FAQs 

What is the new driver education requirement? 

Starting August 1, 2025, Florida teens under 18 years old are required to complete a state-approved driver education course to obtain a learner's license. Previously, teens only needed to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. The new law, outlined in FL Statute 322.1615, states that minors must complete a full driver education course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). 

According to the FLHSMV, in addition to the Driver Education course, minors must: 

1. Pass vision and hearing tests 
2. Pass a Class E Knowledge Exam 
3. Submit a signed Parental Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor Form 
4. Must hold a learner’s license for at least 12 months or until they turn 18 before qualifying for a driver’s license. 

Does driver education prepare students to receive their learner’s license or their driver's license? 

Our course is designed to adapt to the students’ license status.  For teens who do not have a learner’s license, driver education is designed to prepare them for the learner’s license exam (Class E Knowledge Exam).  If a student already has a learner’s permit, the driver education course includes instruction on passing the driving skills test required to obtain a driver's license.  For students who already have a driver's license, the course is designed to help students become self-sufficient, risk-reduced drivers. 

If I attend a public, private, or charter school, can I still take Driver Education with FLVS? 

Yes, you can take the course as a “part-time” SCVS student. This option allows students to enroll in one or multiple courses while attending a public, private, or charter school. Students who are enrolled in public, private, or charter schools must receive approval from their School Counselor to enroll.  Only current SCPS students who have taken Driver Education with SCVS are eligible to apply for the Behind the Wheel Lottery. 

What is the cost of the course? 

There is no cost for the course for public school students, including those enrolled in SCVS Full-time, SCVS part-time, and any SCPS school. There is a cost if you are on a School Choice Scholarship. Students who receive a School Choice Scholarship are no longer considered public school students and must use their scholarship funds to pay for the course, or if funds are depleted, pay for the course out of pocket. For additional information related to scholarships, email contract_ed@scps.k12.fl.us  

Can I take this class if I am under 15 years old? 

Students can take the course at any age with a school counselor or parent (if a homeschool student) approval. However, please note that students have to be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner’s license. Visit the FLHSMV website for more information about learner’s license requirements.  

Does the SCVS online course include practice driving? 

While every student can take the SCVS Driver’s Education Course, the “Behind the Wheel” driving lessons are only open through a Lottery System to current SCPS students who have completed the Driver’s Education course and have earned an A, B, C, or “pass” grade.  The SCVS course provides lessons and simulated driving activities to gain real-world driving knowledge. During the course, students learn: 

• Real-world driving knowledge: Through simulated driving activities, students gain practical experience. 
• Traffic signs and laws: Understanding how to read traffic signs and the laws that govern our roads.  
• Safe driving techniques and skills: Essential skills for collision avoidance and safe driving in various conditions. 
• Diverse driving environments: How to navigate different types of roads and weather conditions.  

Upon successful completion of the Driver Education Course, students earn the required certification for licensing, and minors 15 years of age and older can take the licensing exam (Class E Knowledge Exam) online for FREE.  

Are there insurance discounts for taking this course? 

Some insurance companies offer discounts for the successful completion of driver education. Please check with your insurance provider. 

What is the SCPS Behind the Wheel Lottery?  

SCPS provides free, no-cost vouchers for a specific number of students each school year based on the tax revenue provided from the county. A Lottery System was created as a fair, anonymous way to select students who are current active SCPS students and have successfully completed the Driver’s Education course to be entered and win these vouchers for no-cost behind-the-wheel training provided by the Florida Highway Safety Council.  Students who have successfully completed the course will be provided with this information on how to enter the Lottery, which will run 4 times per year.  If a student wins the Lottery, they will be notified via email and be able to schedule their lessons at no cost with the Florida Safety Council. Visit the Florida Safety Council for more information.  

What if I do not win the Lottery for no-cost lessons from SCPS?  

All current SCPS can still schedule lessons with the Florida Safety County at a reduced cost. Visit the Florida Safety Council for more information. 

What if I am not a public school student and I want driving lessons?   

If you are not a current SCPS Public School Student, you can still schedule Behind the Wheel training. Visit the Florida Safety Council for more information, or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) where they can find commercial driving schools in their area to take professional lessons. 

Is there a Pass/Fail option for the Driver Education course?

Yes, students need to provide written notice to their instructor within 10 days of being active in the course.