Driving Challenge Gives Teens More Practice Behind Wheel

Teens with their learner's license or Driver's license can sign up now for the free Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Teen Driver Challenge.

The two-day, 12-hour course gives teenagers additional experience behind the wheel. The next challenge is Friday and Saturday and another one is scheduled for Dec. 9 and 10.

Training is conducted by Youth Services deputies and includes classroom instruction plus a full day on the driving range. At the end of the course drivers receive a certificate of completion that may qualify them for insurance discounts.

"Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Florida and throughout the United States, and the first year behind the wheel is critical," Sheriff Tom Knight said in a news release. "I hope the added peace of mind and potential savings on insurance is a powerful motivator for parents to make sure their teen drivers sign up for this free course."

The Friday night classroom training for the first session is at , 4748 Beneva Road in Sarasota with Saturday spent at the driving range next to North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd, North Port. Both days of the second session are at the North Port driving range.

Interested students can contact their school resource deputy or call (941) 927-4190. More information, a video and registration forms are available online at SarasotaSheriff.org's Teen Driver Challenge page.