Hey there! A big cheer for your 15-year-old’s recent milestone—stepping onto the exciting journey of getting their first driver’s license. This transition is indeed a significant rite of passage for most teens.
Stick around to discover practical tips from experienced LOCAL moms just like you.
In sunny Florida, 15-year-olds are eligible for a learner’s permit, which means they can start experiencing the thrill of driving supervised by a licensed adult aged 21 years or over. Here are the steps you’ll need to help your teen acquire their restricted license:
1. Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
With several options available, you can take this course online, through your local high school, or at a driver’s education school. This course enlightens your teen about the all-important road rules, traffic signs, and substance abuse prevention.
2. Ace a vision and hearing test
Any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) office can conduct this test.
3. Nail a 50-question knowledge exam
This quiz will evaluate your teen’s understanding of traffic laws and signs. It’s available at any DMV office.
4. Present proof of identity and residency
Remember to carry a valid government-issued ID and proof of residency to the DMV office.
5. Cover a fee
The learner’s permit fee in Florida is a modest $48.
Once these steps are wrapped up, your teen will proudly hold their learner’s permit. They need to maintain this permit for at least 12 months before stepping up to a full driver’s license.
Some additional pointers to keep in mind when guiding your teen toward their restricted license:
* As the parent or guardian, you must sign a parental consent form.
* Your teen must gather 50 hours of supervised driving experience, with at least 10 hours clocked in at night.
* Restricted license holders must be under 18 years of age.
* A clean driving record is mandatory.
If your teen has any medical concerns, state approval will be required before obtaining their license.
Securing a restricted license is a huge leap for your teen. Navigating these steps will set them on the path to safe and responsible driving.
LOCAL Moms’ Nuggets of Wisdom
* Lay the groundwork early by teaching your teen about road rules and traffic signs during casual car conversations when you’re at the wheel.
* Upon receipt of their license, encourage your teen to practice in low-traffic zones such as backroads and empty parking lots.
* Be patient and empathetic as your teen learns to drive. Remember, it can be stressful for everyone involved.
* If your child has a medical condition (e.g., seizures) and gets clearance from their doctor, make sure you get it cleared with state offices before heading to the DMV.
* A driver’s ed course through public school doubles up as half a high school elective. In-person classes enable the test to be taken at 14 1/2 years old, while the online FLVHS course only permits the test at 15.
* Online paid courses (sans high school credit) roughly cost around $40 and take 4 hours. Post-completion, the test can be taken immediately.
* Some teens may pass the test before they arrive at the DMV only to find they have to retake it. One mom mentioned that the state randomly selects three teenagers per day out of 100 to retake the exam in person.
* The TLSAE course is typically offered at school.
* Save time by making an appointment online ahead of time at your local county office. Have all required documents ready.
* Ensure that your teen gets their learner’s permit as early as possible if they want to drive at 16, as a 12-month learner’s permit period is obligatory before they can acquire a regular driver’s license.
* The online FLVHS course must be spread over at least 14 days. One mom’s daughter earned her half credit in three weeks with an A.
* Insurance rates typically remain unchanged until the driver turns 16. As always, it’s wise to check your policy.
* After three months, your learner driver can start driving at night, between 6 am and 10 pm.
* The teaching experience might flip your parental roles. The laid-back parent may turn into the tense one during lessons, while the strict parent may take it in stride. It’s all part of the journey!
I’ll leave you with this:
When I first learned to drive at 15, my Florida Highway Patrol officer father said, “The more I can be with you while you drive, the safer I’ll feel when you’re by yourself.” At 15, he offered me every opportunity to drive.
