Thomas C. Grajek | November 5, 2025 | Florida Law
In Florida, teenagers can begin learning to drive at age 15 by obtaining a learner’s permit. However, the legal age to operate a motor vehicle without restrictions is 18. Florida follows a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system that gradually increases driving privileges as teens gain experience.
Understanding the stages of this system helps families prepare new drivers for the road.
Florida’s Graduated Driver Licensing System
The GDL program in Florida is a three-stage system designed to reduce crashes among young drivers by gradually exposing them to more complex driving situations. The three stages are learner’s permit, intermediate license, and unrestricted license.
1. Learner’s Permit (Age 15)
A learner’s permit is the first stage of Florida’s GDL program. Teens must meet several prerequisites before they can begin supervised driving practice.
To qualify, the teen must:
- Complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course (replacing the older 4-hour TLSAE course).
- Pass vision and hearing tests.
- Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (50 multiple-choice questions on traffic laws and signs).
- Have parental consent if under 18.
Teens must be accompanied by a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front passenger seat at all times while driving. They are encouraged to study the Florida Driver’s Handbook to prepare for the exam.
2. Intermediate Driver’s License (Age 16–17)
Once a teen has held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months, they can apply for an intermediate (also called provisional) license. This stage comes with additional requirements and specific driving restrictions.
Requirements include:
- Minimum age: 16 years old
- Driving experience: 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night (certified by a parent or guardian)
- Clean record: No moving violations within 12 months (with limited exceptions)
- Driving skills test: Must pass the Class E Driving Skills test
Florida law places specific limits on when intermediate license holders can legally drive, depending on their age. These restrictions are intended to limit nighttime driving, which has a higher crash risk for teens.
- Age 16: At age 16, drivers may only operate a vehicle between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., unless traveling to/from work or accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older.
- Age 17: At age 17, permitted driving hours extend from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., with the same exceptions applying.
This stage is intended to give teen drivers more responsibility while still limiting their exposure to high-risk driving conditions.
3. Unrestricted Driver’s License (Age 18+)
At age 18, Florida drivers become eligible for a full, unrestricted Class E license. Once this license is issued, all GDL-related driving restrictions are lifted.
This final stage allows teens who have demonstrated responsibility and driving proficiency to operate vehicles without limitations.
Why These Laws Matter for Teen Safety
Florida’s GDL program aims to reduce the high crash rates among teenage drivers, particularly those aged 16 to 17. By requiring more supervised hours and gradually removing restrictions, the system helps teens build safer driving habits before gaining full independence on the road.
Teenage Driver Car Accidents in Lakeland, FL
Despite licensing safeguards, teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious car accidents. Crashes can result in severe injuries, lost wages, and other damages. If you or your teen were hurt in a car accident involving a young driver, it’s important to speak with an attorney familiar with Florida traffic and insurance laws.
If you or your child is involved in a car accident, contact Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal options. Our Lakeland car accident lawyers can help you navigate these complex car accident cases.
We serve Polk County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers Lakeland
2306 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33803
(863)-999-9000