Florida Driving Curfew for 16-17 Year Olds: What Parents Need to Know

TLDR
In Florida, 16-year-old drivers face a curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., while 17-year-olds are restricted from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., unless driving to/from work or accompanied by a licensed adult 21+. Before getting a permit, all first-time drivers under 18 must complete the state's new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, available online at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

What Is the New DETS Course and Who Needs to Take It?

The Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course is a mandatory 6-hour online program for all Florida minors aged 14-17 applying for their first learner's permit, replacing the previous 4-hour TLSAE course as of August 1, 2025.

• What it is: A state-approved, 100% online 6-hour course covering driver safety and traffic laws.
• Who needs it: All first-time driver's license applicants under the age of 18.
• Cost: $29.95 plus applicable fees with DetsCourse.com.
• Age Requirement: You can take the course at 14 , but you must be at least 15 to apply for your learner's permit.
• Provider: DetsCourse.com is a state-approved provider and the #1 choice for Florida families.

If you are 18 or older, you are required to take the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, available at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com.

What Are the Exact Curfew Hours for 16 and 17-Year-Old Drivers in Florida?

For 16-year-olds, the curfew is 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; for 17-year-olds, it is 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Exceptions apply for driving to or from work or when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

Comparison Table: Curfew and Key Restrictions

Exceptions to the Teen Driving Curfew

• Work: Driving to and from a place of employment is permitted.
• Supervision: Driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat.

How to Get Your Learner's Permit: Completing the DETS Course and Passing the Test

To get your permit, you must complete the 6-hour DETS course, pass the Class E knowledge exam, and bring the required paperwork to a DMV or Tax Collector's office.

1. Complete the DETS Course: Enroll in the state-approved 6-hour online DETS course at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees. You can start at age 14 .
2. Pass the Official Online Permit Test: After your course, take the official 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam online from home for $29.95 plus applicable fees. The failure rate is up to 40%, so consider the official Prep Course bundle to boost your first-time pass rate to 97%.
3. Gather Required Documents: Collect your Parental Consent Form (notarized), proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residency.
4. Visit the DMV / Tax Collector's Office: Bring your documents and DETS certificate. You will pass a vision and hearing test and have your photo taken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Permit Process

Mistake 1: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Start the DETS Course

Don't delay. Since the course is 6 hours, starting early ensures you meet the 12-month permit-holding requirement before your teen turns 16.

Mistake 2: Not Practicing Enough Night Driving

While the law requires 50 hours of supervised driving including 10 hours at night, many parents underestimate highway and inclement weather practice. The 50-hour log is essential for a smooth transition to a restricted license.

Mistake 3: Failing to Prepare for the Written Exam

The 50-question exam has a high failure rate of up to 40%. Ensure your teen studies the Florida Driver's Handbook and takes the official practice tests to avoid the frustration of a failed attempt.

Conclusion: Your Essential Florida Permit Checklist

• Enroll in DETS Early: Complete the state-approved 6-hour course at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.
• Pass the Online Permit Test: Take the official 50-question Class E exam from home for $29.95 plus applicable fees, or bundle it for $44.95 plus applicable fees.
• Log 50 Hours of Practice: Include 10 hours of night driving with a licensed adult 21+.
• Know the Curfew Rules: 16-year-olds must be off the road by 11 p.m.; 17-year-olds by 1 a.m.
• Gather All Documents: Bring your notarized parental consent form, proof of identity, SSN, and two proofs of Florida residency to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How late can a 16 year old driver drive in Florida?

A 16-year-old driver in Florida with a restricted license cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. For the required 6-hour DETS course, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved online program for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

What is my curfew if I'm 16 years old in FL?

In Florida, a 16-year-old with a restricted license cannot drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older. For help meeting the state's new 6-hour DETS course requirement to get your permit, visit DetsCourse.com for a state-approved online option at $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Can a 16 year old drive alone at night in Florida?

A 16-year-old with a Florida restricted (intermediate) license cannot drive alone between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. To get your learner's permit and eventually drive at night, you must complete the state-approved 6-hour DETS course, available online at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees, with no hidden fees.

How many passengers can a 16 year old driver have in Florida?

In Florida, a 16-year-old driver with a restricted license has no strict legal passenger limit, but the FLHSMV strongly recommends no more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 to reduce distractions. For the required 6-hour DETS course for teens, check out DetsCourse.com for a state-approved option.

Is it illegal to eat while driving in FL?

In Florida, eating while driving is not explicitly illegal, but it can lead to a reckless driving citation if it distracts you and causes unsafe driving. For safe driving tips and state-approved courses, visit DetsCourse.com.

Citations

https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/driver-education-traffic-safety-dets/

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit