Lissette to enter

Lissette to enter

Lissette to enter

Florida has made changes to its driver education requirements for teens. For many years, ALL first-time drivers, regardless of their age, had been required to complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course.  Florida recently passed a new law that will now require teens under 18 to complete a new 6-hour DETS course instead of the traditional 4-hour TLSAE course. 

For Teens Under 18:

• As of August 1, 2025:

  Only Our New 6-Hour DETS Course will be accepted.

For Anyone 18 or Over:

• No changes apply to you. You can continue to take Our 4-Hour TLSAE Course.

Why the Change?

Recent updates to Florida Statutes § 322.095 and § 322.1615 require a more comprehensive course aligned with the Florida Department of Education’s Traffic Safety–Classroom 1900300 framework. This change aims to better prepare teen drivers and reduce crash risks on Florida roads.

6 Ways to Teach Your Children About Safety Near the Roadway

As families, one of our most important responsibilities is teaching our children how to stay safe—especially when they’re near roads and traffic. Whether walking to school, riding a bike, or simply playing outside, understanding roadway safety can prevent accidents and build lifelong awareness. Here are some practical tips to help you teach children the importance of staying safe near the roadway.

1. Start early with the basics: Even toddlers can begin learning about road safety. Teach them to always stop before stepping off a curb, look both ways, and listen for cars. Turn this into a routine each time you cross the street together. By repeating these habits, they’ll naturally start doing them on their own as they grow older.

2. Set the example: Children learn best by watching you. Always use crosswalks, obey pedestrian signals, and put your phone away when crossing the street. If you’re holding their hand and explaining your actions as you go, it reinforces what safe behavior looks like in real life.

3. Set rules for playtime: Remind kids never to play near the street—even if a toy rolls into the road. Establish clear boundaries for where they can play safely. For younger children, visual markers like cones or chalk lines can help them understand their safe zones.

4. Teach bike and scooter safety: Once your child starts riding a bike or scooter, make sure they wear a properly fitted helmet every time. Teach them to ride on the right side of the road, signal turns, and stop at intersections. Encourage bright clothing or reflective gear, especially in low light.

5. Explain the dangers in simple terms: Instead of scaring them, help kids understand why these rules matter. Explain that cars can’t always stop quickly, and drivers may not see small children right away. The goal is awareness—not fear—so they learn to respect traffic without feeling anxious about it.

6. Practice together: Go on “safety walks” where you point out signs, crosswalks, and safe walking routes. Ask your children questions like, “Is it safe to cross here?” or “Which direction should we look first?” Making it interactive helps them remember and apply what they learn.

By teaching roadway safety early and reinforcing it often, you’re helping your children develop confidence and responsibility when they’re near traffic. These small lessons today can make a big difference in keeping them safe for years to come.

At NHSA, our goal is to help drivers of all ages become confident, safe, and informed. Whether you’re a teen earning your learner’s permit or an adult taking a defensive driving course, we’re here to help you stay safe and smart behind the wheel.

Taking Your Dog on a Road Trip

In this article, we are going to be focusing on dogs! Almost 90% of dog owners have brought their dogs on a road trip with them at some point.

Very few things make dogs more excited than saying “road trip" (except maybe the word "treat”). Visualize them getting excited by jumping all around you, barking, and wagging their tail. Next they are staring at the door and then staring at you. Their eyes are saying "Let's go right now!"What they don’t realize is that there is much to do before the road trip starts.

Questions to answer before you decide to go on a road trip with your dog

- It is very important to make sure that your dog is ready for a trip. 

- Are they healthy enough to travel long distances?

- Do they get motion sickness or get highly anxious when in a vehicle?

- Are their vaccination records up to date?

- Are they microchipped in case they get lost? 

Tip: If your dog gets anxious while in the vehicle, take short drives to fun places. Why? So they don’t just associate getting into the car with just going to the vet. Make sure these short trips are places like the beach, boating, or a dog park.

Note: If you bring them to the Starbucks drive-thru, ask for a pup cup. (These are free dog treats.)

If you’re planning a long road trip

Make sure that you find hotels that will accept pets. Most hotels will accommodate you, and they will most likely get you a room on a lower floor of the hotel. They do this because it is easier to take your dogs for a walk outside. You can use apps to find pet-friendly hotels and restaurants such as BringFido.

Make sure to research locations for rest stops so that you can easily pull off the road so that your dog can get a little exercise. Interstate highways are typically the best route to take, with frequent rest stops along the way. 

