| On July 1, 1996, Florida established the Graduated
Licensing System. The program gives young drivers more time to learn
all the complex skills needed to drive a vehicle. The program consists
of three stages beginning with the Learner’s License. Young
drivers are required to demonstrate responsible driving behaviors
in each stage of licensing before advancing to the next.
Learner’s License Privileges and Requirements
- Drivers must always have a licensed driver 21 years of
age or older in the closest seat to the right of the driver.
- For the first three months after receiving a Learner’s License,
driving is limited to daylight hours only.
- After three months, hours are extended to 10 pm.
From Learner’s License to Operator’s License
To earn an Operator’s License, teens must be at least 16 years
old AND have held a learner’s license for at least one year
without any traffic convictions.
Required documents
- A Florida Learner’s License or a license from another jurisdiction.
- Parent or guardian certification that applicant has at least 50
hours of behind the wheel driving experience, of which 10 hours
must be at night.
Testing
Applicants must pass a driving test and perform certain driving
maneuvers, or present a waiver from an accepted driver education
course. They must also pass a hearing test and a vision test indicating
20/40 (or better) vision in each and both eyes, with or without
corrective lenses.
Please refer to the Florida
Driver Handbook for specifics
Privileges and Responsibilities
Once teens obtain an Operator’s License their driving
privileges are based on their age.
16 years old
- Driving allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- All other times must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least
21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver,
or be traveling to or from work.
17 years old
- Driving allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
- All other times must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least
21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver,
or be traveling to or from work.
18 years old
- Driving allowed at all hours of the day without a licensed passenger
requirement.
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