top of page
Writer's pictureBrian Burgess

From Permit to License: A Timeline for Tallahassee Teen Drivers



As a parent in Tallahassee, guiding your teen through the process of becoming a licensed driver can seem daunting. At Burgess Driving School, we're here to help you navigate this journey. Let's break down the timeline from permit to license for teen drivers in Leon County, Florida.


Step 1: Learner's Permit (15 years old)

  • Your teen must be at least 15 years old to obtain a learner's permit.

  • Before obtaining a permit, your teen must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. Your teen can take the class online here.

  • In addition, your teen must pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (also called the written exam) covering road rules and signs. Both the study guide and written exam can be taken online here at BDSTally.com.

  • Vision and hearing tests are required (must be taken at a Leon County DMV office).


Tip: Enroll your teen in our TLSAE course and the Class E Knowledge Exam Study Guide to prepare them for the written exam - which you can also take through our website! BONUS: For every dollar you spend on online learning through Burgess Driving School we will give you a coupon for a matching discount on Behind-the-Wheel driving lessons!


Step 2: Practice Driving (minimum 12 months)

  • With a learner's permit, teens must practice driving for at least 12 months.

  • They must log 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night.

  • During this time, they can only drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.


Tip: Professional behind-the-wheel lessons from Burgess Driving School can count towards these practice hours. Just a few lessons with us can help your teen become a much safer driver so that you can take over as an instructor without major anxiety as a helpless passenger! We will train your teen in basic car control, common driving situations and defensive driving techniques so that as you work toward building a full 50 hours, your time training together is much safer and more enjoyable.


Step 3: Intermediate License (16-17 years old)

  • Teens can apply for an intermediate license at 16 if they've held their learner's permit for at least 12 months.

  • They must have no moving traffic violations in the past 12 months.

  • Passing the driving test is required.


Restrictions:

  • 16-year-olds: No driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older, or driving to/from work.

  • 17-year-olds: No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older, or driving to/from work.


Step 4: Full License (18 years old)

  • At 18, all restrictions are lifted, and teens can obtain a full license.

  • If they've completed all previous steps, no additional tests are required.


Remember, every teen's journey is unique. At Burgess Driving School in Tallahassee, we offer personalized behind-the-wheel training to ensure your teen is fully prepared for each step of this process. Our experienced instructors are familiar with local Tallahassee roads and traffic patterns, giving your teen the best possible preparation for safe driving in Leon County.


Want to get your teen started on the road to responsible driving? Book a lesson with us today at BDSTally.com!

9 views0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page