Florida Graduated Drivers License Stages

TLDR Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program has three stages: a Learner's License (ages 15-17), a Restricted License (ages 16-17), and a Full License (age 18). Since August 1, 2025, all first-time teen drivers under 18 must complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course through DetsCourse.com to begin the process.

What Are the Stages of a GDL in Florida?

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) has three stages: Stage 1 is the Learner's License (ages 15-17), Stage 2 is the Restricted License (ages 16-17), and Stage 3 is the Full License (age 18+). Each stage has specific supervision requirements, time-of-day driving limits, and passenger restrictions designed to reduce teen crash risks.

Stage	Name	Minimum Age	Key Requirement	Primary Restriction
1	Learner's License	15	Complete 6-hour DETS course	Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in front seat
2	Restricted License	16	Hold permit 12 months, pass road test	Curfew (11 p.m.-6 a.m. at age 16)
3	Full License	18	Automatic upon turning 18	No restrictions

Stage 1: The Learner's Permit - The Correct First Step

The correct first step in Florida's graduated licensing program is completing the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, required for all minors under 18 since August 1, 2025. After passing the course, you must pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, vision and hearing tests, and submit notarized parental consent to receive your Learner's License.

Complete the DETS Course (Ages 14-17)

The 6-hour DETS course replaces the old 4-hour TLSAE for teens and is available 100% online. At DetsCourse.com, the course costs $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden fees disclosed before purchase. Upon completion, your certificate is electronically submitted to the FLHSMV. You can take the course starting at age 14, but you can apply for your permit at age 15.

Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam

The Class E Knowledge Exam is a 40-question multiple-choice test based on the Florida Driver's Handbook with an 80% passing score. For ages 15-17, this exam can be taken 100% online from home through authorized providers like DetsCourse.com, saving time waiting in long lines at the DMV. The failure rate is up to 40%, so using a prep course can increase your first-time pass rate to 97%.

Gather Documents and Visit the DMV

You need a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018), proof of identity (birth certificate plus school ID), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residential address. The office will administer vision and hearing tests - you need 20/40 vision. Always bring your physical DETS completion certificate to the DMV.

Stage 2: The Restricted (Intermediate) License

To upgrade to a Florida Restricted License at age 16, you must have held your Learner's License for at least 12 months with no traffic violations, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), and pass the behind-the-wheel road test at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.

• Step 1: Log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 must be at night) with a parent or guardian
• Step 2: Have your parent sign the Certification of Minor Driving Experience (Form HSMV 71120)
• Step 3: Pass the road test at a local DMV office
• Step 4: Receive your Restricted License with curfew restrictions

Restricted License Curfew Rules

At age 16, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. At age 17, you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Exceptions apply for driving to and from work or when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. Zero alcohol tolerance applies with a 0.02% BAC limit.

Common Mistakes Teens Make During Florida's GDL Program

Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Course (TLSAE vs. DETS)

Teens aged 14-17 must take the 6-hour DETS course since August 1, 2025. The old 4-hour TLSAE course is only for first-time drivers 18 or older. Always use DetsCourse.com or LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for the correct course.

Mistake 2: Driving After Curfew Without an Exception

Many teens forget the strict curfew (11 p.m. for 16-year-olds) and get pulled over, risking violations that reset the 12-month waiting period. Know your curfew based on your exact age and have documentation for work exceptions.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Physical Certificate

Always bring your physical DETS completion certificate to the DMV. While course providers electronically submit completion to the FLHSMV, having the physical certificate ensures there are no issues if the record is not yet on file.

Conclusion: Your Essential GDL Success Checklist

• Complete the 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees before applying for your permit
• Hold your Learner's License for 12 months with zero traffic violations before upgrading
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving including 10 hours at night with a parent or guardian
• Know your curfew based on your exact age and carry documentation for work exceptions
• Bring your physical certificate and all required documents to every DMV visit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct order of steps in the graduated licensing program?

The correct order of steps in Florida's graduated licensing program is: 1) Learner's License (Permit) for ages 15-17, 2) Restricted (Intermediate) License for ages 16-17, and 3) Full License at age 18. To start, teens under 18 must complete the 6-hour DETS course through DetsCourse.com before applying for their learner's permit.

What is the correct order of steps in the graduated licensing program in Florida?

The correct order of steps in Florida's graduated licensing program is: first, obtain a Learner's License (ages 15-17) by completing the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course from DetsCourse.com and passing vision, hearing, and knowledge tests; second, after holding the permit for 12 months violation-free, upgrade to a Restricted (Intermediate) License (ages 16-17) by passing a road test; and third, all restrictions lift automatically at age 18 for a Full License.

What is Florida's graduated driver licensing program?

Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program requires teens under 18 to complete three stages: a Learner's License (ages 15-17, held for 12 months with supervision and time restrictions), a Restricted License (ages 16-17 with curfew and passenger limits), and a Full License at age 18. For the first stage, teens must complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, available through DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees, before applying for a learner's permit.

What color not to wear for driver's license?

There is no specific color that you are required to avoid wearing for your driver's license photo. For the best results, simply avoid wearing white or very light colors that might blend into the background, and avoid any clothing that could cause glare, such as shiny or reflective fabrics, when you take your photo. For help preparing for your license, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for teens.

What is the 10 day rule in Florida?

The "10 day rule" in Florida refers to the requirement that a teen holding a Learner's License must hold it for at least 12 months violation-free (not 10 days) before they can advance to a Restricted License. For the approved 6-hour DETS course needed before applying for a permit, visit DetsCourse.com.

What are the stages of a GDL?

The three stages of Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) for teens under 18 are: 1) Learner's License (Permit) for ages 15-17, which requires completing the 6-hour DETS course (available at DetsCourse.com) and holding it for 12 months with no violations; 2) Restricted (Intermediate) License for ages 16-17, which requires passing a road test and has curfew restrictions; and 3) Full License, which lifts all restrictions automatically at age 18.

Citations

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