2025 Learner's Permit Cheat Sheet for Parents
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The New Florida Driver's Ed Law - Everything Parents Need to Know

Welcome to your Parents' Cheat Sheet! The rules have changed - but we've made the process simpler than ever. This guide walks you through every step, from the newly required 6-hour DETS Course to your teen receiving their official Florida Learner's Permit in 6 easy steps!

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Part 1: Understanding the Big Change - The New 6-Hour DETS Course

New Law Effective: July 1, 2025
All teens under 18 must complete the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course to be eligible for a learner's permit.

Grace Period: The Florida DHSMV will continue accepting TLSAE certificates until July 31, 2025, to help families who were unaware of the change.

What Is the DETS Course?

A more comprehensive replacement for the old TLSAE course. It covers:

Florida road rules & traffic signs
Right-of-way, speed limits & school zones
Safe driving habits & defensive driving
Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, medications)
Distracted driving (texting, music, social media)
Sharing the road & emergency situations
Step-by-step guide to earning your driver's license
Florida's Zero Tolerance law & insurance basics

Who needs it: All teens under 18 applying for a learner's permit on or after July 1, 2025.

Why Choose DetsCourse.com:

100% State-Approved DETS Provider
Powered by the National Safety Commission
30+ years of leadership in Florida driver education
5+ million students served
225,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Self-paced, mobile-friendly, 100% online

Part 2: Six-Step Permit Checklist

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Your teen must be under 18 years old. Teens can take the DETS Course at age 14, but must be 15+ for a permit.

Step 2: Complete the DETS Course

Start the course at DetsCourse.com. It's interactive, open-book, and can be completed in a day.

Step 3: Pass the DMV Written Exam

Known as the Class E Knowledge Exam, it includes:

50 multiple-choice questions
Covers road signs & traffic laws
Must score 80% or higher to pass

Pro-Tip: Take it online at DetsCourse.com to skip the DMV! No lines, no waiting, no pressure. Parental supervision required.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Bring these to the DMV:

Proof of Identity (Bring one):
- U.S. Birth Certificate (certified copy)
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
Proof of Social Security Number (Bring one):
- Original Social Security Card
- W-2 Form (not handwritten)
- Paycheck stub that shows your full name and SSN
Proof of Florida Residential Address (Bring two from two different sources):
- Mail from a bank, utility company, or government agency
- School transcript or report card from the current school year
- Medical or health insurance card
Note: Documents must be in a parent/guardian's name with matching addresses.
Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71142): Must be signed by a parent or guardian and presented at the DMV. Parent Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor form. You can get this at the DHSMV office, but it's easier to Download it here.