Eligibility Requirements for Driving Privileges
A minor is not eligible for driving privileges unless that minor:
- is enrolled in a public school, non-public school, or home education program and satisfies relevant attendance requirements;
- has received a high school diploma, a high school equivalency diploma, a special diploma, or a certificate of high school completion;
- is enrolled in a study course in preparation for the Test of General Educational Development (GED) and satisfies relevant attendance requirements;
- is enrolled in other educational activities approved by the district school board and satisfies relevant attendance requirements;
- has been issued a certificate of exemption according to s.232.06, or;
- has received a hardship waiver under this section.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may not issue a driver's license or learner's driver's license to, or shall suspend the driver's license or learner's driver's license of, any minor concerning whom the department receives notification of noncompliance with the requirements of this section.
If you are unlicensed, the department will withhold eligibility and deny an application for a driver's license until you provide verification of compliance or reach age 18.
District and State License Reinstatement Procedures
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Reinstatement Procedures for Minors Who Received a Notice of Intent to Suspend for Non-Compliance with School Attendance Requirements.
If you are a licensed driver, in order to reinstate your driving privilege, you must provide notice of compliance with section 322.091, Florida Statutes, Attendance Requirements. If you are unlicensed, the department will withhold eligibility and deny an application for a drivers license until you provide verification of compliance or reach age 18.
For middle schools and high schools, a reinstatement form (HSMV 72870) is required. The forms are issued by the school after 30 consecutive days of attendance with no unexcused absences. The count begins the first day after the last unexcused absence. A high school diploma, high school equivalence diploma or a certificate of high school completion is acceptable instead of a reinstatement form. Reinstatement forms and diplomas can be faxed to (850)414-7453.
Reinstatement forms must be notarized or have the school seal and be legible. For licensed minors reported to the department in error, the school districts can electronically transmit a cancellation code to delete the Notice of Intent to Suspend. This must occur within 20 days from the date of the Notice of Intent to Suspend.
For private schools, a reinstatement form is required. The forms are issued by the school and satisfaction of relevant attendance requirements is determined by the educational setting. Reinstatement forms are obtained from the department; however, several private schools have been provided the form to be used.
For home education, a reinstatement form is required as well as proof of enrollment with the school district's home education program. Reinstatement forms are obtained from the department. Call 850-488-3288 or 850-488-4579 to obtain a form.
For minors enrolled in a study course in preparation for the Test of General Educational Development, a reinstatement form is required. Satisfaction of relevant attendance requirements is determined by the educational setting. Reinstatement forms can be obtained from educational settings affiliated with the school district; otherwise, contact the department at 850-488-3288 or 850-488-4579 to obtain a form.
For minors enrolled in other educational activities approved by the district school board, a reinstatement form is required. Satisfaction of relevant attendance requirements is determined by the educational setting. Reinstatement forms can be obtained from educational settings affiliated with the school district; otherwise, contact the department at 850-488-3288 or 850-488-4579 to obtain a form.
Non-Compliant with School Attendance Requirements
For minors who remain non-compliant 20 days from the date of the Notice of Intent, an Order of Suspension will be created; however, the effective date of the suspension is delayed 20 days from the date of the Order.
Hardship Waiver Hearings
If you choose to apply for a hardship waiver (unlicensed minors are not eligible for a hardship waiver), a hearing must be requested within 15 calendar days from receipt of the Notice of Intent to Suspend. Contact the school principal or designee. Your license suspension will not be effective if the department receives notification that you have requested a hardship waiver hearing. If the hardship waiver is granted, your driving privilege will not be suspended. If the hardship waiver is denied, your driving privilege will be suspended.
Contact Psychological and Social Work Services regarding local questions about the School District of Lee County's Driver's License Reinstatement Procedures by calling 239-337-8261 or 337-8522.