Teen drivers in Florida will face new requirements starting next month under a state law aimed at improving safety. In 2023, the fatal crash rate for 16- to 19-year-olds was nearly triple that of drivers over 20, prompting lawmakers to act.

Beginning Aug. 1, teens ages 14½ to 17 must complete a six-hour, classroom-based driver’s education course—either in person or online with a live instructor—before they can obtain a learner’s permit. Previously, only a four-hour online Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course was required.

The change comes as part of Senate Bill 994, introduced by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa. Though the bill originally had a July 1 effective date, the state delayed implementation to August to give more time for rollout.

Adults 18 and older still only need to complete the TLSAE course if they’ve never held an out-of-state license. And teens who recently moved to Florida with a valid license from another state are exempt from the new requirements.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano emphasized that students who complete the four-hour course before July 31 are grandfathered in.

“If they took the drug and alcohol course before Aug. 1, they’re good,” Fasano said. “But after that, the old course no longer counts.”

Fasano also expressed concern that the state hasn’t provided clear instructions to help students and parents navigate the change. As of Wednesday, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles had not updated its website with details on the new course.

“We’re expecting some very unhappy parents and disappointed teens,” Fasano warned. “They’re going to come in and think they’ve completed the requirements, only to find out they need a whole new class.”

Permit Requirements Still in Place

Aside from the new education requirement, the other criteria for obtaining a learner’s permit remain unchanged:

• Must be at least 15 years old
• Signed/notarized parental consent form for minors
• Pass vision and hearing tests
• Pass a 50-question multiple-choice Class E Knowledge Exam
• Provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency

Fasano hopes schools and approved vendors will step in quickly to offer the new six-hour course in time for the Aug. 1 deadline.

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