Embarking on the teen driving journey in Collier County, is a significant milestone. This guide from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office covers essential steps, requirements, and safety measures for obtaining a learner’s license and a driver’s license, and for navigating the licensing laws. From crucial tips to information on the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Teen Driver Challenge, this resource ensures a safe and confident driving experience for both teens and parents.
How can my teen start their driving journey?
The best way to practice driving is to do it safely and supervised. Getting a Florida learner’s license is an excellent way to do that. Once your child is 15 years old, they can get a learner’s license that allows them to drive a limited amount of time each day if accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older.
How does my teen obtain a Florida learner’s license?
If your teen is under 18, they must have a signed and notarized parental consent form, which can be downloaded at flhsmv.gov. The teen also must pass the online Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course. Find a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles service center in your county that issues licenses by visiting flhsmv.gov/locations.
At the service center, teens must pass vision and hearing tests and an exam on traffic laws and signs. Teens must bring documents proving their identity, Social Security number, and address. You can find a list of acceptable documents at flhsmv.gov/WhatToBring.
How do teens move up from a learner’s license to a driver’s license?
Teens must be 16 years old to get a driver license. They must also hold a learner’s license for at least one year or reach 18 (whichever comes first). A parent or legal guardian must complete a form verifying that the teenager has at least 50 hours of driving experience, which includes 10 hours at night. The teen also cannot have moving violations for one year from when a learner’s license was issued.
What are the limitations on how and when a teen can drive?
Florida has graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws, which allow teens to gain driving experience under low-risk conditions slowly. A teen can drive only during daylight hours for three months after getting a learner’s license. After that, teens with learner’s licenses can drive no later than 10 p.m. and must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. Once getting their driver license, 16-year-olds cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Once turning 17, they cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Any 16- and 17-year-olds with driver licenses are allowed to drive during restricted hours if they are driving to or from work or if accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.
Are there any other driving requirements for teens?
All minors must comply with school attendance, or their driving privileges can be suspended. Also, Florida has a zero-tolerance policy on minors driving under the influence. Anyone under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of 0.02% or more will have their license immediately suspended for six months. A second offense will result in a one-year suspension. Minors convicted of possession of tobacco or nicotine products will have their license revoked for a minimum of 30 days.
What are some tips for teens to stay safe behind the wheel?
First and foremost, always wear your seatbelt. That applies to both drivers and passengers in a vehicle. Also, use patience and caution behind the wheel. This time of year, many more cars are on the road in Southwest Florida, so allow for extra time to get to your destination. Never drive aggressively; if you see someone who is, report it by pulling over and calling 239-252-9300 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
What is some other safety advice for new drivers?
All drivers should follow three simple steps to protect their cars and valuables: Hide, Lock, and Take.
- Hide any items in your car when parked (you can put them in the trunk, glove box, or center console).
- Lock the doors every time – many vehicle burglaries are due to unlocked doors.
- Take your keys with you – don’t allow criminals to steal your car. Also, try to park in a well-lit area to keep thieves away.
What resources does the Collier County Sheriff’s Office offer teen drivers?
CCSO seeks to give young drivers confidence and skills through our Teen Driver Challenge. This six-hour course gives teens the knowledge and hands-on experience to reduce the chances of being involved in a crash. The class consists of two training days – the first is a block of classroom instruction, followed by a day of vehicle operations. The Teen Driver Challenge is open to teens with a learner’s license or driver license. Teens also must have at least 25 hours of driving time and had their license for at least six months.
When is the next Teen Driver Challenge?
The next course is April 11 and 13, followed by May 9 and 1. Both sessions will be at Barron Collier High School in Naples. More information is available at colliersheriff.org.