All first time drivers under the age of 18 in the state of Florida are all required to take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course, also known as TLSAE, D.A.T.A, Drug and Alcohol or Permit Course.
The reason for this course is simple — minors need to be aware of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind. Not only to make safe decisions for a healthy lifestyle, but to understand how it coressponds to the huge responsibility of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Anything that can affect your ability to drive, should be understood.
So what will you learn about? Here are some example topics in the drug and alcohol class:
- Alcohol Absorption
- Blood Alcohol Concentration
- Marijuana
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Impaired Judgment and Muscle Coordination
- Decreased Heart Rate and Vision
- Slowed Reaction Time and Drowsiness
- Long-Term Effects on The Body
- Stimulants
- Narcotics
- Hallucinogens
- Antihistamines
- Pain Relievers
- Warning Labels
- Stress
- Dealing with Stress
- Fatigue
- Appropriate Attitude
- Consequences of Distracted Driving
- The Cost of Addiction
- Alcohol Related Crashes
- Costs to Society
- Alcohol Related Crashes
- Economic Costs
- Personal Costs
- Cost of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in The Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- The Risk to Sober Drivers from Drunk Drivers
- How Impaired Driver Action Affect Others
- Family Impact
- Physical Damage
- Emotional Damage
- Preventing Drinking and Driving
- Physical Deterioration
- Effects on Family
- Effect of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse on the Driver of a Motor Vehicle
- Effects of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Alcohol and Other Drug Absorption
- Drugs Do Not Affect All Users the Same Way
- Levels of Response
- Reduces Your Ability to Safely Operate a Motor Vehicle
- Common Misconceptions Resources
- Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse on the Motor Skills and Vision of the Driver of a Motor Vehicle
- Major Traffic Laws of Florida
- Graduated Licensing and Insurance Requirements
- Drivers at Least 15 Years of Age
- Drivers Under 17 Years of Age
- Florida License Requirements
- School Attendance Requirement
- Required Forms of Identification
- Insurance Requirements
- Minimum Insurance Coverage
- If You Do Not Have the Minimum Insurance
- Alcohol Related Driving Laws
- Safety Equipment
- Basic-Driving Laws
Remember, the drug and alcohol permit course is to educate the first time driver on the effects drugs and alcohol can have on lifestyle, judgement and society, as well as the basics of motor vehcile operation. Even if you are not requried to complete the course, it is a great resource for drivers of any age.