New Florida Law Requires Teens to Complete Driver’s Education Before Getting a Learner’s Permit
Starting July 1, 2025, a new law in Florida will require all first-time drivers aged 15 to 17 to complete a full driver’s education course before they can receive their learner’s permit. This major shift in the licensing process is designed to improve road safety and better prepare young drivers for real-world conditions.
What’s New Under the Law
Previously, teens only needed to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before applying for a learner’s permit. Under the new legislation:
- A full driver’s education course must now be completed before obtaining a permit.
- Teens must pass a vision and hearing test, a knowledge exam, and submit a signed Parental Consent Form.
- After receiving their permit, they must hold it for at least 12 months or until they turn 18 before applying for a driver’s license.
What’s Included in the Driver’s Education Course
The purpose of a driver’s education course, especially in the context of Florida’s new law, is to prepare young drivers for the responsibilities of operating a vehicle safely and legally. Here’s a breakdown of its main objectives:
- Teach the Rules of the Road
- Encourage Responsible Driving Habits
- Defensive driving skills
- Hazard awareness and crash prevention
- Techniques for safe and responsible driving
Most students in Florida can take drivers ed through Florida Virtual School online for free and get a .5 high school credit at the same time. Some high schools offer Drivers Ed as a course as well.
How This Differs from Previous Rules
The biggest change is replacing the brief TLSAE requirement with a full-fledged driver’s education course. The updated law ensures teens receive more robust training—focusing not just on traffic laws but also on attitude, awareness, and decision-making behind the wheel.
Do I Need to Take Driver’s Ed if I Got My Permit Before July 1, 2025 but Don’t Have My License Yet?
No, if you received your Florida learner’s permit before July 1, 2025, you won’t be required to complete the new full driver’s education course—even if you haven’t gotten your license yet. You are grandfathered in under the previous rules, which only require the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before obtaining a permit. As long as you’ve held your permit for at least 12 months, completed 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), and passed the driving skills test, you’re eligible to move forward without the new requirement.
However, it may still be a smart idea to take a driver’s education course voluntarily. Many insurance companies offer discounts for teen drivers who complete an approved course, potentially saving your family money. It also helps reinforce safe driving habits, which can reduce the risk of accidents and violations. If you’re wondering how this might impact your policy, contact L & M Insurance—your trusted independent insurance agency in Tampa, Brandon, and Riverview for personalized advice.
Tips for Hillsborough County Residents
If you’re in Hillsborough County, be aware that appointments are required to obtain a learner’s permit. The appointment system fills up quickly, so here’s a tip from many of our customers:
Log in exactly 30 days before the day you want your appointment.
This strategy has helped countless families in the area secure their preferred date and avoid long waits at the DMV. Planning ahead is key!
Need Insurance Guidance? Contact L & M Insurance Today
Unsure how these changes affect your teen driver‘s insurance in Tampa, Brandon, or Riverview? L & M Insurance, a trusted independent insurance agency in Hillsborough County with over 20 years of experience, is here to help.
Give us a call today at 813-672-4100 to speak with a local insurance expert. Whether you’re looking for affordable teen driver insurance in Tampa, exploring learner’s permit coverage options in Brandon, or need help understanding how driver’s ed affects insurance premiums in Riverview, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let L & M Insurance provide the personalized service and local knowledge you can count on.