Locating dog parks would also be a good idea. Make sure that the dog park you take your dog to is a public one. There are private dog parks that will not let your dog in unless it is a part of an association or requires you to call ahead to use the park. Apps such as Sniffspot allow you to find dog parks near you. 

Don't forget your pup's packing list

- Enough dog food to get to your destination

- Water and a collapsible rubber bowl

- Your dog's medication or something to calm them down (calming aids) 

- Vehicle harness

- Leash and harness for walking

- Favorite chew toy or blanket

- Poop bags

Happy travels!

At NHSA, our goal is to help drivers of all ages become confident, safe, and informed. Whether you’re a teen earning your learner’s permit or an adult taking a defensive driving course, we’re here to help you stay safe and smart behind the wheel.

                   Tips to "Soup-Up" Your Car

Are you a gearhead who loves thinking about ways to make your car look and perform better? Do you dream about building a ride that shows off your personality? Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next big project, here’s how to safely and smartly “soup up” your ride.

                              Acceleration and Speed Upgrades

Want more power and speed? Some cars are especially good for engine upgrades, including: Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Lexus IS 300 (2000–2005), Nissan Skyline GT-R, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, BMW 3-Series (E36), Mazda MX-5 Miata and RX-7, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Mustang, Ford Focus, and Volkswagen Beetle.

Turbocharging or supercharging :  Both turbochargers and superchargers push extra air into the engine, giving you faster acceleration and higher performance.

                                                   If you install a turbo or supercharger, you’ll also need to upgrade your:

1. Fuel system: Bigger pump and injectors to feed more fuel.
2. Cooling system: Radiator and intercooler to prevent overheating.
3. Engine parts: Stronger pistons and rods for higher pressure.
4. ECU tuning: Adjusts the car’s computer for the new setup.
5. Brakes and suspension: To safely handle the added power.
6. Transmission: Upgrades to handle the extra torque.

Cold Air Intake: A cold air intake brings cooler air into the engine, helping it burn fuel better and sound sportier.  Be careful — if installed incorrectly, it can let in dirt or water, damaging the engine.

                                                                              If you install a cold air intake, also include:

ECU tuning for better airflow and fuel control, reusable or high-flow air filters for cleaner air, and performance spark plugs for stronger ignition.

Transmission Upgrades: Delivers power from the engine to the wheels — and it needs to be strong enough for your new performance setup. Recommended upgrades include: a performance clutch (manual) or shift kit (automatic), transmission cooler to prevent overheating, and reinforced gears or torque converter for durability

                                                                          If you upgrade your transmission, also include:

Stronger engine mounts, heavy-duty driveshafts and axles, reinforced differential for even power, upgraded brakes and rotors, and ECU tuning to make everything work together. 

Pro Tip: To stay safe and avoid damaging your engine and/or transmission, always have a trained mechanic or someone with a lot of experience make these upgrades. And remember — having more power means burning more gas, doing more maintenance, and paying higher repair costs.

                            Handling and Suspension Upgrades

If you care about control and cornering, handling upgrades are key. Great handling cars include: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Honda S2000, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru WRX/WRX STI, Volkswagen Beetle, and BMW 3-Series (E36).

Popular Handling Mods:

1. Suspension kits for comfort and control
2. High-performance shocks and struts for stability
3. Sway bars and bushings to reduce body roll
4. Spoilers and diffusers to improve traction
5. Strut tower brace for sharper steering
6. Performance brakes (larger discs, carbon-ceramic options)
7. Performance tires — smaller wheels and thicker tires grip better (stay within one inch of the factory wheel set-up to avoid the need for suspension mods)

                                                        If you upgrade your suspension system, also include:

A professional wheel alignment, checking tie rods and ball joints for accurate steering, replacing old shock mounts to prevent a clunky ride, upgrading to lightweight wheels as well as better brakes to handle cornering.

Done right, these changes make your car corner smoother and feel tighter. Done wrong, they can be unsafe — so always prioritize safety and stability.

                     Exhaust System Upgrades

Cars that respond well to exhaust upgrades include: Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Honda S2000, Honda Civic, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda RX-7, and Volkswagen Beetle.

Consider: wider or smoother pipes to reduce air resistance, mandrel-bent designs for smoother flow, lighter materials (stainless steel or titanium) for better acceleration, and a tuned sound for a sportier feel.

                                                                             If you upgrade your exhaust, also include:

A cold air intake, a State-approved performance catalytic converter for reducing emissions, headers or downpipes for added power, and ECU tuning.

