in Florida. A Florida learner's permit requires a licensed driver aged 21 or older to be seated in the front passenger seat at all times, making solo trips to school illegal.

This guide leverages Florida's official DHSMV regulations and expertise from DetsCourse.com and LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, Florida's largest providers of state-approved online driver education with over 5 million customers. Violating permit restrictions can result in citations, extended permit periods, and delays in obtaining your full driver's license.

What Are the Complete Restrictions for a Learner's Permit in Florida?

Florida's learner's permit includes multiple restrictions designed to maximize safety during the learning phase. These regulations create a structured environment for skill development while minimizing risk.

  • Mandatory Supervision: Licensed driver (21+) required in front passenger seat
  • Daylight Driving Hours (First 3 Months): Driving permitted only during daylight hours for initial period
  • Extended Driving Hours (After 3 Months): Driving allowed until 10:00 PM after first three months
  • Zero Tolerance Alcohol Policy: Blood alcohol level of .02% or higher results in permit suspension
  • All Passengers Must Wear Seat Belts: Everyone in vehicle must be properly restrained

These restrictions apply uniformly regardless of whether you're driving to school, work, or other destinations. The graduated approach allows drivers to gradually gain experience in different driving conditions while maintaining appropriate supervision.

What is the New Permit Rule in Florida? Clarifying Recent Changes

While the core driving restrictions for learner's permits remain consistent, Florida has implemented significant procedural changes that affect how new drivers obtain their permits. The most notable modernization involves testing accessibility for minor drivers.

Online DMV Permit Test for Minors

  • Individuals under 18 can take the official DMV permit test online from home
  • This option becomes available after completing the required DETS Course
  • Online testing is offered through state-approved providers like DetsCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, or SafeDriver.com
  • Applicants 18 and over must still take their knowledge exam in person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office

If you're 18 or older and have never held a driver's license, you don't need a permit. However, you must complete the 4-hour TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course, also known as the Drug and Alcohol Course, before taking the official DMV exam. This state-mandated course covers Florida traffic laws, substance abuse education, and safe driving practices. Unlike the teen DETS course, the TLSAE is only 4 hours and can be completed entirely online through approved providers like DetsCourse.com and DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com. Free certificate delivery is available with expedited delivery options.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over with a Permit in Florida?

Understanding the consequences of violating permit restrictions helps emphasize the importance of compliance. Law enforcement officers routinely verify that permit holders are following supervision requirements.

Scenario 1: With a Proper Supervising DriverThe traffic stop proceeds normally when a qualified supervisor is present. The officer will check both the permit holder's documentation and the supervising driver's license. A citation may still be issued if any other traffic violation occurred, such as speeding or improper lane change.

Scenario 2: Driving Alone (Including to School)Driving without a supervising driver constitutes a violation of license restrictions. The penalty includes a citation and mandatory reporting to the DHSMV. Consequences may include fines, extension of the mandatory permit holding period, and significant delays in obtaining a full driver's license. Multiple violations can result in permit suspension.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Florida Learner's Permit

Following the proper sequence ensures a smooth licensing process and prepares you for responsible driving. Florida's requirements vary by age but follow a logical progression from education to testing.

  1. Meet Age Requirements: Be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit
  2. Complete Driver's Ed: Enroll in and pass the 100% online 4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) for adults or the 6-hour DETS Course for teens (14-17) from a state-approved provider like DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com or DetsCourse.com.
  3. Prepare for the Test: Use the official Florida Driver's Handbook available at FloridaDriversHandbook.com and comprehensive Prep Courses with unlimited practice tests
  4. Pass the Official Exam: If under 18, take the DMV permit test online through state-authorized providers like DetsCourse.com or LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
  5. Provide Documentation: Bring required documents including proof of identification, Social Security number, and course completion certificate to the DMV or Tax Collector's office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive yourself to school with a permit in Florida?

No, you cannot drive yourself to school with only a permit in Florida; a learner's permit requires a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old to be seated next to you. To get your learner's permit, you can start with the required DETS Course available at DetsCourse.com.

What are the restrictions on a learner's permit in Florida?

  • ALWAYS accompanied by a licensed driver 21+
  • Must hold for a minimum of 12 months or until 18th birthday, whichever comes first.
  • Required 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night.
  • Maximum of one additional passenger recommended by the DMV (besides the supervisory adult)

When can you drive to school in Florida?

In Florida, you can drive to school once you are at least 15 years old and have obtained your learner's permit with a licensed driver (21+) required in front passenger seat. To get the permit it requires completing the 6-hour DETS Course from state-approved providers like DetsCourse.com for teens ages 14-17.

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