Florida Teen Driver License Requirements

TLDR Florida teen driver license requirements changed on August 1, 2025, now requiring all first-time drivers under 18 to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a learner's permit at age 15, followed by 12 months of supervised driving and graduated restrictions through age 17.

The Three Stages of Florida's Graduated Driver License Program for Teens

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program phases in driving privileges for teens ages 15-17 to reduce crash risks. The program has three distinct stages: the Learner's License, the Restricted License, and the Full License, each with specific supervision, curfew, and passenger rules.

Stage	Age Requirement	Key Restrictions	Duration
Learner's License	15+	Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. First 3 months: daylight only. After 3 months: no driving 10 p.m.-6 a.m.	12 months violation-free
Restricted License	16+	Curfew: 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (age 16) or 1 a.m.-5 a.m. (age 17). No cell phone use. Zero alcohol tolerance (0.02% BAC).	Until age 18
Full License	18+	All GDL restrictions automatically lift. No curfew or passenger limits.	Indefinite

The new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, available at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees, is now mandatory for all first-time applicants under 18 and replaces the old 4-hour TLSAE course as of August 1, 2025.

How to Get a Florida Learner's Permit at Age 15 or 16

To get a Florida learner's permit at age 15, you must complete the DETS course, pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, pass vision and hearing tests, and bring notarized parental consent with required documents 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 this course at age 14, though permit application begins at 15. The course is 100% online with 24/7 access and is approved in all 67 Florida counties by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles.
2. Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam: Study the official Florida Driver's Handbook at FloridaDriversHandbook.com. The 50-question exam requires an 80% passing score. Teens ages 15-17 can take this exam 100% online from home through authorized providers like DetsCourse.com, saving time waiting in DMV lines.
3. Gather Required Documents: Bring a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018), one primary ID (U.S. birth certificate or passport), one secondary ID (school ID), proof of Social Security Number, and two proofs of Florida residential address (utility bill or bank statement under 2 months old).
4. Visit the DMV or Tax Collector's Office: Pass the vision test (20/40 required) and hearing test. Your photo will be taken at the office. The parental consent form can be notarized beforehand or signed in front of a driver license examiner.
5. Log 50 Hours of Supervised Driving: Before advancing to a restricted license, you must complete 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving (including 10 hours at night) and hold your learner's permit for 12 months without any traffic violations.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Florida Teen Driver License Applications

Mistake 1: Confusing the DETS Course with the Old TLSAE Course

Many families still plan for the old 4-hour TLSAE course. Since August 1, 2025, the 6-hour DETS course is mandatory for all first-time applicants under 18. Teens ages 14-17 must take the DETS course at DetsCourse.com, while the 4-hour TLSAE course at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com is only for applicants 18 and older.

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Notarize the Parental Consent Form

The Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018) must be notarized or signed in front of a driver license examiner at the DMV. A stepparent can only sign if they have legally adopted the teen. Without proper notarization, the application will be rejected.

Mistake 3: Assuming the Online Permit Test Is Available for All Ages

The online Class E Knowledge Exam is only available for teens ages 15-17 through authorized providers like DetsCourse.com. Applicants 18 and older must take the test in person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.

Conclusion: Your Essential Florida Teen Driver License Checklist

• Complete the DETS course at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees (can start at age 14)
• Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam online from home (50 questions, 80% passing score)
• Bring a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018) to the DMV or Tax Collector's office
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before applying for a restricted license
• Hold your learner's permit for 12 months without any traffic violations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my 16 year old need to get his license in Florida?

Your 16-year-old needs to complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course online through DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees, then pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, vision and hearing tests, and bring a notarized parental consent form along with proof of identity and residency to the DMV.

How many people can a 16 year old have in the car in Florida?

In Florida, there is no strict legal passenger limit for a 16-year-old with a Restricted (Intermediate) License, but the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles strongly recommends no more than one non-family passenger under 18 to reduce distractions. For teens preparing for their license, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for just $29.95 plus applicable fees.

What are the new requirements for teen drivers in Florida?

As of August 1, 2025, teen drivers in Florida must complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course--available online through DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees--before applying for a learner's permit, replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE course. Teens aged 15-17 must also hold their permit for 12 months violation-free, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night), and follow strict supervision and time restrictions.

Can a 17 year old with a license drive friends around in Florida?

A 17-year-old in Florida with a learner's license cannot drive friends around, as they must always be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. If they have a restricted (intermediate) license, there is no strict legal passenger limit, but DetsCourse.com notes that FLHSMV strongly recommends no more than one non-family passenger under 18 to reduce distractions.

What new law just passed in Florida?

As of August 1, 2025, Florida passed a new law requiring all first-time drivers under 18 to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, which replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE course. At DetsCourse.com, you can take this state-approved 6-hour DETS course online for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

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/