History of the D.A.T.E. Program

Mission Statement

This course was developed by the Florida Association of DUI Programs, Inc., in order to address the problem of inexperienced drivers and the continuing high statistics of traffic fatalities. In June, 1989, the Florida Legislature secured the passage of Chapter 89-134, F.S. This law, effective January, 1990, requires all first-time driver's license applicants to take a four-hour Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles approved Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course, or a Florida Department of Education approved driver education course before receiving a driver's license.

The goal of the Drug, Alcohol, Traffic Education (DATE) Program is to educate participants about the legal, financial and health consequences of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and abuse, and to reduce the number of persons killed and injured on Florida’s highways. The program aims to help students of all ages become well-informed, responsible drivers by providing them with information about Florida laws, the effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on driving and tips on how to drive defensively and responsibly to avoid crashes. The program also provides students with tips for making wise choices.

About the Online D.A.T.E. course at www.myfirstlicense.com

Course contents of the Drug, Alcohol and Traffic Education course found at MyFirstLicense.com were developed and are the property of the Florida Association of DUI Programs, Inc. This course meets the requirements of Florida’s Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course and is approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Driver Education and DUI Programs, Tallahassee, Florida.