Florida allows qualifying teenagers to obtain a learner’s driver license at age 15 and a regular driver’s license beginning at age 16. Younger drivers must satisfy additional education, testing, supervision, and driving restrictions before receiving broader driving privileges.
When an inexperienced driver causes an accident, however, age alone does not establish liability. The circumstances of the crash and the driver’s conduct are important when determining responsibility.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive in Florida?
The answer depends on the type of driving privilege. Under Florida Statutes § 322.1615, Florida may issue a learner’s driver license to a person who is at least 15 years old and satisfies the applicable requirements.
Current Florida law requires an applicant for a learner’s driver license to pass the required written, vision, and hearing examinations and complete an approved driver education course. A learner must also be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, holds a license valid for the type of vehicle being operated, and occupies the closest seat to the learner’s right.
A learner may initially drive only during daylight hours. After holding the learner’s license for three months, the driver may operate a vehicle until 10 p.m. These restrictions allow new drivers to gain supervised experience before receiving broader driving privileges.
When Can You Get a Regular Florida Driver’s License?
Florida permits qualifying teenagers to obtain a driver’s license beginning at age 16. However, turning 16 does not automatically make someone eligible for a license.
Under Florida Statutes § 322.05, a driver who is at least 16 but younger than 18 generally must have held a learner’s driver license for at least 12 months and satisfy the state’s requirements concerning moving traffic convictions and other licensing conditions.
Florida’s graduated licensing system gives young drivers an opportunity to develop experience before receiving broader driving privileges. Learning how to steer, brake, park, and make turns is only part of driving safely. Developing judgment in real-world traffic takes time and experience.
Are There Driving Restrictions for 16- and 17-Year-Old Drivers in Florida?
Receiving a regular driver’s license does not necessarily give a teenager the same driving privileges as an adult.
Florida Statutes § 322.16 imposes nighttime driving restrictions on certain drivers under age 18, subject to statutory exceptions.
These restrictions are intended to limit driving during certain late-night and early-morning hours. Young drivers and their parents should review the current requirements to understand the restrictions that apply based on the driver’s age and circumstances.
What Happens If an Inexperienced Driver Causes an Accident?
A young driver’s age does not automatically establish negligence. The same basic question applies as in other car accident cases: Did the driver fail to use reasonable care and cause the accident?
Evidence might show that the driver:
- Was speeding
- Followed too closely
- Failed to yield
- Ran a red light
- Was using a cell phone
- Made an unsafe lane change
- Failed to maintain control
- Drove too fast for weather conditions
- Violated restrictions applicable to the driver’s license
The investigation should focus on the driver’s conduct and the evidence rather than stereotypes about teenage drivers.
What Damages Can You Recover After an Accident With an Inexperienced Driver?
A serious Florida car accident can cause both economic and non-economic losses. The compensation available depends on the circumstances and evidence.
Medical Expenses
A serious collision may require:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency room care
- Surgery
- Diagnostic testing
- Specialist treatment
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Medical equipment
- Future medical treatment
A personal injury claim may need to account for reasonably anticipated future treatment as well as medical expenses already incurred.
Pain and Suffering
Car accident injuries can also have consequences that cannot be measured with receipts.
Depending on the circumstances, qualifying non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Difficulty sleeping
- Limitations on ordinary activities
- Loss of quality of life
Whether these damages are available depends on the facts of the accident, the injuries involved, and applicable Florida law.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today
A qualifying teenager can obtain a learner’s driver license at age 15 and may become eligible for a regular driver’s license beginning at age 16 after satisfying additional requirements. Florida also imposes restrictions on younger drivers as they gain experience behind the wheel.
If you were injured in an accident with a young or inexperienced driver in Florida, contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for a free consultation. We can investigate the accident, preserve evidence, evaluate the parties’ responsibility, and help you pursue compensation for your accident-related losses.
