Latest news with #youngdrivers
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
New driver law hits Florida - failure to follow rules may lead to ban
A new law for young drivers is being introduced in Florida on August 1. The Sunshine State will enforce new requirements for anyone over the age of 15 in driver's ed. The new law requires learners to complete a 50-hour driver education and traffic safety course, approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). The goal of this new policy is to reduce the amount of preventable crashes and fatalities among teen drivers. The law, which was set to take effect this month, will now be enforced starting on August 1 in order for there to be a smooth rollout. The new rule was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis back in May after it unanimously passed in the state's House and Senate . Florida residents must adhere to several terms to snag a learner's permit, which is necessary for a driver's license. Hopeful drivers must be 15 to enroll in courses, and anyone under the age of 18 must have a signed parental consent form. They must provide proof of TLSAE course completion, a program that usually takes four hours to finish. Once they pass a vision and hearing test conducted in a service center, the applicant must pass a Class E knowledge exam. After meeting the permit requirements, the driver must hold their permit for at least one year or reach the age of 18. The drivers can take their driver's test once the requirements are met in an insured vehicle that passes inspection. Licensed 16-year-old drivers will only be allowed to drive between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, which will change to 5:00 am and 1:00 am once they turn 17. Once they turn 18, restrictions will be lifted, and Florida residents will typically have the freedom to drive as they please. The state of Florida has had high numbers in fatalities from crashes involving teenage drivers. Over one million crashes involved teenage drivers back in 2020, including 4,405 fatalities and 319,335 serious injuries. Those numbers were significantly higher in 2022, and studies showed that riding without a seatbelt results in one-third of fatalities and serious injuries. Seatbelt usage has been a high concern for drivers and passengers of all ages, resulting in new and proposed state laws. A new law in Virginia that took effect earlier this month requires all adults to wear seatbelts on highways . Drivers who do not follow this rule will face a $25 fine. As of now, New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't have an adult seatbelt mandate . Michigan has also revamped its car seat laws to improve child safety . Drivers who do not follow the seatbelt laws will face a $65 penalty, including a $25 civil fine, court costs, and a $40 justice system assessment.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Drivers could be banned from the road from August 1 if they fail to meet new legal requirements
A new law for young drivers is being introduced in Florida on August 1. The Sunshine State will enforce new requirements for anyone over the age of 15 in driver's ed. The new law requires learners to complete a 50-hour driver education and traffic safety course, approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles). This law is added to the current requirement of passing a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course - a mandatory program for first-time drivers in Florida. Developed by the Florida Department of Education, the Statute is designed to educate drivers on traffic laws and reinforce safe driving and decision-making behaviors. The goal of this new policy is to reduce the amount of preventable crashes and fatalities among teen drivers. The law, which was set to take effect this month, will now be enforced starting on August 1 in order for there to be a smooth rollout. The new rule was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis back in May after it unanimously passed in the state's House and Senate. Drivers who do not follow this policy after its enforcement may face a ticket and/or fine Florida residents must adhere to several terms to snag a learner's permit, which is necessary for a driver's license. Hopeful drivers must be 15 to enroll in courses, and anyone under the age of 18 must have a signed parental consent form. They must provide proof of TLSAE course completion, a program that usually takes four hours to finish. Once they pass a vision and hearing test conducted in a service center, the applicant must pass a Class E knowledge exam. After meeting the permit requirements, the driver must hold their permit for at least one year or reach the age of 18. The drivers can take their driver's test once the requirements are met in an insured vehicle that passes inspection. Licensed 16-year-old drivers will only be allowed to drive between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, which will change to 5:00 am and 1:00 am once they turn 17. Once they turn 18, restrictions will be lifted, and Florida residents will typically have the freedom to drive as they please. Not wearing seat belts is the reason behind one-third of fatalities and serious injuries from car crashes with teenage drivers in Florida The state of Florida has had high numbers in fatalities from crashes involving teenage drivers. Over one million crashes involved teenage drivers back in 2020, including 4,405 fatalities and 319,335 serious injuries. Those numbers were significantly higher in 2022, and studies showed that riding without a seatbelt results in one-third of fatalities and serious injuries. Seatbelt usage has been a high concern for drivers and passengers of all ages, resulting in new and proposed state laws. A new law in Virginia that took effect earlier this month requires all adults to wear seatbelts on highways. Drivers who do not follow this rule will face a $25 fine. As of now, New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't have an adult seatbelt mandate.
