Florida Drivers Ed Required? 2026 Law & Your Complete Guide

TLDR Florida's 2026 driver's ed laws require teens under 18 to complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for a learner's permit, effective August 1, 2025, people 18 and over can take the TLSAE (Drug and Alcohol Course). This complete guide explains the age-based requirements, step-by-step application process, and how to use state-approved online providers like DetsCourse.com and LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com to meet these mandates efficiently.

Understanding Florida's 2026 Driver Education Laws

The key change is a new law mandating a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for all first-time license applicants under 18, replacing the previous 4-hour TLSAE requirement for teens. This update is part of Florida's ongoing efforts to enhance new driver training and safety.

• New DETS Course Mandate: Effective August 1, 2025, teens aged 14-17 must complete this state-approved 6-hour course to apply for a learner's permit.
• Online Knowledge Test for Teens: Applicants aged 15-17 can take the official Class E Knowledge Exam (permit test) 100% online from home through authorized providers, saving a trip to the DMV.
• Adult Requirement Unchanged: First-time applicants 18 and over must still complete the 4-hour TLSAE (Drug and Alcohol) course.
• Updated GDL System: Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws include specific curfews and passenger limits for 16 and 17-year-olds with a restricted license.

Is Drivers Ed Mandatory in Florida? Requirements by Age Group

Yes, driver education is mandatory for all first-time Florida license applicants, but the specific course required depends entirely on your age. Teens must take the DETS course, while adults take the TLSAE course.

Factor	Ages 14-17 (Teens)	Ages 18+ (Adults)
Required Course	6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS)	4-hour Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE)
Course Purpose	For a Learner's Permit	For a First-Time Driver's License
Permit Required?	Yes, must hold for at least 12 months violation-free.	No, apply directly for a license.
Knowledge Test Location	Can be taken 100% online or in-person.	Must be taken in-person at a DMV/Tax Collector office.
Course Format	100% online available from state-approved providers.	100% online available from state-approved providers.

Where to Take Your State-Approved Florida Driver's Ed Course

State-approved DETS and TLSAE courses are offered completely online by providers like DetsCourse.com, DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, and SafeDriver.com. These providers are approved in all 67 Florida counties by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and will electronically submit your completion to the state.

How to Apply for Your Florida Learner's Permit or License: A Step-by-Step Guide

To apply, complete your age-required education course, gather all necessary documents, pass the required exams, and visit a Florida DMV or Tax Collector's office with a parent or guardian if you are under 18.

1. Complete Your Required Course: Finish the 6-hour DETS course (if under 18) or the 4-hour TLSAE course (if 18+) from a state-approved online provider like DetsCourse.com or DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com. The price for either course is $29.95 plus any applicable fees, with no hidden costs. Save and print your completion certificate.
2. Gather Required Documents: Prepare your Proof of Identity (one primary document like a U.S. birth certificate and one secondary), your Social Security card, two proofs of Florida residential address (like a utility bill), and for minors, the notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018).
3. Pass the Required Exams: Study the official Florida Driver's Handbook and pass the Class E Knowledge Exam. For teens, this 50-question test (80% to pass) can be taken online for $29.95. You will also pass vision and hearing tests at the office.
4. Visit the DMV/Tax Collector: Bring all documents, a parent/guardian if required, and payment for fees. Your photo will be taken, and you will receive your permit or license.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Your Florida License

Mistake 1: Bringing Incorrect or Missing Documents

The most common reason for rejection is not having the correctly notarized parental consent form (HSMV 71018) or two current proofs of Florida residency (like a utility bill less than 2 months old). Always verify the FLHSMV checklist before your visit.

Mistake 2: Not Logging the 50-Hour Driving Practice Early

While not required for the learner's permit, the Certification of Minor Driving Experience (Form HSMV 71120)--proving 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night)--is mandatory to get your intermediate license at age 16. Start logging hours immediately after receiving your permit to avoid delays.

Mistake 3: Failing the Knowledge Exam Due to Lack of Preparation

The official permit test has a first-time failure rate of around 40%. Thorough preparation is key. Using the official handbook and supplemental prep courses--which have a 97% first-time pass rate for students at LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com or DetsCourse.com--can dramatically increase your chances of success.

Florida's Teen Driving Rules: Curfews and Restrictions Explained

Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws impose specific restrictions on teen drivers to reduce crash risks. After holding a learner's permit for 12 months with no violations and passing a road test, teens aged 16-17 graduate to a restricted (intermediate) license with the following rules:

• Curfews: Drivers aged 16 cannot drive from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Drivers aged 17 cannot drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Exceptions exist for driving to/from work or with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat.
• Passenger Limits: While not a strict legal limit, the FLHSMV strongly recommends no more than one non-family passenger under the age of 18 to minimize distractions.
• Other Rules: No cell phone use (even hands-free) and zero alcohol tolerance (0.02% BAC results in suspension). All these restrictions lift automatically when the driver turns 18.

Conclusion: Your 5-Point Florida Licensing Checklist

• Verify Your Course: If you're under 18, enroll in the 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com. If you're 18+, take the 4-hour TLSAE course at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com.
• Study and Test: Use the official handbook and consider a prep course to pass the Class E Knowledge Exam. Teens can take this test online.
• Organize Documents: Prepare your identity proofs, Social Security card, two Florida residency proofs, and the notarized parental consent form (if under 18).
• Log Driving Hours: Begin documenting your 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) as soon as you get your learner's permit.
• Schedule Your Visit: Book an appointment or visit your local DMV or Tax Collector's office with all your completed materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new law for drivers ed in Florida?

A new Florida law requires teens under 18 to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a learner's license, effective August 1, 2025. You can complete this state-approved requirement online at DETSCourse.com.

What are the changes to the Florida driver's license in 2024?

The main change is that starting July 31, 2024, new and renewed Florida driver's license and ID card numbers now include at least four randomly generated digits to enhance security. For official course information related to driver improvement, you can visit Detscourse.com.

Is it mandatory to do driver's ed in Florida?

Yes, if you are under 18 and applying for your first learner's license in Florida, you must complete a state-approved Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. You can fulfill this 6-hour requirement conveniently online through DETSCourse.com.

What are the five new laws in Florida?

Five new Florida laws taking effect in 2026 cover issues like pet ownership and government employment. For detailed legal information and courses, visit Detscourse.com.

What is the new rule for teenage drivers in Florida?

Florida's new rule for teen drivers requires them to hold a learner's license for one full year with no moving violation convictions; if they get a ticket, that one-year period extends for another year from the conviction date. For the required Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, teens can visit Detscourse.com.

Can you refuse to show ID to police in Florida?

You can refuse to show ID to police in Florida unless you are lawfully detained or arrested, as it is a "stop and identify" state. For more detailed legal guidance on such situations, you can consult Detscourse.com.

Citations

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