TALLAHASSEE, FL — June 9, 2025 — Starting July 1, teens in Florida will face new hurdles on the road to earning a driver’s permit. Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law a sweeping update to the state’s teen driving requirements, now mandating a formal driver’s education course for any 15-year-old seeking a learner’s permit. The change reflects growing concern over teen crash rates and aims to address the risks young drivers pose to themselves and others.
Previously, permit seekers only had to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. Under the new law, students must now also:
- Obtain parental consent
- Pass vision and hearing tests
- Complete a written driver’s exam
- Enroll in and complete a certified driver’s education course
To qualify for a full license, teens must hold their permit for at least one year or reach age 18 — whichever comes first — without committing any moving violations. They must also complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, with a licensed adult over 21.
Cracking Down Amid a Troubling Safety Record
According to the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition, over 205,000 teens aged 15–19 were driving with a learner’s permit as of May 2024. In 2022 alone, Florida teen drivers were involved in over 56,000 crashes, resulting in 345 deaths and 1,945 serious injuries.
While teen crashes declined slightly by 1.93% in 2023, fatalities rose by nearly 1%, a troubling trend that likely influenced lawmakers. Notably, nearly one-third of fatal and serious injury crashes involved teens not wearing seat belts.
Florida isn’t alone in rethinking how young drivers are trained. States like New Jersey and North Carolina have introduced or tightened supervised driving hour requirements, while Kentucky moved in the opposite direction, lowering its permit age from 16 to 15 and reducing the permit-holding period to six months.
Educators and Advocates Weigh In
Supporters of the new Florida law argue it’s a common-sense reform that prioritizes safety. Debbie Adams, Principal of Driver’s Education at Florida Virtual School, praised lawmakers for “really taking a look at the dangers that we are facing in the state of Florida along our roads,” she told The Mirror US.
Florida Virtual School — the state’s largest driver’s ed provider — serves over 55,000 students, many of whom turn to the online platform because local high schools no longer offer in-person instruction due to funding cuts. Defensive driving, hazard recognition, and road etiquette are key parts of its curriculum.
Still, capacity remains a concern. “Many public schools just don’t have the space or budget anymore,” Adams noted.
Looking Ahead
While critics argue the law could burden families with new scheduling and course enrollment challenges, the legislation’s backers maintain that it will ultimately save lives.
“The data speaks for itself,” said Colleen Reyes of the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition. “Teens are more prone to distraction, risk-taking, and peer pressure behind the wheel. More education and experience can only help.”
Are you or your teen affected by Florida’s new driving law? How are you preparing for the changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