Pro Tip: When working on your exhaust system, remember to always check local laws, as some exhaust systems exceed noise or emissions limits.

     Aesthetics/Personal Expression Upgrades

For many, car mods are also about style and self-expression. Great cars for aesthetic upgrades include: Honda Civic, Lexus IS 300, Nissan 350Z, Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Mustang, Ford Focus, and Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Practical Upgrades with a “Wow” factor:

1. LED headlights and taillights for increased visibility (check legality)
2. Alloy wheels for lighter weight and style
3. Sporty shift knobs and steering wheels
4. Legal window tint for glare and UV protection
5. Heated seats or custom upholstery/ seat covers

Purely Creative Touches

1. High-performance sound and infotainment system
2. Underglow and ambient lighting (Some synchronize with the sound system)
3. Body kits
4. Custom paint, decals, or vinyl wraps 

                                                                            Before you modify:

1. Set a budget — upgrades add up fast.
2. Test everything carefully before daily driving.
3. Buy quality parts that meet your car’s specs.
4. Check your insurance — some mods can void coverage.
5. Know your local laws — certain mods may be illegal or restricted.
6. Choosing the Right Car for Your Skill Level. (For example, Beginner: Honda Civic, Mazda MX-5 Miata/ Intermediate: Subaru WRX / WRX STI, Ford Focus or Mustang/ Advanced: Mazda RX-7)

Have Fun, Be Smart, Be Safe!

At NHSA, our goal is to help drivers of all ages become confident, safe, and informed. Whether you’re a teen earning your learner’s permit or an adult taking a defensive driving course, we’re here to help you stay safe and smart behind the wheel.

Tips for Choosing Between an Electric, a Hybrid, or a Gasoline-powered Vehicle

When shopping for a new car, your priorities—such as whether being eco-friendly, towing heavy loads, or saving money—can make a difference in your choice between an electric, hybrid, or gasoline-powered vehicle. Let's break down the pros and cons of each. 

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EVs run purely on battery power. You plug them in to charge—no gas required. In California, you can also buy a hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs/FEVs) but be aware hydrogen fuel is limited even in the Golden State.

Pros:

• Most eco-friendly with the least emissions (the power grid used to charge them may still use fossil fuels)
• Fast acceleration (up to 0-60 mph in 3 seconds)
• Quiet and smooth ride
• Less maintenance required
• In some states, you may qualify for a clean vehicle federal tax credit

Cons:

• Expensive up front and most states require additional fees to register them
• Charging stations can be difficult to find
• Towing heavy loads significantly reduces battery driving range, by up to two-thirds
• Battery replacement is costly (can be tens of thousands of dollars)

Best for: Eco-conscious drivers who like a quiet, smooth ride and don't need to tow often

Hybrid Vehicles:

Hybrid Vehicles use a mix of both gasoline and electricity to varying degrees. Mild hybrids rely more on gasoline, while full hybrids rely more heavily on electric power. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can drive 30–40 minutes on electric power before switching to gas.

Pros:

• Better fuel efficiency compared to gasoline powered vehicles
• Fewer emissions than gasoline powered vehicles
• No battery range anxiety—you can switch to gas whenever needed
• Hybrid batteries usually last longer as the car doesn't rely on the battery alone
• Regenerative breaking extends brake life (sometimes over 100,000 miles)
• Plug-in hybrids may be eligible for a clean vehicle federal tax credit

Cons:

• Still produce tailpipe emissions when using gas
• Higher upfront costs and many states require higher fees to register them
• Plug-in hybrid batteries can be more expensive and complex to replace

Best for: Drivers who want to save money and time charging compared to all-electric vehicles, while also having better gas mileage and lower emissions compared to gasoline engine vehicles.

Gasoline Vehicles:

Within this category you can pick from gasoline engines, Flex-Fuel vehicles (FFVs) which mix gasoline with up to 85% Ethanol (E85), and diesel engines.

Pros:

• Enthusiasts may prefer the feel and sound of the gasoline engine
• Lower upfront costs
• Wider selection of models to fit your style and needs 
• Diesel vehicles are great for towing heavy loads and fuel efficiency
• Flex-Fuel vehicles reduce emissions and boost engine performance

Cons:

• Higher maintenance costs
• Not eco-friendly due to tailpipe emissions
• Flex-Fuel ethanol gas stations may be difficult to find (more common in the Midwest)

Best for: Drivers who want a wider variety of affordable or heavy-duty vehicles.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education that equips all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers. Whether you are a teen seeking a learner's permit, or an adult seeking a driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!

