The Florida Sheriffs Association Teen Driver Challenge is a free advanced driving class designed to help Alachua 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 is scheduled several times a year, rain or shine, subject to staffing availability. Classes have limited availability and fill up very quickly, so reserve your spot early. Reserving a seat and turning in all necessary paperwork in a timely manner is essential. Classes are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Institute of Public Safety, located at 3737 NE 39th Avenue in Gainesville. 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.
Upcoming Classes
Saturday January 24, 2026
Future classes are being scheduled and will be announced soon.
Additional classes are be being scheduled, stay tuned for more dates.
To register your teen for a current class or to be placed on a future class waitlist, please email the below to: teendriver@acso.us. You can also learn more about the program by downloading our brochure – Teen Driver Challenge Brochure.
To reserve a spot in the class, please complete the Student Information Page and submit it via email, along with copies of the following documents:
- Your teen’s driver’s license or learner’s permit
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
Please note: While the application does not need to notarized at the time of submission, it must be notarized prior to the class date. If preferred, the application may be signed in person on the morning of the class in the presence of an ACSO employee who is authorized to serve as a witness.
Once all required documentation has been received and reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email indicating either class placement or waitlist status.