Florida Driving Permit for Minors: How to Pass the 2026 DETS Course Fast

Dec 11, 2025

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Quick Answer: Minors in Florida can get a driving permit starting at age 15 by completing the 6-hour DETS course online, passing the Class E Knowledge Exam, and visiting the DMV with a signed parental consent form and required identification documents.

To start driving in Florida, minors must first obtain a learner's permit, also known as a learner's license. The process begins at 15 years old by completing a required Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. This official state-mandated training is essential, and many providers offer the DETS course along with the official DMV permit exam completely online. Finishing the online course and passing the permit test is the crucial first step on the road to earning your full driver's license.

Florida Minor Permit Requirements by Age Bracket

Age	What You Can Do	Requirements	Restrictions
14	Take DETS course to prepare	Enroll in state-approved 6-hour DETS course online	Cannot apply for permit or drive yet
15	Apply for learner's permit	Complete DETS, pass knowledge exam, parental consent	Must drive with licensed driver 21+; daylight only first 3 months
16	Upgrade to Class E license	Hold permit 12 months, 50 hours practice, pass driving test	No driving 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. (exceptions: work/supervised)
17	Continue with Class E license	Already met 12-month holding requirement	No driving 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (exceptions: work/supervised)
18	Full unrestricted license	All restrictions lifted	None

Key Steps to Get Your Learner's Permit

The minimum age to start driving with a Florida driving permit for minors is 15. Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system requires all applicants under 18 to follow these steps:

Complete the DETS Course: You must finish the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. This course covers important information on traffic laws and safe driving and has replaced the older TLSAE requirement for minors. See our full guide to Florida driver's permits for detailed requirements.
Pass the Knowledge Exam: You must pass the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam, which tests you on road signs and rules. You need a minimum score of 80% (40 correct answers) to pass, and teens 15-17 may take this official exam online through state-authorized providers. Prepare with our 50-question Florida permit practice test.
Required Documents & Appointment: After completing the DETS course and passing the exam, you must visit a Tax Collector's Office or DMV location to finalize your application. You will need:
- To pass a vision and hearing test
- A signed and notarized Parental Consent Form (mandatory for all applicants under 18)
- Required identification documents (e.g., birth certificate, proof of SSN, and proof of address)

DETS Course Completion Timeline

Milestone	Typical Timeline	What You Need
Enroll in DETS Course	Day 1	Computer or phone with internet, parent supervision for registration
Complete 6-Hour DETS Course	Self-paced (varies by student)	Work through all modules on traffic laws, safety, and drug/alcohol awareness
Take Official Permit Exam	Immediately after DETS or same week	Parent present for identity verification, reliable internet connection
Schedule DMV Appointment	Varies by DMV availability	Visit flhsmv.gov or call local Tax Collector office
Visit DMV with Documents	At appointment	Certificate, ID, SSN, proof of residency, signed parental consent form
Receive Learner's Permit	Same day as DMV visit	Pass vision/hearing test, pay applicable fees

Florida Driving Permit for Minors: Rules and Restrictions

When you have your learner's license, your driving privileges are strictly limited. These rules are non-negotiable and designed to keep you safe as you gain experience:

Supervision is Mandatory: You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat
Time Restriction: For the first three months, you can only drive during daylight hours. After the first three months, you may drive until 10 p.m.
Holding Period: You must hold the learner's license for a minimum of 12 months and remain free of any moving traffic violations. A traffic conviction will extend this 12-month period for another year from the conviction date. (If you get a traffic ticket, you may be able to attend a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to avoid a conviction.)

Requirements to Upgrade Your License

To move from a learner's permit to a full Class E license, you must complete the following during your permit phase:

Log Your Practice: Complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This must be certified by a parent or guardian.
Stay Clean: Maintain a driving record that is free of moving violations for the entire 12-month holding period.
Pass the Driving Test: You must pass an official driving skills test, also known as the road test. Read our guide on how to pass your driver's test for tips.

When Can Minors Drive Alone in Florida?

The earliest you can drive without supervision is when you turn 16 years old and have successfully met all the requirements to upgrade to a Class E operator's license.

You must have held your learner's permit for the full 12-month, violation-free period and completed the 50 hours of supervised practice.
16-Year-Old Restrictions: Even with a Class E license, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are traveling to or from work, or accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
17-Year-Old Restrictions: The nighttime restriction eases slightly. You cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., with the same exceptions for work or a licensed 21+ driver.
Full Privileges: All driving curfews and restrictions are removed once you turn 18 years old.

For a different perspective, see how the process works for adults over 18, which skips the permit phase entirely. You may also want to understand whether a driving permit expires and how that affects your timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a minor get a driving permit in Florida?

A minor gets a Florida driving permit by completing the 6-hour DETS course online, passing the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam (80% required), and visiting a DMV or Tax Collector office with a signed parental consent form, proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residency. Teens 15-17 can take the exam online through state-authorized providers.

Can you drive to school at 15 in Florida?

No, you cannot drive to school alone at age 15 in Florida. The Florida driving permit for minors (learner's license) requires a licensed driver 21 years or older to be in the front passenger seat with you at all times, no matter where you are driving.

Can you drive alone at 16 in Florida?

Yes, a 16-year-old with a Class E license can drive alone, but there are nighttime curfew restrictions. Driving is generally restricted between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless you are driving to or from work or have a licensed adult (21 or older) accompanying you.

Can you get a license at 14 in Florida?

No. Florida law sets the minimum age for a learner's permit at 15. You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a Class E driver's license. However, 14-year-olds may take the DETS course online to prepare for applying for their permit when they turn 15.

What is the curfew for a 16-year-old driver in Florida?

The curfew for a 16-year-old with a Class E license prohibits driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. However, you are legally permitted to drive during these hours if you are commuting to or from your job or if you are with a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older.

How long does the DETS course take to complete?

The Florida DETS course is a 6-hour program that can be completed entirely online at your own pace. The course covers traffic laws, safe driving techniques, collision prevention, and alcohol/drug awareness. It's available through state-approved providers.

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