Dear Parent or Guardian:

Your teen has finally arrived at a time he or she has been looking forward to - learning to drive! This will be a memorable experience for both of you. As their role model and coach, they will watch what you do and look to you for your guidance and expertise. The law requires you to certify that your teen has spent a minimum of 50 hours behind the wheel when he or she applies for an operator’s license. Ten of those hours must be at night. Either you or another responsible licensed adult over 21 years of age must always occupy the front passenger seat closest to the driver.

This booklet contains several tools to assist you with that most important responsibility. There’s a skills mastery checklist, a driving log, and a driving certification form.

I encourage you and your teen to thoroughly review Chapter 3 of The Florida Driver’s Handbook as it contains valuable detailed information on the driving skills. There are also a number of websites with additional information printed on the back cover. Visit these sites together. Several of them have excellent simulations that will encourage discussion.

Take as long as necessary to ensure that your teen is ready to take the driving test and prepared to navigate the roads solo. Teach them to “Drive With Care – Courtesy, Attention, Responsibility and Experience.” Remember, “Experience eliminates errors!”

A stamped postcard is included with this booklet. Please do me a favor and, after a few months, mail it back with your comments. Good Luck!

SANDRA C. LAMBERT, Director
Division of Driver Licenses