What Age Can You Drive in Florida?

You can legally begin driving in Florida at 15 years old, but only with a learner's permit. The critical first step to getting that permit is completing a state-mandated Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Providers like DetsCourse.com offer this required education as well as the official DMV permit exam online, allowing you to take the permit test online and start your journey toward a full license, which you can earn at age 16.

What is the youngest age you can drive in Florida?

The minimum age to operate a vehicle in Florida is 15, but this is exclusively for a learner's license. Florida law mandates that all teens under 18 must complete a 6-hour DETS course before applying. This course, which replaced the previous TLSAE requirement, covers driver education and traffic safety. After finishing the course, you can take the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam, which requires a passing score of 80% (40 correct answers).

• Key Requirement: A signed and notarized Parental Consent Form is mandatory for all applicants under 18.
• Practical Tip: Schedule your Learner's Permit appointment (to get vision/hearing tests and picture taken) with the Tax Collector's Office after you've completed your online DETS course and taken the official DMV knowledge exam online.

What are the rules for a 15-year-old with a learner's permit?

A 15-year-old with a learner's license has one primary rule: they must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older in the front passenger seat. This rule has no exceptions-it applies to driving to school, work, or even short practice trips around the neighborhood. Furthermore, you must hold this learner's license for a minimum of 12 months without any moving violations. If you receive a traffic conviction during this period, the 12-month holding requirement extends for another year from the conviction date. Of course, a way to avoid a conviction if you get a traffic ticket is by attending a 4-hour BDI course with a state approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

1. Step 1: Log Your Hours: During your 12-month permit phase, you must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 of those hours occurring at night.
2. Step 2: Avoid Violations: Stay violation-free for the entire 12-month period to avoid delaying your eligibility for the next license tier.
3. Step 3: Prepare for the Test: Use your practice time to hone the skills needed to pass your official driving skills test.

When can you drive by yourself in Florida?

You can drive alone in Florida once you turn 16 years old and have met all the requirements to upgrade to a Class E operator's license. This includes holding your learner's permit for 12 violation-free months and completing the 50 hours of logged driving practice. However, this freedom comes with immediate restrictions. At 16, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or are accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.

When you turn 17, the nighttime driving restriction is slightly eased to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., with the same exceptions. All driving curfews and restrictions are completely lifted once you celebrate your 18th birthday, granting you full, unrestricted driving privileges.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/traffic-law-substance-abuse-education-tlsae-find-approved-listing-tlsae-course-providers/
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive to school at 15 in Florida?

No, you cannot drive to school at 15 in Florida without a licensed driver aged 21 or older accompanying you. A learner's license requires constant supervision by a qualified adult in the front seat.

Can you drive alone at 16 in Florida?

Yes, a 16-year-old with a Class E license can drive alone, but only between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Exceptions are made for commuting to work or when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the vehicle.

Can you get a license at 14 in Florida?

No. Florida law is clear: the minimum age for a learner's permit is 15, and you must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a Class E driver license. 14 year old may take the DETS course online in preparation for getting their permit at age 15.

What is the curfew in Florida for a 16 year old?

16-year-old drivers must be off the road between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. This restriction is waived if the teen is driving to or from their job or has a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the car.