Who Can You Drive With When You Have a Permit in Florida?

Quick Answer: With a Florida learner's permit, you must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, seated in the front passenger seat. You can never drive alone -- that supervisor is required at all times until you earn your full driver's license.Florida has clear, non-negotiable rules about supervision and passengers for learner's permit holders, designed to keep you safe while you gain experience. Under Florida's updated driving laws, teens under 18 can now complete both the mandatory 6-hour DETS course and take their official DMV exam entirely online at home through providers like DetsCourse.com to get their permit. Here's exactly who can be in the car, and when you can drive, in 2026.

Florida Permit Supervision & Driving Rules at a Glance

Rule	What's Required
Supervising driver	Licensed driver aged 21+ must always occupy the front passenger seat
Driving alone	Never permitted with a learner's permit
First 3 months	You may not drive in the dark -- daylight hours only
After 3 months	You may drive in the dark, but not after 10:00 P.M.
Passengers	No more passengers than seatbelts; everyone must be properly restrained
Vehicle	Must be properly registered, insured, and in good working condition

The supervising driver must hold a valid license and be alert and capable of providing instruction and intervention -- they cannot be distracted or impaired in any way.

Florida's Permit Requirements for Under-18 Drivers

Florida's driver education requirements changed under Senate Bill 994: teens ages 14-17 must complete a state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before they can earn a learner's permit, while first-time drivers 18 and older complete the TLSAE course instead. The DETS course covers Florida road laws, traffic signs, safe driving practices, and alcohol/drug awareness. At DetsCourse.com, you can complete it 100% online for $29.95 plus state fees, then take the official DMV permit exam from home.To qualify for a Florida learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Complete the 6-hour DETS course
• Pass the 50-question Class E knowledge exam (40 correct = 80% to pass; 40 questions on road rules, 10 on signs)
• Pass a vision and hearing test
• Provide required documentation, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residential address

Practical tip: Start the DETS course at age 14 so you're ready to test the moment you turn 15. (Permit application fees apply -- see flhsmv.gov for current fees.)

Common Permit Violations and Penalties

Violating Florida's learner's permit restrictions -- most commonly driving alone without your required 21+ supervisor, or carrying unauthorized passengers without that adult present -- carries serious consequences that can delay full licensure.

Penalty	What It Means
Extended permit period	Your mandatory permit holding period is extended
Fines	Typically $100-$500
License suspension	Possible after violations
Traffic school	May be required to attend
Insurance impact	Increased premiums for your family; possible policy issues

Most insurance policies require disclosure of all household drivers, so parents should confirm coverage extends to permit holders and understand their liability when their teen is behind the wheel.

How to Get Your Florida Permit: 4 Steps

1. Complete the DETS course: Enroll in the state-approved 6-hour course through DetsCourse.com -- $29.95, completed online at your own pace.
2. Take the official DMV exam: The 50-question Class E exam requires 80% (40 correct) and covers Florida road rules and signs.
3. Prepare documentation: Gather your birth certificate, Social Security card, two proofs of residential address, and parental consent forms.
4. Find a qualified supervisor: Line up several licensed drivers aged 21+ so you can practice regularly without scheduling conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can you drive around with on your Florida permit?

With a Florida learner's permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, seated in the front passenger seat at all times. You can never drive alone until you obtain your full operator's license.

Can my 17-year-old drive my car alone with just a permit?

No. A 17-year-old with only a learner's permit cannot drive alone under any circumstances. They must always be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat until they obtain their full driver's license.

When can a Florida permit holder drive at night?

For the first three months, a permit holder may not drive in the dark. After three months, they may drive in the dark but not after 10:00 P.M. -- and a licensed driver 21 or older must always be in the front passenger seat.

What's the difference between the DETS and TLSAE courses?

The DETS course is a 6-hour requirement for teens under 18 seeking their first learner's permit, while TLSAE is a 4-hour course for first-time drivers 18 and older. Both cover traffic laws and substance abuse education, but DETS includes additional driver education content.Ready to get your permit? Complete the state-approved 6-hour DETS course and take the official DMV exam online at DetsCourse.com -- 100% online, just $29.95 plus state fees, no DMV lines.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/driver-education-traffic-safety-dets/
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-education-traffic-safety-dets-course-frequently-asked-questions/
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/