DETS Course: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How to Get Started in 2026
Amina Gallagher
Jul 29, 2026
DETS Course: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How to Get Started in 2026
If you are a Florida teen (or the parent of one) ready to start driving, the DETS course is your first official step. DETS - short for Drug Education and Traffic Safety - is the state-mandated course that every new driver under 18 must complete before applying for a learner's permit. Here is everything you need to know about the DETS course, from what it covers to how to enroll and complete it in 2026.
What Does DETS Stand For?
Drug Education and Traffic Safety. The name tells you exactly what the course covers:
- Drug Education: How alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications affect driving ability. Florida takes this seriously - substance-impaired driving is a leading cause of crashes among young drivers.
- Traffic Safety: Florida traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices tailored to new teen drivers.
Who Needs to Take the DETS Course?
The DETS course is required for:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age range | 14-and-a-half to 17 years old |
| Minimum age | 14 years and 6 months (the earliest you can legally take the course) |
| Who must take it | All first-time Florida drivers under 18 who have never held a driver's license in any state or jurisdiction |
| Who does NOT take DETS | Adults 18+ take TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education), a 4-hour course |
| Required for | Obtaining a Florida learner's permit (Class E Learner's License) |
DETS vs. TLSAE: What Is the Difference?
Florida has two drug-and-alcohol education courses, and the right one depends entirely on your age:
| Feature | DETS (Teen) | TLSAE (Adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Drug Education and Traffic Safety | Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education |
| Age group | 14.5-17 years old | 18 years and older |
| Course length | 6 hours | 4 hours |
| Regulator | FLHSMV | FLHSMV |
| Online availability | Yes - through FLHSMV-approved providers | Yes - through FLHSMV-approved providers |
| Content focus | Traffic laws, safe driving, drug/alcohol effects, GDL program rules | Traffic laws, substance abuse education, defensive driving basics |
What the DETS Course Covers
The 6-hour curriculum is set by the FLHSMV and all approved providers cover the same core material:
- Florida Traffic Laws: Speed limits, right-of-way, traffic signals and signs, lane usage, passing rules, seat belt and child restraint laws.
- Safe Driving Practices: Defensive driving techniques, hazard recognition, following distance, driving in adverse weather, sharing the road.
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness: How substances impair driving, Florida's DUI laws, zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, BAC limits, legal and personal consequences of impaired driving.
- Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL): The three stages of Florida's GDL program (Learner's License, Operator's License, Full License), restrictions at each stage, and required supervised driving hours.
How to Enroll in a DETS Course Online: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm your teen is at least 14 years and 6 months old and has never held a driver's license in any state.
Step 2: Choose an FLHSMV-Approved Provider
Select a provider from the official FLHSMV-approved list. DetsCourse.com offers an FLHSMV-approved, 100% online DETS course. Verify any provider's approval at flhsmv.gov before enrolling.
Step 3: Register and Pay
Create an account with the provider, enter the student's information (name, date of birth, address), and pay the course fee. DETS course pricing varies by provider.
Step 4: Complete the 6-Hour Course
Work through the curriculum at your own pace. The course includes reading material, videos, interactive exercises, and quizzes. Progress is saved automatically so you can take breaks. There is no time limit, though the course enforces the full 6-hour minimum.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate
After passing the final exam, you receive a DETS completion certificate. This certificate must be presented at the FLHSMV driver license office when applying for the learner's permit. Most online providers make the certificate available immediately for download or via email.
What Happens After Completing DETS?
The DETS course is step one of Florida's GDL process for teens:
- Complete DETS course and obtain your completion certificate
- Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (the written permit test) - this may be taken at the FLHSMV office or through an approved online provider
- Apply for a Learner's License at a FLHSMV driver license office - bring your DETS certificate, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of which must be at night) while holding your learner's permit for at least 12 months
- Pass the driving skills test (road test) to earn your Operator's License
Start your driving journey with DetsCourse.com.
Our FLHSMV-approved DETS course is 100% online, self-paced, and designed specifically for Florida teens. Complete the 6-hour course from any device, receive your certificate immediately, and walk into the DMV ready for your permit test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the DETS course cost?
DETS course prices vary by provider. Online courses are generally competitively priced. DetsCourse.com offers FLHSMV-approved DETS courses at a competitive rate with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Compare providers to find the best combination of price, features, and support.
Can I fail the DETS course?
The DETS course includes quizzes and a final exam. If you do not pass the final exam on your first attempt, most providers allow you to retake it at no additional charge. The key is to pay attention to the course material - the quizzes and exam test knowledge covered in the lessons.
Does the DETS certificate expire?
The FLHSMV does not specify an explicit expiration date for DETS completion certificates. However, you should use your certificate promptly to obtain your learner's permit. If significant time passes, check with the FLHSMV to confirm your certificate remains valid.
Sources & Official References:Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) - Driver Licenses & ID Cards: flhsmv.gov
FLHSMV - Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program: flhsmv.gov
Florida Statutes, Chapter 322 - Driver Licenses: leg.state.fl.us
Last verified: July 2026.
Your Permit, Your Choice!
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DETS
Course
$29.95*
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Includes:
- 6-hour Online DETS Course
- Certificate of Completion
- 24/7 Customer Support
Online
DMV Exam
$29.95*
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Includes:
- Official Online DMV Exam (Written Road Rules & Signs Test)
- 24/7 Customer Support
Get Both
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$44.95*
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Includes:
- 6-hour Online DETS Course
- Certificate of Completion
- Official Online DMV Exam (Written Road Rules & Signs Test)
- 24/7 Customer Support
Safe Driver
Ultimate Package
$69.95*
List $214.70 Save 67%
Includes:
- 6-hour Online DETS Course
- Certificate of Completion
- Official Online DMV Exam
(Written Road Rules & Signs Test) - Prep Course For DMV Exam
(Pass the test the 1st Time) - Monthly Safe Driver Newsletter
- Teaching Teens To Drive Handbook
(Created for Parents, by Parents) - Parent-Teen Driving Contract
(Set Boundaries Early) - 24/7 Customer Support
Are you an adult (18 or over)? You must take the 4-Hour TLSAE Course instead.
* Plus State of Florida Assessment Fee & Provider Processing Fee and ADLTS Fee More Info