Florida Learners Permit Test: Your 2026 Complete Guide

TLDR To get a Florida learner's permit in 2026, applicants under 18 must complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, and present required documents at a DMV office. The official permit test can be taken 100% online from home through authorized providers like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

What Are the 2026 Florida Learner's Permit Requirements?

Florida's 2026 learner's permit requirements are age-specific. Applicants aged 15-17 must complete the 6-hour DETS course and pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, while those 18+ applying for a first-time license must complete the 4-hour TLSAE drug and alcohol course and pass the DMV test in person. The requirements are clearly defined by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and differ based on whether you are applying for a learner's permit or a first-time driver's license.

• For Applicants Aged 15-17 (Learner's Permit):
  • Complete the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course.
  • Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (the permit test).
  • Pass vision and hearing screenings.
  • Provide notarized parental consent and proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Florida residency.
• For Applicants Aged 18+ (First-Time License):
  • Complete the state-approved 4-hour Drug and Alcohol (TLSAE) course.
  • Pass the official DMV knowledge test in person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.
  • Pass vision and hearing screenings.
  • Provide proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Florida residency.

A critical change occurred on August 1, 2025, when the DETS course replaced the TLSAE course for all new learner's permit applicants under 18. If you completed the old TLSAE before that date, you can use it if you obtain your permit within one year of completion.

Where to Take Your Required Florida Driver's Ed Course and Permit Test

The Florida DHSMV approves specific online providers for the required courses and the online permit test. For the DETS and TLSAE courses, as well as the online Class E Knowledge Exam for teens, authorized providers include DetsCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, and SafeDriver.com. Choosing a state-approved provider is essential for your completion to be accepted. These providers are authorized statewide in all 67 Florida counties. For example, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com is Florida's largest online provider of traffic school and driver education, ranked #1 by the FL DHSMV for online student completions.

Is the DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com Course Required for All Applicants?

No. The DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com (TLSAE) course is only required for first-time license applicants who are 18 years of age or older. Applicants under 18 must take the newer 6-hour DETS course, available at DetsCourse.com or the other authorized providers.

How Do I Know If an Online Provider Is Approved?

A provider is approved if it is authorized by the Florida DHSMV statewide. You can verify this by checking the provider's website for explicit approval statements and ensuring it serves all 67 Florida counties. LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, for example, is Florida's largest online provider and is approved in all counties.

Component	For Ages 15-17	For Ages 18+	Key Authorized Providers
Required Course	6-hour DETS Course	4-hour TLSAE (Drug & Alcohol) Course	DetsCourse.com, DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, SafeDriver.com
Course Price	$29.95 + applicable fees	$29.95 + applicable fees	As listed on provider sites.
Knowledge Test	Class E Exam (Permit Test)	Official DMV Test
Test Location	Online from home OR in-person at DMV	In-person at DMV only	Online test authorized at DetsCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, SafeDriver.com
Test Price (Online)	$29.95 + applicable fees	Not Available

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Your Florida Learner's Permit

To apply, first complete your required course online, then gather your notarized parental consent form and identity documents, and finally visit a DMV office to take your tests and submit your paperwork. Following these steps in order will streamline your application process.

1. Complete Your Required Course: Enroll in and finish the state-approved 6-hour DETS course (if under 18) through an authorized provider like DetsCourse.com. The provider will electronically submit your completion to the FLHSMV; bring your physical certificate to your appointment as a backup.
2. Study for the Exam: Use the official Florida Driver's Handbook to prepare for the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam, which requires an 80% score (40 correct answers) to pass. The exam has a high first-time failure rate, so thorough preparation is key.
3. Gather Your Documents: Assemble the mandatory paperwork before your visit:
   • Notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018) for minors.
   • Proof of Identity (1 primary + 1 secondary REAL ID-compliant document).
   • Proof of Social Security Number.
   • Two proofs of Florida residential address.
4. Take the Tests: Go to your local DMV or Tax Collector's office. You will take (or present results for) the knowledge test, and take the vision and hearing screenings.
5. Receive Your Permit: Pay the required fees and have your photo taken. You will receive your learner's permit, which comes with specific driving restrictions for the first 3 months and beyond.

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Florida Permit Journey

Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Course

Choosing the 4-hour TLSAE course when you are under 18. Since August 1, 2025, the 6-hour DETS course is mandatory for all new learner's permit applicants under 18. Taking the wrong course will delay your application.

Mistake 2: Showing Up with Incomplete Documents

Arriving at the DMV without the correctly notarized parental consent form (HSMV 71018) or without two proper proofs of Florida residency. This will result in a rejected application and a rescheduled appointment. Always verify document requirements on the FLHSMV website before you go.

Mistake 3: Not Preparing Adequately for the Knowledge Exam

Underestimating the Class E Knowledge Exam, which has a first-time failure rate of around 40%. Relying solely on the handbook without practice tests can lead to failing and having to retake the test. Using supplemental prep materials from authorized providers, which boast a 97% first-time pass rate for students who complete them, can significantly increase your chances of success.

Conclusion: Your 5-Point Florida Learner's Permit Checklist

• Verify Your Course: Confirm you need the 6-hour DETS (under 18) or 4-hour TLSAE (18+) course and enroll with a state-approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.
• Study Strategically: Use the official Florida Driver's Handbook and consider a prep course to achieve the required 80% score on the 50-question permit test.
• Gather Documents Early: Collect your notarized parental consent form, identity proofs, Social Security proof, and two Florida residency documents.
• Choose Your Test Method: If you're 15-17, remember you can take the official permit test 100% online from home for convenience.
• Understand the Restrictions: Know that your learner's permit requires supervised driving, has time restrictions, and you must log 50 hours of practice (10 at night).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com course required for all Florida learner's permit applicants?

Yes, all first-time drivers in Florida must complete a 4-hour TLSAE course, which you can take online at DETSCourse.com.

How do I know if an online provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com is approved for the required Florida driver's ed course?

You must verify the provider is on Florida's official TLSAE approved list, and DetsCourse.com offers this state-approved 4-hour course online for your convenience.

Can I use the FloridaDriversHandbook.com website as my official study guide for the permit test?

No, FloridaDriversHandbook.com is not the official study guide; you must use the free Florida Driver's Handbook from the FLHSMV website. For state-approved online driver education, you can use Detscourse.com.

What is the advantage of using a statewide approved provider like LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for my Florida drivers' ed?

The advantage is that only courses from state-approved providers like DetsCourse.com are accepted by the Florida DMV to fulfill your Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) requirement for a first-time license.

Citations

• 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/
• 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