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It could soon be harder for your 16 and 17 year olds to get their licenses. As Whitney Ray tells us, lawmakers want teens to pass a class before they hit the road.

Hear it here: Bill Aimed At Protecting Teens From Themselves

Sixteen, 17, and 18 year olds have the highest rate of car crashes and are involved in more fatal accidents than any other age group. New legislation approved by a house committee would make it harder for 16 and 17 year-olds to drive unless they’ve had a drivers ed course. Sponsor Kevin Ambler says the idea is to protect kids from themselves.

“The risk of teen accidents on the road are much higher from 15 to 20 years of age,” said Ambler.

Representative Kevin Ambler sponsored a bill, drafted by teens that would keep some of their classmates from driving until they turn 18. In 2006, more than a 130 underage drivers died in wrecks.

“Two thirds of those accidents could be avoided potentially by giving proper drivers education,” said Ambler.

The bill sets up a statewide drivers ed curriculum. The bill would raise the price you pay for a drivers license to help fund Driver’s education. Young drivers say it’s a small price to pay to save a life.

“There’s a lot of teens that don’t need to be driving,” said Philip Olcese.

T.J. Mouse is a 17 year-old who helped write the legislation.

“Well they may not like it but when it comes down to it, it’s better from them, It’s better from everyone if Florida, so they can just deal with it I guess,” said Mouse.

Teens under 18 could still drive, but could not carry more than one passenger.