If you’ve recently handed your teen the keys to the family car, you probably have questions—and concerns. At Safety 4 Life, we work hard to empower families across Florida with real, honest education about the risks teens face behind the wheel.
The Most Common Questions Asked by Florida Parents with a New Driver
Can you drive alone at 15 in Florida?
No. At 15, teens can only hold a learner’s permit, which does not allow them to drive alone.
What is the curfew for a 16-year-old driver in Florida?
From 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., 16-year-olds cannot legally drive unless they’re traveling to or from work, or are accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
And for 17-year-olds?
Their curfew is 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., with the same exceptions.
Can a minor drive another minor in Florida?
While it’s legal, it’s not recommended. We strongly advise limiting teen passengers. The risk of a fatal crash increases dramatically when young passengers are involved.
Why Passenger Restrictions Matter
According to the latest research on teen driver safety, the risk of a 16- or 17-year-old driver being killed in a crash skyrockets when young passengers are in the car. Here’s how the risk stacks up compared to driving alone:
- 🚗 QUADRUPLES when carrying 3 or more passengers younger than 21
- 🚙 DOUBLES with 2 young passengers
- 🚘 INCREASES by 44% with 1 young passenger
- ✅ DECREASES by 62% when an adult aged 35+ is in the vehicle
These numbers speak volumes. It’s not about limiting freedom—it’s about protecting lives.
What You Can Do as a Parent
You are your teen’s most powerful role model. If you buckle up, avoid distractions, drive the speed limit, and stay off your phone, your teen is more likely to follow your lead.
Here’s how to take action:
- 👨👩👧👦 Practice often with your teen. Help them build confidence and awareness.
- 🌙 Limit nighttime driving. Most crashes happen after dark.
- 💬 Talk about risks. Texting while driving, impaired driving, and drowsy driving are all real threats.
Want to drive the message home? Have your teen attend a Safety 4 Life presentation. We cover the real-life legal and economic consequences of poor decisions on the road.
Why We Do What We Do
At Safety 4 Life, we focus on four core pillars:
- 🚦 Road Safety
- 🌐 Internet Safety
- 🛑 Human Trafficking Awareness
- 👮♂️ Safe Law Enforcement Interactions
We believe truth and education save lives—and we’re committed to reaching as many families as possible. But we can’t do it without your help.
Help Us Keep Teens Safe
If you believe in our mission and want to make an impact, please consider making a donation today. Your support helps us expand our programs and reach more families across Florida.
Together, let’s build safer roads—and safer futures—for our kids.