| Your teen has finally arrived at a time he or she
has been looking forward to - learning to drive! This will
be a memorable experience for both of you. As role model and
coach, teens watch what their parents do and look to them
for guidance and expertise.
The law requires you to certify that your teen has spent
a minimum of 50 hours behind the wheel when he or she applies
for an operator’s license. Ten of those hours must be at night.
Either you or another responsible licensed adult over 21 years
of age must always occupy the front passenger seat closest
to the driver.
This website contains lots of valuable information and several
tools to assist you with that most important responsibility.
There’s a skills mastery checklist, a driving log, and a driving
certification form.
I encourage you and your teen to thoroughly review Chapter
3 of The Florida Driver’s
Handbook as it contains valuable detailed information
on the driving skills. There are also a number of other websites
with additional information. Visit some of these sites together.
Several of them have excellent simulations that will encourage
discussion.
Take as long as necessary to ensure that your teen is ready
to take the driving test and prepared to navigate the roads
solo. Teach them to “Drive With Care – Courtesy, Attention,
Responsibility and Experience.” Remember, “Experience eliminates
errors!”
Please review the Graduated Driver
Licensing Law and be sure that your teen knows and follows
the restricted driving hours.
Good Luck!
SANDRA C. LAMBERT, Director
Division of Motorist Services
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