Teen Drivers

Getting a driver license is a long-anticipated rite of passage for many teens, and can signal a new era of freedom as well as responsibility. With traffic crashes being the number one cause of death for teens across the U.S., the State of Florida takes a teen's driving privilege seriously and has come up with legislation and programs designed to educate and train teenagers properly for their new adventures.

The specific steps you need to take to get your license can be found on this site's Applying For a New License page. But here's the basic rundown:

• When you are at least 15, obtain a learner's license after passing written knowledge, hearing and vision exams. Then practice driving for one whole year, within certain hours of the day. This license does not allow you to drive alone, ever, no matter what your age. But don't worry, you won't always be stuck in the car with Mom or Dad―you can drive with other licensed adults age 21 or older.

• Obtain an operator's license that gives you solo driving privileges within certain limited hours. You can get this license when you are 16 or 17, have held your learner's license for at least one year, and you pass the required driving skills test.

• Obtain your real, live Class E driver license at age 18, with no restrictions (except for continuing to drive safely and legally, of course).

Education is Key

When thinking about getting your learner's license, the first place you might want to start is by checking out the Florida Driver Handbook. You can read it online or pick up a handbook at your nearest driver license office.

Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Courses

Another educational requirement for your license is the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course, which is mandatory for everyone applying for a learner's license. Some school driver ed programs can count for this course, so check with your school administration if you're enrolled in a program there.

Tests and More Tests

You might think all the required tests are just the state's way of making you jump through hoops to torture you, but the truth is that the State of Florida is committed to helping you avoid the pain and anguish that comes with a tragic road accident, or the humiliation of losing your license for alcohol-related fender benders. Those tests are designed to ensure that you (and everyone else on the road):

• Understand all the various road signs and highway markings

• Know the driving rules of the State of Florida

• Can see well enough to drive in a safe manner

• Have the experience and know-how to drive safely

• Are free from physical or mental conditions that would prevent you from driving safely

Those tests aren't to give you a hard time; they're to protect you from yourself and everyone else on the road.

Some Mistakes Can Last a Long Time

You've probably heard someone say that driving isn't a right, but a privilege. And when you're a teen, you're given a chance to "test drive" those privileges with your learner's and operator's licenses. And while no one's perfect (not even drivers who've been licensed for a long time), some mistakes you make might have lasting negative effects.

The state will penalize a teen driver more harshly than regular Class E license holders for certain infractions, mostly to send an immediate message about how crucial it is to be safe and follow the rules:

• If you get a traffic conviction (a ticket that isn't taken care of through traffic school, or an accident that results in injuries) while using a learner's license, the one-year mandatory learner's period will restart on the date of your conviction, even if you only had one week to go.

• If you rack up six or more points on your driving record in a 12-month period, you will only be able to drive to and from work for one whole year, or until you're 18, whichever comes first. See the DMV Point System section on this site for more details about point violations.

• If you are tested with a .02% or more blood alcohol level and you're younger than 21, you'll receive an automatic six-month license suspension. For most people, even one drink will take them over that limit. What's the message? Don't drink and drive, period.

• If you're considered truant from school (15 unexcused absences in a 90-day period), you'll lose your driving privileges―all of them.

• If you're younger than 18 and receive a conviction for having cigarettes or other tobacco products, you'll lose your driving privileges. Plus, you'll be more likely to get lung cancer and all that bad stuff.

So What's the Good News?

It isn't all danger and warnings, you know. Getting your driver license is a big step closer to the adult world of freedom and independence you may wish for now. And it's a fact that good friends, good music on the radio, and an open road can be the makings of some of the best memories of your life.