The Florida Sheriffs Association Teen Driver Challenge is a free advanced driving class designed to help St. Johns County high school students become safer, more confident drivers. This one-day class is taught by certified Law Enforcement driving instructors, and involves exposing the teen drivers to many different situations they may encounter while driving on the open roads.
This challenging defensive driving class is conducted on a safe, closed driving range. The instructors give the teen drivers the hands-on experience needed if they find themselves in a situation while driving that requires quick decision making and action being taken. Areas covered include proper braking, negotiating a figure 8 (steering), forward and reverse serpentine, cornering, intersection backing, evasive maneuvering, off-road recovery, and skid recovery. Participants use their own family vehicles for the majority of exercises, and are given instruction on how to conduct a basic vehicle safety check before driving.
The Teen Driver Challenge is an advanced driving class. Applicants are required to be at least 15 years old and possess a valid, state-issued Learner’s License or Driver’s License. In addition, applicants should already have basic driving knowledge and abilities, with enough practical driving experience to feel comfortable behind the wheel.
The Teen Driver Challenge will be running on the below dates this summer, rain or shine. Classes have limited availability, so reserve your spot early. Reserving a seat and turning in all necessary paperwork in a timely manner is essential. Classes will be from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Students can be dropped off as early as 8:30 AM and will need to bring their lunch. All classes will be at the Emergency Communications and Training Center at 911 Law Enforcement Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092 and will start in the classroom and transitioning to the driving track. Students should bring a bag lunch and drink to class; we do not leave until the end of the day. Parents dropping their students off with a vehicle should have a “pick up ride” arranged beforehand – they may not remain on-site during the classroom or driving sessions of the Teen Driver Challenge.
To reserve a seat for an upcoming Teen Driver Challenge class, please e-mail your contact information to: [email protected]. You can also learn more about the program by downloading our Teen Driver Challenge postcard.
January 2, 2025 – Class Full
January 3, 2025 – Class Full
January 25, 2025 (Saturday) – Class Full
February 14, 2025 – Class Full
March 8, 2025 (Saturday) – Class Full
March 17, 2025 – Class Full
March 18, 2025 – Class Full
April 18, 2025 – Class Full
The following documents are required for your registration to be finalized, and they need to be emailed to [email protected] as a PDF document. We will not accept individual photographs of your documents. Please make sure you have reached out to the Teen Driving staff and have a class date selected prior to emailing the documents. We cannot guarantee your student a spot on the day you requested on the forms if you have not emailed us first to confirm availability.
*Please note, the signatures on the four course forms need to be witnessed and signed off either by a public notary or a sheriff’s office representative – your school resource deputy can sign off on these forms. Forms that are missing signatures will not be accepted.
For more information or to reserve a seat for an upcoming Teen Driver Challenge class, please use the form below.
You can also learn more about the program by downloading our Teen Driver Challenge postcard.
*Teen Driver Challenge inquiries only; do not use this platform to report a crime or other issue(s) that require law enforcement response or action.*
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No. We need to confirm they have their permit prior to enrollment.
Yes, however, since they are no longer considered a minor, they will need to reach out to sign up and complete the documents.
Yes, you can enroll multiple children in the class. We will not allow you to enroll your child’s friend(s). If your child has a friend who wants to enroll, their parents need to reach out to enroll their child.
Yes, you need to provide a car as we cannot guarantee we will have a vehicle to provide for students to use for each class. We also want students to feel comfortable driving the vehicle they would normally practice in or will be driving once they have their license. If we do have a vehicle for your child to use, you will still need to provide a copy of your vehicle insurance.
Yes, all paperwork needs to be completed for each student. If they are sharing a vehicle, you can complete one form for the Vehicle Owner Statement and Release Form instead of two.
No, students are only driving on the SJSO Driving Track and will complete a series of obstacle courses to enhance their skills.
No, however, it is recommended they have a minimum of 10 practice hours behind the wheel. Students need to have basic knowledge on how to operate a vehicle. Our course is designed to help build more confidence behind the wheel.
Yes. If you do not live in St. Johns County or your child does not go to a public high school in St. Johns County, you can reach out to your local sheriff’s office for the county in which you reside in to inquire about the program.
All paperwork needs to be submitted within 14 days of the Teen Driving staff confirming your reservation request. If we have not heard from you after 14 days, your spot will be released. We receive many requests and classes fill up quickly.
Yes. Please let us know ASAP if you need to cancel or reschedule. We will try our best to accommodate you.
Depends. Some insurance companies will provide a discount; however, you will need to reach out to your insurance company to inquire.
Yes. Your child will receive a certificate for completing the course and a letter stating they received 8 hours of community service. These documents will be sent to the email we have on file after they have completed the class. Certificates are typically sent out same day, however, can take up to 48 hours.
No. Students can only participate one time.
