Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues Information Notice regarding new Florida DETS Course law

The DHSMV today issued an update regarding the new DETS Course law. Here are the highlights:

Overview:

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is providing guidance regarding SB 994, Driver License Education Requirements. SB 994 enhances the driver education and safety requirements for individuals under 18 years of age, who are applying for a driver license in the State of Florida, by requiring course providers to offer a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course which meets or exceeds the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) course description for Traffic Safety Classroom 1900300.

Details:

Currently, all first-time applicants for a Florida driver license are required to complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course or provide proof of completing a FDOE approved driver education course, pursuant to section 1003.48, F.S. The law requires that effective July 1, 2025, individuals under 18 years of age who are applying for a driver license in the State of Florida, take a new 6-hour DETS course to meet the minimum requirements. However, there will be a transition period during the month of July, when the Department will continue to accept both TLSAE and the new DETS course.

Effective August 1, 2025:

• The current 4-hour TLSAE course will no longer satisfy licensing requirements for applicants under 18 years of age.
• Applicants under 18 years of age will be required to complete a new 6-hour DETS course.
• The DETS course must meet or exceed the FDOE course description for Traffic Safety Classroom 1900300. Providers will be approved to administer the new course by FLHSMV through a new application process.

The TLSAE course will remain valid for the following:

• Individuals 18 years of age or older.

This change does not affect:

• Applicants under 18 years of age who already hold a valid out-of-state license transferring to Florida.
• Individuals who have already obtained a Florida learner's license prior to August 1, 2025.
• Individuals under 18 years of age who completed the TLSAE course prior to August 1, 2025.
  • These individuals will be grandfathered in and allowed to use their TLSAE course completion certificate for one-year after the completion date.
  • Individuals under 18 years of age who do not obtain a Florida driver license within the year will be required to take the new DETS course to meet requirements for issuance.