4 Tips for Safe Teen Driving

From road trips in the family minivan to catching an Uber to the airport—getting from point A to point B, can be a major part of our lives. While earning a learner’s permit or driver’s license means the freedom to hit the road on your own, driving comes with a lot of responsibility. Luckily, Florida Virtual School is full of opportunities for students of all driving levels to get up to speed on what it takes to stay safe while out on the road.

In honor of Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 17 -23, here are safe driving tips to prepare you for getting behind the wheel.

1. Prepare to Get into the Driver’s Seat with FLVS

Learn the rules of the road with the Online Driver’s Ed course at FLVS. Available 24/7 and fully online – so you can level up your driving skills on your schedule. With real-world driving knowledge from experienced instructors and simulated driving activities, you’ll get the knowledge you need to prepare for the Florida licensing exam (Class E Knowledge Exam)—like how to read traffic signs and drive on different types of roads and in different weather conditions. And upon successful completion of the FLVS Driver Education & Traffic Safety course, you earn the required TLSAE certificate (commonly called a drug and alcohol certificate).

2. There’s No Need for Speed

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 25% of all teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding. Make sure you arrive in style by abiding by all posted speed limits.

3. Connect with Fellow New Drivers in the FLVS Teen Driving Club

Say hello to the open road and new friends in the FLVS Teen Driving Club. Open to Full Time and Flex students in grades 8-12, the club meets once a month to discuss all things driving. Monthly topics include the Class E knowledge exam, distracted driving, driving in inclement weather, or parking on a hill. According to club sponsor and Driver Education instructor, Ms. Robin Sims, M.S.Ed., “Some students will be working toward earning a learner’s license/driver’s license, but all are interested in being the safest driver possible.”

4. Buckle Up and Apply What You’ve Learned on the Road

Driving is a risky activity. Did you know that new drivers are considered inexperienced for the first five years of driving? Ms. Sims shared, “Educating yourself by taking a Driver Education/Traffic Safety course is a great first step towards reducing that risk. Your next step would be to apply what you have learned during the class when you are behind the wheel! The more you practice safe driving behaviors, the more they become ingrained as a habit, and utilizing safe driving habits are your ticket to reducing your everyday risk as a driver.”

Finally becoming old enough to learn to drive is an exciting time! But feel free to pump the brakes until you’re truly comfortable getting behind the wheel—there’s no rush. Ms. Sim’s number one piece of advice for new drivers? “Take your time and start slowly by developing good physical, mental, and emotional habits.”

Ready to get in the driver’s seat? Get started at flvs.net/driversed.