What Is That Puddle Under Your Car?

You walk out to your car, keys in hand, coffee in the other, ready to take on the day. But then—wait a second—what’s that puddle under your car? Uh oh! Not every vehicle lead spells disaster. Identifying the type of fluid and its source can help you determine whether it’s a quick fix or a reason to call your mechanic right away.

The “It’s Nothing, Don’t Worry” Puddle

Usually, this is just condensation (water) from your air conditioning system, especially on hot days. If the liquid is clear and odorless, it’s nothing to worry about.

The “Pay Attention” Puddles

1. Motor oil – Typically dark brown or black and slick to the touch. Oil leaks often come from the oil pan, valve cover, or gaskets. These should be addressed quickly, since low oil levels can damage your engine.

2. Coolant/antifreeze – Often green, orange, or pink with a sweet smell. A coolant leak can cause overheating, leading to severe engine damage if ignored.

3. Transmission fluid – Usually red or pink, but it can darken over time. Transmission issues can be costly, so leaks should be inspected promptly.

4. Brake fluid – Clear to light brown with a slightly oily feel. Brake fluid leaks are dangerous since they directly affect your ability to stop safely.

5. Power steering fluid – Similar in appearance to transmission fluid but often found near the front of the vehicle. Leaks here can make steering stiff or noisy.

What You Can Do?

Slide a piece of cardboard under your vehicle overnight to confirm the leak location and amount. Small spots may be okay for now, but growing puddles are your cue to seek professional help quickly.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education that equips all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers. Whether you are a teen seeking a learner's permit, or an adult seeking a driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!

What are the Maintenance Costs for an Electrical Vehicle (EV)?

If you are shopping for a new vehicle and considering an EV, perhaps you have some questions about the hidden costs.

The EV has been around since the late 1800s. They were not as popular as the gas-powered vehicle back then, because gas prices were so low at that time. The modern EV is much more popular today because… well… gas prices have skyrocketed in recent years. In the late 1800’s the price of gasoline was around  $.07 per gallon. Today, gasoline prices vary from $3.00 to over $6.00 per gallon, depending on where you live.

But, of course, operating costs go further than the cost to charge an EV battery or fill the tank in a gas-powered vehicle. What do you need to know about maintenance?

What are the typical maintenance costs of an electric vehicle?

1. Because this type of vehicle has fewer moving parts in its engine compartment, the yearly maintenance cost is lower. By some estimates, EV vehicle maintenance costs about $0.06 per mile, whereas gas-powered vehicles cost around $0.10 per mile.
2. They also do not require oil changes, transmission fluid, or coolant flushes that are needed in a standard gas-powered vehicle.
3. In the case of the braking system, the electric motor assists in slowing down the vehicle, so there will be less pressure put on the brakes and rotors.
4. Generally, tires for EVs tend to be more expensive than tires for gas-powered cars, and they may also need to be replaced more frequently due to the unique demands of EVs. They require special tires to handle the added weight of the battery.
5. If the battery needs to be replaced, it can cost between $10,000 to $20,000. With that being said, these batteries are meant to last the lifetime of your vehicle, which is up to 20 years. So it is likely the battery will not have to be replaced while you own it. At the end of their use in the EV the battery can be repurposed or recycled.
6. If the electrical system has to be replaced, depending on what needs to be replaced, the starting cost is several thousands of dollars.
7. Accident repair costs can climb pretty quickly because of the specialized procedures that the mechanic would have to be licensed for. The equipment that would have to be replaced after an accident could also get expensive due to the specialized equipment due to high voltage systems.

Conversation with an EV owner

"Why would you invest in an EV?"

First answer: It does not have an engine that can break down. There is very little maintenance (typically, the only thing that an owner needs to do every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is tire rotation).

Second answer: It is so quiet and they like not having to gas their vehicle up, and they love having the green option. They charge their vehicle at home, which is so much more economical for their busy family.

Third answer: They have three boys and it gives them peace of mind knowing that they are in a very safe vehicle. 

Note: Tesla currently has a Five Star Crash Test Rating. All EVs also have high crash test ratings.

So now that you have been given some highlights on EV maintenance, you have a more educated and well rounded idea of what kind of vehicle you might want to buy next time you are in the market.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education that equips all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers. Whether you are a teen seeking a learner's permit, or an adult seeking a driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!