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FLORIDA - Florida is requiring teens to complete a six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety course before applying for their learner's permit.
Starting August 1st, teens applying for their learner's permits in Florida will be required to complete a six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course.
The new law, enacted earlier this year, applies to first-time applicants under the age of 18 and is designed to improve the state's driver education system.
The DETS course will cover a variety of essential topics, including safe driving techniques, the dangers of substance use while driving, distracted driving, and the unique driving conditions found in Florida.
Additionally, the course will focus on defensive driving and how to interact with law enforcement officers during traffic stops.
Teens will be able to take the course either in person or online, depending on their preferences.
Florida Virtual School offers the course to students in counties like Orange, Brevard, and Polk. Four approved companies are also authorized to provide the DETS course online statewide.
This new requirement replaces the previous four-hour Traffic Law Substance Education course that was mandatory for first-time applicants.
However, any teen who completed the older course before the new law takes effect on August 1st will not need to take the DETS course, as long as they have a valid completion certificate.
The new law aims to ensure that young drivers in Florida are better prepared and more knowledgeable about safe driving practices, which is expected to improve road safety for all.