Florida Learners Permit Restrictions - FL Driving Permit Rules
As soon as you get your Florida drivers permit, you can get behind the wheel and go for your drive. However, you must remember that your learners permit comes with restrictions and you must observe the Florida driving permit rules at all times. You cannot drive unless you are supervised by another licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and you must observe the curfew. If you choose to forget these rules, your permit may be revoked and you will lose your driving privilege.
Who Needs Florida Permit Restrictions
In one word - everyone. The restrictions that are imposed onto new drivers are there not only to keep them safe, but also to ensure that those who surround them on Florida roads get to their destination safely. Lack of driving experience is a number one cause of traffic accidents as newly licensed drivers simply don't know how to react to the ever changing road conditions. There is only one thing that can be done about this and it is getting as many hours behind the wheel as possible, there is no other way to gain experience. The permit restrictions are there to ensure that you don't hurt anyone and stay safe while making your first steps towards a full Florida drivers license.
Who Sets the Florida Permit Rules
In Florida, the learners permit rules are designed and enforced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). The Division of Driver Licenses issues the applicants with their Florida learners permits while the Division of the Florida Highway Patrol constantly monitors and enforces the learners permit restrictions on the road.
Age Dependent Learners License Restrictions in Florida
There are no specific Florida permit restrictions that depend on the age of the permit holder, however, there are additional permit rules that have to be observed by those drivers who are younger than 18 as per the graduated license program requirements. If you took your learners permit test before you turned 18 and got your Florida driver's permit, you will need to hold it for at least 12 months (or until you turn 18, whichever comes first) before you can apply for your drivers license. License applicants who are over 18 years of age don't need to observe this rule.
Florida Drivers Permit Restrictions
If you are driving with a Florida learners permit, you have to observe the following drivers permit rules:
- Supervised driving only. You are not allowed to operate a vehicle unless there is a person who is at least 21 years old and who has a valid Florida drivers license seated next to you
- Curfew. For the first 3 months after receiving the permit, you can only drive during the daylight hours. No nighttime driving is allowed. After the first 3 months you can drive between hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The Florida drivers permit restrictions are lifted once you receive your full driver's license. You can always get an update on the latest permit rules in the official Florida drivers handbook.
Applying for Florida Learners Permit
If you haven't applied for the learners permit yet, you can start by completing a compulsory Substance Abuse course. Depending on the school that offers the course, the permit test may also be included in the course.
If you wish to test yourself before you go in for the real permit exam, you may do so by taking some Florida practice permit tests.
