Florida Teen Driving Curfew 2026: Essential Parent Guide

May 2, 2026

TLDR Florida's 2026 teen driving curfew for 16-year-olds restricts driving from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., while 17-year-olds face a curfew from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., with specific exceptions for work and supervised driving. As of August 1, 2025, all teens under 18 must complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a learner's permit.

Understanding Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) Curfew System

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system imposes a two-tier curfew: 16-year-olds with a restricted license cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., while 17-year-olds cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older. These restrictions are designed to reduce crash risks during high-danger hours for new drivers.

License Type	Age	Curfew Time Restrictions	Key Exceptions
Learner's Permit	15-17	First 3 months: Daylight only. After 3 months: Until 10 p.m.	Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat at all times.
Restricted (Intermediate)	16	11 p.m. - 6 a.m.	Driving to or from work. Licensed driver 21+ in front seat.
Restricted (Intermediate)	17	1 a.m. - 5 a.m.	Driving to or from work. Licensed driver 21+ in front seat.
Full License	18+	No restrictions	All GDL restrictions lift automatically at age 18.

The 2026 Requirement: The New 6-Hour DETS Course

Starting August 1, 2025, all Florida teens aged 14-17 must complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE, before applying for a learner's permit. This course is a critical first step in understanding Florida's teen driving laws and curfew restrictions.

Course Name: Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS)
Age Requirement: 14-17 years old (can apply for permit at 15)
Course Length: 6 hours, 100% online
Provider: Available at DETSCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, and SafeDriver.com
Price: $29.95 plus applicable fees (No hidden fees; all fees disclosed before purchase)
Languages: English and Spanish
Completion: Certificate is electronically submitted to FLHSMV; bring physical certificate to the DMV.

What About Teens 18 and Older?

First-time drivers aged 18 or older must complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, available at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, or SafeDriver.com, for $29.95 plus applicable fees. Teens under 18 should not take the TLSAE course as it has been replaced by the DETS requirement.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Florida Learner's Permit Under the 2026 Rules

To get a Florida learner's permit in 2026, your teen must complete the 6-hour DETS course, pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (which can be taken online), and bring specific documents to the DMV or Tax Collector's office. Following these steps ensures compliance with the new 2026 requirements.

Complete the 6-Hour DETS Course: Enroll your teen in the state-approved online course at DETSCourse.com. The course is $29.95 plus applicable fees and covers essential traffic safety knowledge.
Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam: Your teen can take the 50-question online permit test from home via DETSCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, or SafeDriver.com. The test is $29.95 plus applicable fees. A Prep Course is available to boost the first-time pass rate to 97%.
Gather Required Documents: Bring the following to the DMV or Tax Collector's office:
Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018) - notarized or signed in front of an examiner.
Proof of Identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate or passport).
Proof of Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2).
Two Proofs of Florida Residential Address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
DETS Course Completion Certificate (physical copy).
Pass Vision and Hearing Tests: Administered at the DMV office (20/40 vision required).
Pay Fees and Receive Permit: After passing all tests, the learner's permit is issued.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Navigating Florida's 2026 Teen Driving Laws

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

The old 4-hour TLSAE course is no longer valid for teens under 18 applying after August 1, 2025. Your teen must complete the new 6-hour DETS course available at DETSCourse.com. The DETS course is designed specifically for teens aged 14-17 and covers updated material relevant to Florida's current driving laws.

Mistake 2: Assuming the Curfew is the Same for 16 and 17-Year-Olds

The curfew is stricter for 16-year-olds (11 p.m. to 6 a.m.) than for 17-year-olds (1 a.m. to 5 a.m.). Many parents mistakenly believe the same rules apply across all teen ages, but the GDL system gradually reduces restrictions as teens gain experience.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Log Supervised Driving Hours

While not required for the initial learner's permit, your teen needs 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) documented on Form HSMV 71120 to advance to a Restricted License. Start logging hours early to avoid delays when your teen is ready for the next license stage.

Conclusion: Your Essential 2026 Teen Driving Checklist

Complete the DETS Course: Enroll at DETSCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees before applying for a learner's permit.
Know the Curfew: 16-year-olds must be home by 11 p.m.; 17-year-olds by 1 a.m., with exceptions for work and adult supervision.
Pass the Online Permit Test: Take the Class E Knowledge Exam online from home via DETSCourse.com.
Gather Documents: Bring parental consent, proof of identity, SSN, residency proof, and DETS certificate to the DMV.
Log Driving Hours: Track 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) for the Restricted License transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color not to wear for driver's license?

There is no specific color you are required or prohibited from wearing for your driver's license photo in Florida, so you can wear any color you choose. For the best result, avoid wearing white or very light colors that might blend into the background, and avoid clothing with busy patterns or logos.

Do 17 year old drivers have a curfew in Florida?

Yes, 17-year-old drivers in Florida with a Restricted (Intermediate) License have a curfew: they cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., with exceptions for driving to or from work or when accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. For help meeting the requirements to get your license, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for teens aged 14-17.

What are the new requirements for teen drivers in Florida?

As of August 1, 2025, teen drivers in Florida under 18 must complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a learner's permit, replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE. For just $29.95 plus applicable fees, DetsCourse.com offers this state-approved online course for teens ages 14-17, and you can also bundle it with the official online permit test.

What time does a 16 year old driver have to be home in Florida?

A 16-year-old driver in Florida with a Restricted (Intermediate) License must be home by 11 p.m., meaning no driving is allowed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. For help preparing for your license, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for just $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Is skinny dipping in Florida illegal?

Skinny dipping in Florida is not explicitly illegal under state law, but it can lead to charges of indecent exposure or lewd conduct if done in public view. For safe driving resources, DetsCourse.com offers Florida's largest online driver education, including the state-approved 6-hour DETS course for teens.

How late can a 17 year old stay out in Florida?

A 17-year-old in Florida with a Restricted (Intermediate) License cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., though exceptions exist for driving to or from work or if accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. For complete driver education and to understand these laws, DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour DETS course for teens ages 14-17.

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/