Florida is taking a bold step to enhance road safety with teenagers. Starting August 1, 2025, teens aged 15 and older must complete mandatory training far beyond previous requirements before earning their learner’s permit.
This includes a 50-hour Driver Education course, required screenings, and strict supervision during early post-permit driving.
This change, under Statute 322.1615, comes via Senate Bill 994 signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Its aim is clear: cut teen crash rates and build safer habits from day one.
Why the New Law Was Introduced
Florida’s teen crash statistics are eye-opening—over 1 million crashes involving teen drivers occurred in 2020 alone, resulting in thousands of serious injuries and fatalities. Lawmakers, alarmed by these figures, pushed for stronger, education-focused safety rules.
Florida follows in the footsteps of other states, such as Ohio, which are also upping driver education requirements for new and young drivers.
What the 50-Hour Driving Law Requires
Here’s what teens must complete to get their learner’s permit as of August 1, 2025:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Education Course | 50-hour FLHSMV-approved course in addition to the existing TLSAE |
| TLSAE Course | The 4-hour Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education course remains required |
| Vision & Hearing Screenings | Mandatory before obtaining a permit |
| Age Requirement | Must be 15 years or older |
| Parental Consent | Required for all applicants under 18 |
| Post-Permit Restrictions | First 3 months: daylight-only driving with a licensed adult aged 21+ |
| Permit Application Requirements | Proof of identity, Social Security number, residency documentation, and passing the Class E Knowledge Exam (80%) |
What Teens and Parents Should Do Now
To stay ahead of the new law and avoid setbacks:
- Register for an FLHSMV-approved 50-hour course as soon as possible.
- Schedule vision and hearing tests well before applying for a permit.
- Gather essential documents—parental consent, identity and residency proofs.
- Follow supervision rules strictly for the first three months post-permit.
- Many schools, including those in Levy County, have already integrated the new education modules into their driver programs.
A Fresh Take on Teen Road Safety
Governor DeSantis emphasizes that these measures are about more than rule enforcement—they’re about protecting young lives and improving safety for all road users.
By raising education standards, Florida aims to instill responsible driving habits early on and reduce risk during the most vulnerable stages of teen drivers’ journeys.
Comparison and Broader Impact
Florida isn’t alone. States like Ohio are also requiring formal, extended driver education for new drivers under 21. Research shows that comprehensive training greatly reduces crash rates and builds more confident, attentive drivers.
Florida’s new 50-Hour Driving Rule, effective August 1, 2025, marks a major step toward improving teen road safety. Teens must now complete robust education, pass mandatory screenings, and stick to heightened restrictions.
Parents, schools, and young drivers must collaborate to meet these requirements—and in doing so, help protect the lives of new drivers and everyone on Florida’s roads.
FAQs
Is the 50-hour course replacing the 4-hour TLSAE?
No—the TLSAE course remains mandatory. The new regulation adds the 50-hour Driver Education course, approved by FLHSMV, on top of it.
Can the new course be taken online?
Some approved programs offer live, instructor-led online sessions, but practical instruction and documentation are required as part of an FLHSMV-approved course.
What if a teen fails to complete all requirements?
Incomplete requirements—like missing the 50-hour course or failing screenings—mean teens will not be eligible for a learner’s permit or could have their driving privileges revoked.