+ EXPERT ADVICE | Law
Get the Facts About
Teenagers
& Driving
Your guide to making sure your teenager is
safe and covered when they hit the road.
Time flies when it comes to children.
All of a sudden, it’s time
for them to start driving! This
information will prepare you on the
business end but not so much for the
worry that comes with their blooming
independence.
Before a teenager is eligible for
driving privileges, Florida Statue (F.S.)
§322.0191 requires that they be enrolled
in school and satisfy relevant attendance
requirements, or have completed high
school or an equivalency program. Some
exemptions and hardship waivers are
available.
Teenagers can get a learner’s driver’s
license at age 15. They must pass a written
examination, a vision and hearing examination,
and comply with “traffic law
and substance abuse education courses”
24 Central Florida Lifestyle | March 2020
• • • • • • Promotional Feature • • • • • •
offered through public schools, the Florida
Safety Council or online. Your learner
must be accompanied at all times (in
the front passenger seat) by a driver who
holds a valid license and who is at least 21
years old. They can operate the vehicle
during daylight hours for the first three
months and until 10 p.m. until a driver’s
license is issued.
After successfully driving with
their learner’s license for over 12
months, they will be eligible for a
driver’s license. Sixteen-year-olds with
a valid driver’s license may drive themselves
and others from 6 a.m. until 11
p.m. without supervision and 17-yearolds
may drive unaccompanied before
1 a.m. and after 5 a.m. The exception
is if the teenager is traveling directly to
or from work. Violation of these restrictions
What You Should Know
About Insurance for
Teenagers
1. Most insurance companies won’t
increase your rates while your
teenager has a learner’s license.
However, premiums will increase
(some as much as 100%) with a
driver’s license. Ask your insurance
agent about additional coverage
that may be necessary with the use
of your cars.
2. Statistically speaking, your teenager
will be involved in an accident within
12 to 24 months of receiving their
driver’s license. Comprehensive or
collision insurance will cover the
repair or replacement of your vehicle
even if your teenager was at fault.
3. F.S. §322.09 requires that a
guardian acknowledge in writing
that they assume responsibility for
negligence or willful misconduct
of the minor when driving a motor
vehicle. This makes the guardian
“jointly and severely liable” for any
damages or injuries caused in an
accident, meaning they can be
sued. Liability insurance will help.
4. Several organizations provide
safety awareness driver training
for teenagers. Some are publicly
funded and free. Others are private
companies offering driving lessons
in the classroom and behind the
wheel. Most insurance companies
offer discounts on premiums if your
teenager successfully completes
safety awareness training.
could result in fines, suspension
of driving privileges until age 21
or total revocation.
It’s important that you and your
teenager are fully covered in the event of
an accident. See the sidebar for insurance
tips. If you have questions regarding insurance
for your new driver or your new
driver was involved in an accident, call or
email us for a free consultation.
By Michael Brehne, Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A
Mr. Brehne has dedicated his 20-year career to representing injured people in motorcycle and car accidents, and represents people when their insurance
claims have been denied. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious and skilled trial lawyer when representing his clients against large corporate defendants
and insurance companies. He is also the author of “Watching Out for Florida Motorcyclists: Legal Rights of Injured Bikers.”