Learner drivers warned over new permit law set to take effect on July 1

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Teenagers hoping to get their driver's license in Florida should be aware that, starting July 1, teens hoping to get their learner's permit must complete a driver's education course. This new law marks a decisive change in Florida law.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill , which mandates that anyone at least 15 years old complete a driver's course before they are allowed to get their permit . Prior to the bill's signing, students only needed to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course.

Debbie Adams, who oversees the Florida Virtual School's driver's education program, has spoken out in support of the change. "The legislators really got this right. They really took the time talking with each other and really taking a look at the dangers that we are facing in the state of Florida along our roads ," she said.

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According to a report from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the risk of deadly crashes increases with the number of teens in a car, further highlighting the importance of proper driving instruction. "It's good for us as pedestrians walking in the streets and our kids playing ball really teaching them the best way to be smart behind the wheel," Adams said.

While taking driver's ed is not a statewide requirement, many high schools in Florida offer a course, though they don't always have enough space for all students. Florida's Department of Education reports that more than 24,000 students are currently enrolled in driver's education in public schools.

Florida offers free driver's education courses for those who cannot attend a course at their high school. According to Adams, the program currently has 55,000 students enrolled, making it the largest driver's education provider in the state.

The virtual program focuses on defensive driving, hazard prevention, and other key skills. "It's all about responsible decision making from day one," said Adams. "It's not just about learning the rules of the road; we're all about building lifelong safe habits for our students."

Adams says Florida Virtual School is prepared for an influx of students when the law takes effect on July 1. The new regulation comes as Washington state is deploying new methods to put a stop to reckless driving.

Governor Bob Ferguson signed the BEAM Act into law, which requires individuals whose licenses have been suspended in the past to use intelligent speed assistance (ISA) devices in their cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an ISA device is in-vehicle technology that uses GPS data interacting with accurate, digitally mapped speed limit data to determine the speed limit in real time.

There are various levels of ISA control in a vehicle, including devices that just display the speed limit and changes, provide visual and audible alerts on speed changes, activate accelerator resistance to make speeding more difficult, and automatically prevent a vehicle from speeding. The BEAM Act would require ISA devices as a condition for restricted or occupational driver’s licenses following license suspensions tied to reckless driving or repeat speeding violations.