Sheriff Aden is committed to the safety of our youth and is pleased to offer a safety program for teen drivers called the Teen Driver Challenge (TDC). The Teen Driver Challenge is backed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association (FSA) and supported by the Sheriff. The Teen Driving Challenge course, which is offered at no cost to students, will provide the knowledge and hands-on experience to reduce your chances of being involved in a crash. Please note: the Teen Driver Challenge is not a supplemental or advances driving course. It is a defensive driving program that covers various topics including:

•  Vehicle Dynamics
• Human Factors
• Responsibility and Liability
• Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
• Night Driving
• Aggressive Driving

TDC students are required to have a Florida Learner’s Permit or a valid Florida Operator’s License and have use of an automobile they usually operate during the driving exercises.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be between 15-19 years old.
• Must have a valid Learner’s Permit or Florida Operators License
• If the student holds a Learner’s Permit, the student must hold their permit 6 months before taking the course.
• Students must provide their own car. The Sheriff’s Office will not provide cars for this program.

HOW TO REGISTER

Typically, one class is scheduled per month. The Sheriff’s Office keeps a waitlist on file. Therefore, automatic placement into a class date is not guaranteed upon submission of the Teen Driver Challenge Sign Up Form.

 

TEEN DRIVER REGISTRATION IS UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME – WHEN REGISTRATION BECOMES AVAILABLE IT WILL BE POSTED HERE

 

 Please direct all questions, comments or requests for information to the TDC Point of Contact:

Ashley Bailey – 850-259-0031 – abailey@sheriff-okaloosa.org

The following forms are required for participation in the Teen Driver Challenge program:

Due to a high demand for the Teen Driver Challenge course and limited seating (14 per class), two attempts will be made to notify the student / guardian of their class date the week before the class. If the student’s attendance is not confirmed, they will be dropped from the class and will need to reapply.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Day 1 – Classroom Topics

Location: Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters – Training Room at 50 2nd Street, Shalimar, FL 32579

When: Week Night from 5pm – 9pm

Day 2 – Driving Range Exercises

Location: Northwest Florida State College Driving Course at 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL 32578

When: Saturdays from 7am – 12pm (Morning Session) or 12pm – 5pm (Afternoon Session)

QUESTIONS?

Contact Ashley Bailey by e-mail at abailey@sheriff-okaloosa.org or call 850-259-0031

Related Links and Info

For more info about the FSA Teen Driver Challenge, click here to visit the website.

Autos and the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Sheriff Aden supports the TDC Text Free Driving Pledge

Helpful information about improving teen driver safety and lowering insurance rates can be found via The Simple Dollar

Driving While Intexticated