Auto Blog
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The 2 Main Reasons Why More Young Drivers Are Avoiding Dealerships
Car ownership is becoming further out of reach for younger drivers A new study from S&P Global Mobility has shown that the share of new vehicle registrations among 18 to 34-year-olds has fallen from 12% starting in Q1 2021 to below 10% in the past two quarters. Adults 55 or older represent half of all new vehicle registrations and have maintained the largest share for eight consecutive quarters (Q2 2023). Two primary factors influencing the decline in new vehicle purchases among 18 to 34-year-olds are rising costs and shifting attitudes toward ownership. Monthly auto payments have increased by 30% over the past four years, and almost one in every five finance agreements carries monthly costs exceeding $1,000. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More A line of Mustangs at a San Diego, California, car dealership — Source: Getty Kelley Blue Book reported the average price of a new car in May as $48,799, and younger drivers are increasingly turning to subscription-based vehicle services and used purchases. Europe currently leads the world in car subscription service usage among 18 to 34-year-olds, and Deloitte's Global Automotive Consumer Study found that based on 1,500 UK consumer responses, 28% in this age group were interested in subscription models. Car sharing, while growing slower and more unevenly than monthly vehicle subscriptions, is another alternative to new vehicle purchases gaining traction, which involves short-term rentals for specific trips. Others are relying on rideshare services, as Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, shared how his son doesn't have his driver's license despite being over 18: 'This drives me crazy. My son is over 18…I'm still trying to get my son to get his driver's license, but Uber's freed him up, Fortune reports.' How automakers must change to win over younger drivers While younger drivers represent 9.9% of the total new vehicle registration volume, they were cited as offering the highest lifetime customer value for automakers. Jason Jordhamo, Marketing Director for Polk Automotive Solutions, an S&P Global Mobility company, said: 'Monitoring the decline of young car buyers is essential to shape effective marketing investment strategies. As their share of new vehicle registrations shrinks, understanding the unique challenges and purchasing triggers for this group becomes increasingly important.' Jordhamo suggests that marketers focus on advanced audience targeting, emphasizing in-market shoppers instead of demographic-based buying, use these audiences across all marketing channels, and invest in more personalized advertising. According to S&P's data, 18 to 34-year-olds accounted for nearly 1.1 million new vehicle registrations from April 2024 to March 2025. Compact utility vehicles were most popular among this demographic at 21% of segment volume, almost double the age group's 9.9% total volume. Compact cars came in second place at 13%, and 18 to 34-year-old drivers were more likely to go fully electric than select a hybrid. A customer looks at vehicles for sale at an AutoNation Toyota dealership — Source: Bloomberg/Getty Images Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts Economic realities and new mobility options are increasing the distance between 18 to 34-year-olds and new vehicle registrations, raising the likelihood of dealerships embracing more flexible sales options. These strategic channels could include greater investments in lease incentives or integrating models like car subscriptions, and thus benefit from engaging all potential buyers based on factors like intent and preferences. About the Author Cody Carlson View Profile
Khaleej Times
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai-based karting prodigy Atiqa Mir joins AKCEL GP Academy's professional racing programme
Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy, has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy Driver. This landmark move signals a powerful shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence. A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving, consistent podium finishes, and an unwavering passion for racing. She has competed in some of the world's most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy. The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy—the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3. As Atiqa begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a carefully structured development programme designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. 'Racing is everything to me. It's where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels," she said. "One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I'm ready to work hard to get there.'
RNZ News
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Young drivers' offending cut by half in a decade
The AA says there has been a cultural shift with younger drivers taking less risks. File photo. Photo: 123RF Young drivers are committing fewer driving offences than a decade ago, but road deaths remain high, according to new research from the Automobile Association. The AA said between 2013 and 2024 overall rates of offending by 15 to 19-year-old licensed drivers fell by 41 percent. Drunk and drugged driving offences fell by 58 percent and seat belt offences dropped by 52 percent. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said it was encouraging that more young people were following the rules. "That's a real positive and demonstrates that we are heading in the right direction with the various road safety initiatives and legislative and policy changes that have been undertaken over time," he said. This included the driving age being raised from 15 to 16, the introduction of a zero-alcohol limit for people under 20 and the toughening of the restricted licence test, Thomsen said. "I think there's also been a bit of a cultural shift that's started to go on of a bunch of our younger drivers taking a few less risks and being a bit more careful," he said. The AA's data also showed a reduction in the number of fatalities of young drivers on the roads. New Zealand had a death toll of 16.6 road deaths per 100,000 licensed young drivers last year. This was compared to 19.7 deaths per 100,000 young drivers in 2023 and 22.5 deaths in 2013. "Even though the picture is better, we still have the worst rates of road deaths amongst young people of any developed country, and people under 25 in New Zealand die from road crashes at a much higher rate than older age groups," Thomsen said. "These figures show we need to be focusing on more than just enforcement to bring crash rates down even further." Thomsen said this latest data was timely with the government considering changes to the Graduated Driver Licensing System. The government was proposing to remove the practical driving test needed to get a full car driver's licence , and reduce the number of eye tests required. It was also proposing some new safety measures, including requiring drivers on a restricted to keep a clean driving record, halving the demerit threshold for learner and restricted drivers to 50 points, and a zero-alcohol limit for learner and restricted drivers of any age. Any changes would be implemented in July 2026. "The AA supports some of the changes being proposed, in particular extending the zero-alcohol limit to cover a learner or restricted driver and more consequences if people offend while novice drivers," Thomsen said. "However, we also need to lift the level of practice, skills and training that young people have before they start driving solo to help reduce road fatalities. "The learner and restricted stages of the licensing system are the ideal time to instil practices and habits that will keep novice drivers and others safe on the road." The AA wanted three changes added to the government's driver licensing proposal: Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
