How to Get a Permit at 15 in Florida

Oct 26, 2025

To get a permit at 15, Florida requires teens to complete a driver education traffic safety course (DETS course) and take the official permit test. Both are available 100% online from providers like DetsCourse.com, Florida's largest online driver education provider with over 5 million customers.

What Are the Requirements for a Florida Learner's Permit at 15?

To obtain your learner's permit at 15 in Florida, you must meet three basic requirements: be at least 15 years old, have parental consent, and complete the state-mandated Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course. The DETS course is specifically designed for teens aged 14-17 and serves as the foundation for your driving education. While you can begin the course at 14, Florida law requires you to be at least 15 before taking the official DMV permit test and receiving your actual permit.

The Florida DHSMV mandates this 6-hour educational program to ensure young drivers understand traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle. This requirement applies to all first-time drivers under 18, establishing a consistent standard across the state.

  • Practical Tip: Start the DETS course at 14 so you're fully prepared to take your permit test immediately upon turning 15
  • Keep your birth certificate and social security card handy for the application process

What Steps Do I Follow to Get My Permit?

The process for obtaining your Florida learner's permit involves two main steps that can both be completed online from home.

First, you'll need to complete the 6-hour DETS course through a state-approved provider like DetsCourse.com. This 100% online course covers essential driving topics and includes the course exam. The course costs $29.95 plus any applicable, fully transparent state fees.

After successfully completing the DETS course, you can take the official DMV permit test 100% online through a state-approved provider like DetsCourse.com and SafeDriver.com. The online testing option eliminates the need for an initial DMV visit and allows you to complete this requirement from the comfort of your home.

  1. Step 1: Enroll in and complete the 6-hour DETS course through providers like DetsCourse.com ($29.95 + transparent fees)
  2. Step 2: Take the official DMV permit test once you turn 15 through providers like DetsCourse.com ($29.95 + transparent fees)
  3. Step 3: Receive your completion certificate and get your permit at a DMV/Tax Collector office with required documents

How Should I Prepare for the DMV Permit Test?

Proper preparation is essential for passing the Florida DMV permit test on your first attempt. The official Florida Driver's Handbook, available at FloridaDriversHandbook.com, serves as your primary study resource. This comprehensive guide contains all the information you'll be tested on, including road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.

Many students benefit from additional preparation through specialized prep courses that offer unlimited practice tests. These courses, available through providers like SafeDriver.com and DetsCourse.com, simulate the actual exam experience and help identify areas where you need more study. These prep courses provide valuable practice with questions similar to those on the official exam. Focus particularly on road rules sections, as these tend to be where most students make errors.

97% of students who complete the DetsCourse.com Prep Course pass the official DMV exam on their first attempt.

What Happens After I Pass the Permit Test?

After successfully completing both the DETS course and the official DMV permit test, you'll receive a completion certificate. Providers typically offer free certificate delivery through standard mail, with expedited delivery options available for an additional fee. Bring your certificate when visiting the DMV or Tax Collector's office.

Your final step is visiting a local DMV or Tax Collector's office with your completion certificate, proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and parental consent documents to receive your physical learner's permit. While the online testing process eliminates the need for taking the knowledge exam at the DMV, you still need to visit in person to complete the application process, have your photo taken, and receive your actual permit. Remember that with a learner's permit, you must always be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older when driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What states allow a permit at 15?

Florida allows a learner's permit at 15. A teen can take the required DETS Course starting at age 14, but they cannot take the official DMV permit test and get their permit until they are at least 15 years old.

Can I drive at 15 in Florida?

Yes, you can legally drive at age 15 in Florida if you have a Learner's Permit, with strict restrictions. You must complete a driver's education course (DETS course), pass a knowledge exam, and have parental consent to get the permit. The course and the official exam are both available 100% online at DetsCourse.com. The Learner's Permit comes with limitations on driving hours and the requirement of a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

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