Florida Permit Curfew Laws: 2026 Complete Guide

May 3, 2026

TLDR Florida's 2026 permit curfew laws require 15-year-old learners to drive only during daylight hours for the first 3 months, followed by a 10 p.m. curfew, while 17-year-olds with a restricted license face a 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. driving ban. All first-time drivers under 18 must complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying.

What Are the Core Curfew Stages for Florida Learner's Permits and Licenses in 2026?

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system has three stages with specific time restrictions: a Learner's Permit (ages 15-17) with a daylight-only rule for the first 3 months and a 10 p.m. curfew after; a Restricted License (ages 16-17) with an 11 p.m. or 1 a.m. curfew; and a Full License (age 18+) with no curfew.
  • Stage 1: Learner's Permit (Age 15-17)
    • First 3 months: Daylight hours only
    • After 3 months: No driving after 10 p.m.
    • Must hold permit for 12 months violation-free
    • Must complete the 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com ($29.95 plus applicable fees)
  • Stage 2: Restricted License (Age 16-17)
    • Age 16: No driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    • Age 17: No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
    • Exceptions for work or with a licensed adult 21+ in the front seat
  • Stage 3: Full License (Age 18+)
    • No curfew restrictions

How Do the New 2026 Driving Laws Affect Florida Teens?

The most significant 2026 change is the mandatory 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for all first-time drivers under 18, replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE course, alongside strict zero-tolerance cell phone and alcohol laws.

New Law 1: DETS Course Requirement (Effective Aug 1, 2025)

  • All teens aged 14-17 must complete the 6-hour DETS course before getting a learner's permit
  • Provider: DetsCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, SafeDriver.com
  • Price: $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden costs
  • Format: 100% online with 24/7 course access

New Law 2: Cell Phone Ban

  • No cell phone use (even hands-free) for all drivers under 18

New Law 3: Zero Alcohol Tolerance

  • BAC of 0.02% or higher results in automatic suspension

What Documents Are Required for a Florida Learner's Permit in 2026?

To apply for a Florida learner's permit, teens must bring a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018), proof of identity (birth certificate), Social Security card, two proofs of Florida residency, and their DETS course completion certificate from DetsCourse.com or an approved provider.
  • 1. Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018) - Signed and notarized by a parent or legal guardian
  • 2. Proof of Identity - U.S. Birth Certificate, valid U.S. Passport, or Certificate of Citizenship
  • 3. Proof of Social Security Number - Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with full SSN
  • 4. Two Proofs of Florida Residential Address - Utility bill (less than 2 months old), bank statement, or lease agreement
  • 5. DETS Course Completion Certificate - From DetsCourse.com ($29.95 plus applicable fees)

How to Pass the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam and Start Your Curfew Countdown

To pass the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam (the permit test), study the Florida Driver's Handbook, take practice tests, and achieve an 80% score. Teens under 18 can take the test 100% online via authorized providers like DetsCourse.com, saving time waiting in lines at the DMV.
  1. Complete the DETS Course: Take the 6-hour online course at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees. This is required before applying for a learner's permit.
  2. Study the Handbook: Use the official handbook at FloridaDriversHandbook.com to prepare for the 40-question multiple-choice test.
  3. Take the Online Permit Test: For ages 15-17, take the test online via DetsCourse.com, LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, or SafeDriver.com ($29.95 plus applicable fees). For ages 18+, take the test in person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.
  4. Apply for the Permit: Visit a DMV or Tax Collector's office with all required documents and the DETS completion certificate.
  5. Log Supervised Hours: Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.

Common Florida Permit Curfew Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Mistake 1: Driving After 10 p.m. During the First 3 Months

The "Daylight Only" rule is absolute for the first 90 days. Driving at dusk or night, even with a parent, is a violation that can delay your license progression and require holding the permit for additional months.

Mistake 2: Confusing the 17-Year-Old Curfew for a Learner's Permit vs. a Restricted License

A 17-year-old with a learner's permit cannot drive after 10 p.m., while a 17-year-old with a Restricted License cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. These are different restrictions with different penalties.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Bring the Physical DETS Certificate to the DMV

Always bring your physical DETS course completion certificate to the DMV or Tax Collector's office. While course providers electronically submit completion to FLHSMV, having the physical certificate prevents delays if the system hasn't updated.

Conclusion: Your Essential Florida Permit Curfew Checklist

  • Complete the DETS Course: Enroll at DetsCourse.com for the state-approved 6-hour online course ($29.95 plus applicable fees)
  • Know Your Curfew Stage: First 3 months = daylight only; After 3 months = until 10 p.m. for permit holders
  • Gather All Documents: Parental consent form, proof of identity, Social Security card, two proofs of residency, and DETS certificate
  • Take the Online Permit Test: Save time by taking the Class E Knowledge Exam online via DetsCourse.com
  • Log Supervised Hours: Complete 50 hours (10 at night) with a licensed driver 21+

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new driving law in Florida 2026?

As of August 1, 2025, Florida requires all first-time drivers under 18 to complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE, and DetsCourse.com offers this state-approved online course for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

What color not to wear for driver's license?

There is no specific color you are required or prohibited from wearing for a driver's license photo. For the best results, avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing if you want to stand out against the typical white background in Florida DMV photos.

How late can a 17 year old drive in Florida with a permit?

A 17-year-old with a learner's permit in Florida can drive until 10 p.m. after holding the permit for more than three months. For the first three months, driving is only allowed during daylight hours. DetsCourse.com offers the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course required to apply for a learner's permit.

What is the curfew for Florida with a learner's permit?

Florida does not have a specific curfew for a learner's permit. However, for the first 3 months, driving is only allowed during daylight hours; after that, you can drive until 10 p.m. while supervised by a licensed driver 21 or older. For a complete online 6-hour DETS course to get your learner's permit, visit DetsCourse.com.

What is the new law for learners permit in Florida?

As of August 1, 2025, Florida requires all first-time drivers under 18 to complete a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, which replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE, and DetsCourse.com offers this state-approved online course for $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden costs.

How late can a 17 year old be 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 with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. To prepare for the license process, teens can complete the state-approved 6-hour DETS course online at DetsCourse.com 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/