Nahomi Torres
Freshman Amariah Kelland-Green logs into her online driver’s education course. This course is now required for students in order to get their learner’s permit.
On May 2, 2025, the Florida legislature passed a new driver’s education law that is mandatory for all teens wanting their permit and license, which took effect on Aug. 1. Many Florida High students have either completed or started the online course, but for those who have not, the course is now a hurdle that must be completed.
Freshman Sanaa Harris has not started her course. However, she plans on completing online driver’s education during the school year. She is very concerned about everyone’s safety, including herself, and thinks this course will make her a safer driver.
“I do think it’s important, because I feel like getting on the road and not knowing what to do or not knowing the rules is dumb. You’re not just driving for yourself, you’re driving for others, because if we get hurt, everyone else gets hurt,” Harris said.
Many students are aware of the impact that this course will have on their knowledge of driving. Freshman, Theo Neff, has started the course, and he believes that this online course is very helpful, because you can go at your own pace while also learning a lot of information.
“I get to know the rules on the road, and I think it’s good to have that knowledge,” Neff said.
Besides students preparing to drive, administrators are also preparing to help them navigate this online class. Dean of Academics, April McGriff, has helped many students during their time doing this course and feels it will help students not only with driving but also with learning life skills that will help students in the long run.
“I think it’s vital for our teens to take that course, especially if they plan to get behind the wheel. Driver’s safety is a priority when getting on the roads,” McGriff said.
Many students may prefer in-person courses. However, driver’s education is not available at Florida High and has to be taken online. McGriff said the deans have discussed this many times, and while it may not be an option now, that does not mean that Florida High may never have this course in person.