Florida Increases Teen Driver Education: Why Two Extra Hours Could Save Lives
As Florida families continue another school year, there’s a major change on the books that could impact thousands of teen drivers. A new state law quietly went into effect, increasing the required driver education course from 4 hours to 6 hours before teens can obtain a learner’s permit.
A Small Change With Big Consequences
It’s a small change with potentially big consequences—especially in a state that ranks 6th nationally for fatal teen driver crashes, with a death rate nearly 50% higher than the national average.
A Step Forward, But More Work Needed
Merick Lewin, Florida personal injury attorney and Managing Partner of Good Guys Law, calls the law “a much-needed step forward,” but says there’s still more work to be done.
“Most crashes involving young drivers aren’t caused by recklessness—they happen because of inexperience. The extra two hours are a good start, but real safety comes from a combination of stronger training, parental involvement, and clear guidance on risky situations teens might face on the road.”
Common Crash Scenarios for Young Drivers
According to Merick Lewin, the most common crash scenarios for young drivers include:
- Misjudging turns or merging into traffic.
- Failing to react to sudden stops ahead.
- Distracted driving—often from phones, friends, or even music.
Parents, he says, can make a huge difference by reinforcing safe habits at home—things like setting “quiet drive” rules when friends are in the car, and practicing driving in varied conditions before letting teens go solo.
Back-to-School Safety: A Risky Season for Young Passengers
It’s not just teen drivers who face increased danger this time of year—back-to-school season is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road, especially for children. Federal data shows crashes spike nearly 20% in the first few weeks of school. Between 2013 and 2022, more than 1,000 people were killed in school-transportation-related crashes, including 198 children and teens.
It’s a sobering reality: one distracted drop-off, one speeding driver in a school zone, or one teen texting behind the wheel, and lives can change forever.
The Biggest Back-to-School Driving Risks
Florida personal injury attorney, Merick Lewin regularly handles cases involving traffic collisions and understands the risks families face during the back-to-school season. He says some of the biggest dangers come from:
- Distracted drop-offs – 37% of parents admit to inattention in school zones.
- Speeding in school zones – 34% of drivers say they’ve seen it happen.
- Illegal passing of school buses – still a major cause of serious accidents.
How Parents and Teens Can Stay Safe
Merick Lewin recommends parents and young drivers take these precautions:
- Set “quiet drive” rules—no phone calls or loud music during school drop-offs.
- Choose bus stops and routes with the safest traffic flow.
- Review with kids how to safely cross streets, even when a bus is present.
- If an accident occurs, document the scene, seek medical attention, and contact a lawyer early to protect your rights.
The Good Guys Law Approach
At Good Guys Law, we believe prevention is the first step to justice. Whether it’s supporting smarter traffic laws or helping parents and teens stay safe on the road, our mission goes beyond the courtroom. But when crashes do happen, our team is here to guide families through every step—making sure they get the medical care, legal representation, and peace of mind they need.
