The moment they enter high school, many teens want to start driving. After all, teens on TV get to drive on their own. Teens are excited about the sense of freedom and independence that driving gives them. As a parent, you may be a little less excited and a little more nervous. Driving can be dangerous, and no parent wants their child to get hurt. Teens need guidance and practice, but you may be unsure of when you should actually start helping your teen practice driving. Legally speaking, teens can begin the graduate licensing program at 15, which in theory means your teen can start practicing driving at 15. However, choosing when your teen gets behind the wheel depends on your instincts.
Florida’s Instructional Permit for Driving
The first step for teens to be able to drive is to obtain an instructional permit. In Florida, to obtain this permit, a teen must meet the following requirements:
- Be 15 years old
- Successfully complete traffic laws and substance abuse course
- Pass a written test
- Pass a vision test
An instructional permit is not a full license. It’s a permit that allows teens to drive but with restrictions. Permit holders can only operate their car if they’re accompanied by an adult of 21 years or old in the passenger seat. Furthermore, permit holders can only drive during the daytime for the first three months.
4 Tips for Practicing Driving With Your Teen
The legal age in Florida for teens to receive their license is 16, which means teens can start practicing as young as 15. However, just because they’re legally allowed to start practicing doesn’t mean that it’s the age you feel they can begin driving. The answer really depends on you and your teen and what’s best for everyone involved. Whether your teen starts practicing at 15 or 17, here are a few tips that can help navigate their lessons and get them ready for their license exams.
1. Teach Them About Cars
Before turning on the car, it’s important to understand how the car functions and the maintenance it requires. Some experienced drivers are able to detect something wrong in their vehicle by the feel of the wheel. Your teen may not be able to do that right away, but it’s important that they understand car maintenance. A car that isn’t properly maintained is potentially dangerous to the driver and others.
2. Let Them Get To Know the Car
Help your teen get to know the car they’ll be driving. They should familiarize themselves with how to use the turn signals, the different headlight modes, what seat position is best for them, and any other specific quirks the car may have.
3. Practice in Large Open Spaces
Big empty parking lots are a great beginner course for new drivers. This gives them the space to familiarize themselves with maneuvering the car without people or traffic stops that they’re not used to yet. It’s important to practice on clear as well as rainy days. Practicing with your teen during different weather conditions can really set them up to be successful drivers.
4. Start in Residential Areas and Move Out
Once your teen feels comfortable behind the wheel and is accustomed to the car, then you can begin to branch out. While your teen may be eager to hit the highways, it’s better to start them off in smaller residential areas that are quieter and less congested. Residential areas give them a real-world driving experience without the intenseness of busy streets and highways. From residential areas, you can start to let them drive in heavy traffic and work their way up until they feel comfortable driving in most weather and road conditions.
Has Your Teen Been in an Accident? Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Teen traffic accidents can be complicated; inexperienced drivers can find themselves in tricky situations. However, just because your teens are the least experienced driver involved doesn’t automatically mean they’re at fault—despite what the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to claim.
The award-winning legal team at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis has handled numerous car accident claims and can help you and your teen through the personal injury claim process. Our experienced car accident lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the best possible results for your claim. Contact our firm today at (407) 843-7060, or complete our contact form.