JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida teenagers aspiring to drive independently will have to dedicate more time to practicing before securing their driver’s license due to a new state law.

Teens in the Sunshine State are now required to complete a six-hour driver’s education course before receiving their learner’s permit.

Merick Lewin, managing partner at the Good Guys Law Firm, highlights that Florida ranks nearly at the top in teen driving fatalities, which prompted the enhancement of course requirements.

“We’re nearly 50% above the national average for teen driving fatal accidents, and I believe this fact has driven many legislators; they’re parents as well, and even grandparents,” Lewin noted. “This is an issue that personally impacts us all.”

Previously, the sole requirement for acquiring a learner’s permit was to complete a four-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, available online.

Alongside the expanded course requirement for the permit, teens are now obligated to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with adults aged 21 or older.

The law, which targets ages 15 to 18, also mandates that a teen hold a learner’s permit for a full year before testing for a driver’s license.

Students at Westside High School in Jacksonville see both the pros and cons of adding the additional training hours.

Maliki Murray, a Westside High student, just got his learner’s permit and is working toward his license.

“I’m OK with driving a little bit more,” he said. “I’m getting more experience.”

Meanwhile, Westside High student Demond Stokes told First Coast News it’s going to take even longer for him to get his license due to participating in afterschool sports.

“It’s just going to take a long time, like 50 hours?” Stokes said. “That’s crazy, especially because I do sports. I’m never going to have enough time to do anything.”

With Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles crash reports already topping 226,000 crashes statewide this year, lawmakers made the change to ensure new drivers get more experience before hitting the road alone.