**New legislation concerning Learner Permit requirements effective July 1, 2025. To find out how to obtain a Florida Learners Permit click here: Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 

Senate Bill 994 (2025) - The Florida Senate 

2025 FALL SEMESTER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Click Here for the 2025 FALL SEMESTER Scholarship Application**    

Brevard Public Schools Driver Education Program 

This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for safe and responsible driving. It includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel experience under the supervision of a certified instructor. Upon successful completion—including attendance, assignments, exams, and driving log submission—students earn a Certificate of Completion and may take the Driving Skills exam with their instructor. 

Key Topics Covered

• Traffic laws and driving regulations (Florida-specific)

• Road signs, signals, and pavement markings

• Vehicle control and operation (steering, braking, acceleration)

• Risk awareness and defensive driving techniques

• Driving under the influence and its consequences

• Handling adverse conditions (weather, emergencies)

• Driver responsibilities (insurance, registration, maintenance)

• Sharing the road with others (bicycles, pedestrians, trucks, etc.)

Registration Information:

Students are expected to have their learners License (Permit) by the first-class session. Students will not be permitted to remain in the class if they do not have their permit. If a student does not have their Learner’s License (permit) on the first day of class, they will not be able to take the semester long course. 

All students registering for 2025 Fall Driver Education must: 

• be currently enrolled as a Brevard Public Schools student.

• currently hold a Learner License Permit (or have one by the first day of class)

• Must complete required classwork, exams, and driving logs for credit 

Course Fee- The fee for the course is $150.00. Scholarships are available. The link for the online scholarship application can be found above on this site. 

Payments will be made via Cash, Money Order, or Certified Check made out to the school in which the student is taking Driver Ed. 

**Refunds will NOT be issued for students who fail to meet course requirements.    

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the minimum age?

• A student must be 15 and have a state of Florida Leaner's License to take a BPS Driver Education class (in-person).

What is the cost?

• There is a $150.00 charge for the class which covers gas, equipment, supplies and maintenance of vehicles.

Does it meet state Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) requirements?

• The class meets the state requirements of the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

When is licensing?

• A restricted license must be obtained before taking the high school course in which the student takes and passes the Driving Skills Exam (Road test). At the Driver's License Bureau, students who take and pass the Driving Skills Exam during their Driver Ed course will take an eye exam; pay the license fee; and be issued their license. Please be advised that the DHSMV does have the right to re-test any of our students. 

What are the under the age of 18 requirements, known as the Justin Marksz Teen Safety Act?

• • •  Hold a learner's license for twelve months without any traffic convictions.

    • Have a parent/guardian certify that the teen has driven a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night to receive an operator's license. 

    • All vehicle occupants under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt.

To obtain a learner’s license applicants must: 

• • • Be at least 15 years old.

    • Take an approved Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles - Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. 

    • Pass written/online, driving and vision tests.

    • Have the approval of a parent or guardian.

    • Bring two forms of identification to the tax collector office, including one of the following: an original or certified copy of a U. S. birth certificate, a U. S. passport (can be expired) that is not expired, an alien registration receipt card ("Green Card’’ Form I551), an employment authorization card issued by the U. S. Department of Justice (Form I688b), or proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by the U. S. Department of Justice (Form I94). Second form can be Social Security card.

    • Drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sits in the front passenger seat.

    • Observe designated driving times. (Daylight driving only; three months after license issuance teen can drive until 10 p.m.)

    • Avoid accumulating 4 points or more on his driving record within a 12-month period. Violators will have their license restricted for one year. This period is extended for 90 days for each additional point accumulated during the restriction.

To obtain an operator’s license applicants must:

• • • Be at least 16 years old.

    • Have the approval of a parent or guardian.

    • Pass a driving-skills test or present a waiver from a driver-education class. (Might be required to take driving skills test at driver's license office)

    • If 16 years old, refrain from driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless there is a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat or they are going to or coming home from work.

    • If 17 years old, refrain from driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless there is a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat or they are going to or coming home from work.

    • Avoid accumulating 4 points on their driving record within a 12-month period. Violators will have their license restricted for one year. This period will be extended for 90 days for each additional point accumulated during the restriction.

    • Zero tolerance for substance abuse or alcohol use:

    • Any person under 21 who drives with a blood- or breath-alcohol level of .02 will have his license suspended immediately – six months for the first offense and one year thereafter. A refusal to submit to a breath or blood-alcohol test will result in an automatic suspension for one year for the first refusal and 18 months for subsequent refusals.

What about insurance discounts?

• A reduction in insurance rates of between 5 to 10% may be available.

You Can Lose Your Driving Privilege

At 15, 16 or 17 years old ... 

   •If you receive 4 points on your driving record within a 12-month period, your driving privilege will be automatically restricted to business purposes only for 12 months or until you are 18, whichever happens first

   •If you receive additional points during this restricted period, the restriction will be extended 90 days for each additional point. 

Some driving violations and the points: 

• Speeding 

   1. Less than 15 mph over the speed limit-3 points

   2. More than 15 mph over the speed limit-3 points

   3. Speeding resulting in a crash-3 points 

• Moving Violation 

   1. Moving violation (includes driving during restricted hours)-3 points

   2. Moving violation resulting in a crash-3 points

   3. Reckless driving-3 points

   4. Improper Lane change-3 points

Driving Is a Privilege - Don't Lose It

Mollie Vega, Director-Secondary Programs

   Vega.Mollie@brevardschools.org

321-633-1000 ext. 11310

Danielle O'Reilly, Content Specialist

K-12 Health/PE, Driver Education, and JROTC

oreilly.danielle@brevardschools.org

321-633-1000 ext. 11387