Teen Driver Challenge

Event Details:

The program is open to participants who are 15 to 19 years old, and those who possess a learner’s permit must have at least 6 months driving experience. The participant will be required to use an automobile they usually operate during the driving exercises. Before any vehicle being allowed to be driven for the program the Instructor and student will inspect the vehicle to ensure that it meets safety standards. The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office will not provide vehicles for this program.

The Florida Sheriffs Association's Teen Driver Challenge (TDC) was created in 2007 to address the primary factors affecting teen drivers - speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving and distracted driving. The program is offered at no cost to teen drivers in 40 counties across the state and led by sheriffs' deputies licensed as commercial driving school instructors.

More than 2,000 students participate in a TDC course each year, with the demand for course participation often outweighing availability. How much is this program needed? According to the Centers for Disease Control's Motor Vehicle Safety Division, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers. Roughly 25 to 30 percent of teen drivers will be involved in a crash within the first 12 months of getting their operator's license. The Teen Driver Challenge was created to help prevent Florida teens from becoming a statistic.

TDC students are required to have a valid Florida Operator's License and have the use of an automobile they usually operate during the driving exercises. The class will consist of lectures and driving exercises. Please note: The Teen Driver Challenge is not a supplemental or advanced driving course; it is a defensive driving program that covers various topics, including:

• Teen crash facts
• Knowing your vehicle
• Using your senses
• Vehicle dynamics
• Drug and alcohol use
• Aggressive driving and road rage
• Figure 8
• Threshold/Emergency Braking
• Backing
• Cornering
• Forward and reverse serpentine
• Off-road recovery
• Evasive maneuvers
• Skid control