ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s a question many parents are quietly hoping the answer is “yes” to.
“My daughter just turned 18 and still has her learner’s permit. That means she can drive to work by herself now… right?”
Not exactly.
Under Florida Statute 322.161, drivers operating on a learner’s license must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat at all times. The law does not change simply because the driver turns 18.
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That’s right. While turning 18 comes with a lot of new privileges, driving solo on a learner’s permit is not one of them. You may legally be an adult, but if you’re still holding a learner’s license, you’re still required to have a 21-and-up co-pilot in the front seat.
Learner’s permits are designed to allow new drivers to gain supervised experience behind the wheel before earning a full Class E driver license. The only way to drive alone legally is to pass the required road test and be issued that full license.
So, until that happens, the rule is simple: no matter your age, a learner’s permit means no solo trips... even if it’s just to work.
If you have a traffic-related question you’d like answered, feel free to send it my way. Chances are, if you’re wondering about it, someone else is too.