***Registration is now open for the following Teen Driver Challenge courses***
2026 Courses 2027 Courses
August 15th January 16th
September 12th February 13th
October 17th March 13th
November 21st April 17th
December 19th May 8th
For more information and to reserve a spot, please complete all paperwork located at the bottom of this page and include it with your email to TeenDriverChallenge@sarasotasheriff.org.
Parents, help your teens become better and safer drivers through our FREE Teen Driver Challenge. This is a hands-on course designed to give teens the experience they need to drive safely under the supervision and training of Sarasota County Sheriff's Office staff.
This course is offered to students with a valid learner’s permit (six months of experience required) or valid operator’s license. Licensed student drivers will need to bring their automobile to the driving range for class. Limited seats will be available for students with only a learner’s permit, and a vehicle will be provided to them. Parents will not be allowed to stay during training.
Upon completion of the course, drivers will receive a certificate to present to their auto insurance company for potential policy discounts.
LOCATION: TAYLOR RANCH SCHOOL FACILITY, 2500 TAYLOR RANCH TRAIL, VENICE (LOCATED BEHIND TAYLOR RANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL). TIME: 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
The day starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. No one will be allowed to exit or enter the premises during this training.
For more information and to reserve a spot, please contact Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at TeenDriverChallenge@sarasotasheriff.org.
To register, please download and fill out all required forms (below). Forms must be notarized and submitted in advance to TeenDriverChallenge@sarasotasheriff.org. You will be contacted to confirm your registration.
Please download (where applicable), complete and submit the following documents:
- Parental Permission Form and Release of All Claims (Notarized)
- Vehicle Owners Statement of Permission and Release of All Claims (Notarized)
- Copy of the vehicle registration form
- Copy of a valid insurance card for the vehicle you will be operating
- Copy of driver's license