Florida teens now need longer lessons to get their permit but it might actually help

Florida teens now need longer to get their driver’s license in the Sunshine State via a young driver’s course; however, it might help the teen drivers out.

The state is getting stricter with how it hands out driving licenses and allows young people to go driving, meaning young drivers will have to wait a bit longer.

A new bill passed in the Florida Senate has amended the Driver Education Traffic Safety course that all new drivers in the state have to go through.

While this might frustrate teens who want to enjoy their newfound freedom, it might benefit them in the long run.

DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars

What Florida teens now have to adjust as young drivers

This isn’t the first potentially polarizing new driving rule in Florida recently.

It comes after the new Super Speeder law was introduced; however, this one could be incredibly valuable.

The Sunshine State recently passed Florida Senate Bill 994, meaning first-time drivers under the age of 18 must attend a six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety course.

That is something they must do before they earn their learner’s permit.

It is an increase on the previous four-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course.

The hope is that this new class will complement Florida’s driver education and better educate younger drivers.

Within the course, the focus will be on defensive driving, the risks of substance use and distractions while driving, and extreme weather.

So, despite the length of time required to get their license, teen drivers in Florida may benefit from the new course.

Not everyone is impacted by new young driver’s course

However, not every teenage driver will be impacted by the new requirements and course.

Any teen under the age of 18 who took the previous four-hour course before August 1st won’t need to do the new one.

That is, provided their certification is still valid.

But those who have not taken the course before that date will have to do the new six-hour one instead.

While it is available to do in person, Florida has said that participants can do it virtually as well.

That will potentially make it much easier for the Sunshine State teenagers to access and complete the course.

There will no doubt be some frustration from teen drivers at the extra work required to get their licenses.

However, it’s clearly been done with their best interests at heart, and it could end up being a lifesaver.

The new young driver’s course for Florida teens starts August 1st, 2025.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie