Sarasota Florida Online Driver Education and Sarasota Florida Licensing Procedures
So you’ve taken your first step to become a new driver in Sarasota Florida? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill to know but it can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Sarasota Florida has implemented a graduated driver license program for Sarasota Florida drivers who are between the ages of 15-18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you go begin your process of becoming a licensed driver in Sarasota Florida.
Sarasota Florida Instruction Permit (aka-- Learner Permit)
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit in Sarasota Florida.
Before taking the written (knowledge) test, you will need to have done the following:
- Completed a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Course (contact the Sarasota Florida DMV for further information)
- Studied the Sarasota Florida driver handbook (question on the written test is based on the material in this book)
When you go to take your drivers’ test, you need to take the following documents with you to the DMV office:
- A signed, parental-consent form
- Proper forms of ID
- Proof of residence
- Social Security Card
For a complete, accurate listing of exactly what paperwork/documents you will need to have, please contact the Sarasota Florida DMV or visit
At the DMV office, in addtion to a vision and hearing test, you will need to take two (2) written tests:
- Written Test—Road Signs
- Written Test—Road Rules
Once you pass both these tests, you will have earned your Sarasota Florida instruction permit. You may start driving right away, but there are some restrictions:
- You may only drive with a licensed, 21-year-old driver sitting next to you in the front passenger seat.
- During the first 3 months—daylight driving only. You may not drive at all after 10pm.
Your First Sarasota Florida Driver's License
After you’ve had your instruction permit for one (1) year, and you’ve turned 16, you may apply for your first Sarasota Florida intermediate driver license providing you meet the following prerequisites:
- Completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 of which must be at night) from a licensed adult driver who’s at least 21 years old. Your parent or guardian will need to certify that you have completed this practice.
- You have received no traffic citations during the past 12 months.
At the DMV office, you will need to take a vision test, and then you will need to pass a written test as well as the road test (the road test may be skipped if you have successfully completed a state-approved drivers education course).
With an intermediate drivers license, the following restriction still applies (if you’re under 18):
- You can only drive unsupervised between the hours of 6am and 11pm. After those hours, you must have a licensed adult driver seated in the front passenger seat (exception is if you are traveling to or from work).
When you turn 18, all restrictions are removed.
Sarasota Florida Auto Insurance Sarasota Florida Financial Responsibility Laws
In Sarasota Florida, you must have auto insurance liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. If you drive without insurance you risk having your license suspended plus a hefty fine.
The minimum amount of coverage you are required to carry is as follows:
- $10,000--personal injury
- $10,000--property damage
Sarasota Florida Drunk Driving Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Sarasota Florida, and the penalties for breaking this law are very severe. Upon your FIRST DUI offense, you will face the following consequences:
- Six (6) months of jail time
- Suspension of your license ranging from 6 to 12 months.
- A fine ranging from $500 to $1,000
- 100 hours of community service
- A mandatory DUI education program
- An ignition interlock device may be installed on your vehicle
Further DUI violations will result in far more stringent penalties, including extended jail time, license suspension/revocation, fines, and community service.
Sarasota Florida Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws
In 2010, the Sarasota Florida Senate overwhelming approved a bill banning the use of text-messaging devices while driving. Action is still pending in the Sarasota Florida House.
Sarasota Florida Online Driver Education
Anyone 16-18 applying for a Sarasota Florida intermediate license may skip the road test if they’ve successfully completed a state-approved driver education course. Please visit the Sarasota Florida DMV website for a list of approved drivers education courses available.
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