Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers | May 2, 2025 | Personal Injury
It seems like a rite of passage for all teens. Most teens dream of getting a driver’s license and hopping behind the wheel of a car. However, the legal driving age can vary by state, and each state sets its own requirements and limitations for teen drivers.
In Florida, you can start driving as early as age 15. However, you cannot drive on your own until you reach age 16. In both cases, there are strict driving laws and rules in place to help keep these young drivers out of car accidents and other bad situations. Dive into all the details below to learn more about the legal driving age in Florida.
Florida Graduated Driver Licensing Laws
Florida was one of the first states to implement graduated driver’s license laws, and these laws were enacted to help young drivers learn the rules of the road and keep them and others safe while doing so. Under these rules, there are basically three types of licenses a driver may obtain.
Florida Learner’s License
You may obtain a Florida Learner’s License as soon as you are 15 years old. In some states, you may hear this called a learner’s permit. There are several requirements that must be met to obtain a learner’s license in Florida. Those are:
- Obtain parental consent if under 18
- Pass a vision and hearing test
- Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
- Provide proof of identity, age, social security number, and residential address
- Take and pass the knowledge test (consisting of questions about traffic laws and traffic signs)
Once you obtain your learner’s license, you may only drive during daylight hours for the first three months. After three months, you may drive as late as 10:00 PM. Additionally, a licensed driver age 21 or older must be present in the vehicle with you at all times.
Florida Driver’s License (Age 16 or 17)
Upon turning 16 and holding a learner’s license for at least 12 months, you may obtain your Florida driver’s license. This license will allow you to start driving alone, although there are still some restrictions that you must adhere to. To get your driver’s license, you must:
- Hold your learner’s license for at least 12 months OR reach age 18
- Have a parent or other adult certify your driving experience
- Have NO moving violations within one year after issuance of your learner’s permit
- Pass the driving skills test
Drivers who are age 16 and have obtained a license may drive on their own, but only between the hours of 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Once you reach 17, you may drive between 5:00 AM and 1:00 AM. In both cases, there are exceptions if you are driving to or from work or are accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or up.
Florida Driver’s License (Age 18+)
Upon reaching age 18, the restrictions mentioned above are removed. Once you hit 18, you can drive on your own at any time with a full driver’s license. Getting a license at this age means that you must basically meet the same requirements as younger drivers obtaining a license for the first time.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Even though these rules are in place, accidents do happen. Knowing what to do in the event of a car accident can help protect you and your legal rights. First, you should seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries resulting from the accident. Even if you “feel fine,” it may be a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional.
Next, go ahead and notify the police. Most accidents must be reported to the police anyway. Never admit fault, and be careful when talking to the insurance company. They will look for ways to put you on the hook for the economic damages and non-economic damages resulting from the accident.
Finally, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help after your accident. Your lawyer can help investigate your accident and determine whether you may be entitled to financial compensation. Trying to navigate the claims process without a lawyer could end up costing you in the long run.
Contact the New Port Richey Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New Port Richey. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500