Teen Driver Challenge

Traffic crashes occur every 12 seconds in the United States and the number one cause of deaths among young adults. Teens are more likely to be killed in an automobile crash than any other way. The first step in reducing these statistics is to challenge the Teen Driver to become a more informed, safer and efficient driver. The Teen Driver Challenge provides young drivers with the knowledge and hands on experience to reduce their chances of being involved in a crash.

The Teen Driver Challenge class consist of 8 hours of classroom instruction and driving exercises taught on a Saturday at the Seminole State College Driving Track in Geneva.

Course Overview
The Teen Driver Challenge course will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to reduce your chances of being involved in a crash. Your attendance and participation in this training will provide you with lifesaving skills, techniques and education about the operation of a motor vehicle. The driving skills you will learn are the same techniques used by driving professionals, including NASCAR.

Classroom Instruction
Students will participate in a session that will cover the following topics:

• Teen Crash Facts
• Knowing Your Vehicle
• Using your Senses
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Safe Driving Habits
• Alcohol and Driving
• Aggressive Driving
• Driving Exercises

Students will then participate in a driving class that will cover the following exercises:

• Figure 8
• Threshold/Emergency Braking
• Backing
• Cornering
• Forward serpentine
• Reverse serpentine
• Off road recovery
• Evasive maneuvers
• Skid Recovery

Please note that you will be using your personal vehicle in the vehicle operations portion of the training. Your instructor will be a certified law enforcement trainer. Upon the successful completion of this course, you will graduate with a certificate of completion. (You may present this certificate to your auto insurance company for a possible premium reduction.)

Florida Sheriff's Association Teen Driver Challenge Information

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is my contact for further information, or to whom can I refer inquiries?
   You may contact Lt. Bobby Smith at rsmith@seminolesheriff.org.


2. Where will the course be taught?
   The class is held at the Seminole State College Criminal Justice Training Facility in Geneva, maps will be emailed to you once you are enrolled.


3. How do I know if I am approved to attend the Teen Driver Challenge Course after I pre-register?
   You will be contacted by telephone or by email.


4. Who teaches Teen Driver Challenge?
   All Teen Driver Challenge instructors are FDLE Certified Driving Instructors.


5. How old does a child have to be to participate? Can they participate with a learner’s permit?
   The Teen Driver Challenge was designed with the 15 to 19 year old age group in mind who have their permit or regular driver’s license. Drivers that participate must have 6 to 12 months of driving experience as the driving exercises are challenging.


6. What is the cost?
   The Teen Driver Challenge Course is free to participants. Due to the demand of the course we do require a $50 refundable deposit to hold a seat for the class. Deposit checks are returned during the classroom portion of the course. If your student does not attend, the check will become a donation to provide materials for future classes.


7. Who furnishes the vehicle for the training?
   The students will use their own vehicle while participating in the Teen Driver Challenge.


8. What is the student to instructor ratio?
   It is recommended that the student to instructor ratio for the Teen Driver Challenge be 4 students for every one instructor while on the driving range.


9. What is the difference in this training and that offered by our public schools?
   Teen Driver Challenge is not intended to replace driver education in the public schools. The course is challenging and is intended for drivers with some experience. The goal of the Teen Driver Challenge is to provide the students with the knowledge and skills needed to avoid a crash. This is provided by both classroom instruction and hands on, practical instruction in the driving range.

Upcoming Classes

• December 7, 2024
  Class is full.

More class dates to be announced soon.

COVID-19
In addition to the forms required for student attendance already on the page, the TDC Covid-19 Waiver will need to be submitted by all applicants. Please note that masks will be mandatory for all students and instructors.

No waitlists; first come, first serve. No seat will be reserved without completed packet to include registration, insurance and drivers license. Only those with completed packets will be placed on the list. No holds. Absolutely no phone calls will be accepted for placement.

Both classes are held in Geneva. Students should bring lunch, snack and drinks for themselves as well as sunscreen. They are expected to dress appropriately (according to school dress codes) with closed toe shoes. Cars should have a full tank of gas prior to arriving for class.

Each class is restricted to the first 20 students. Be specific when choosing your class. Complete packets and checks must be received by the deadline dates in order to confirm seats. If the COMPLETED packets with all required signatures is not received by the deadline dates, you forfeit your seat. It is imperative to follow the instructions on the website to confirm your seat. You can find all required forms below. A copy of the driver’s license or permit, registration to the vehicle being driven in the course and insurance card must also be included in the packets.

Registration process:

• NO PHONE CALLS for seat reservations will be accepted.
• Parents/guardians are to email a completed packet (to include all signatures and required documents) to Lt. Bobby Smith at rsmith@seminolesheriff.org to reserve your spot. You may mail your check and/or a physical copy of your completed packet to:
  
  Seminole County Sheriff’s Office East Region
  Attn: Lt. Smith - Teen Driver Challenge
  1225 East Broadway Street
  Oviedo, FL 32765
  
  
• An e-mail confirmation will be sent to each parent.
• Due to the demand for this class, a $50 refundable check must be received by the class registration deadline for firm confirmation of the seat.
• TDC Student Registration
• TDC Parent Permission
• TDC Owner Release
• TDC Claims Release Form
• TDC Covid-19 Waiver
• Copy of teen's driver license
• Copy of insurance card and vehicle registration

For more information, please contact Lt. Bobby Smith at rsmith@seminolesheriff.org.