Question 1

Who has to take the 6-hour DETS course in Florida?

Accepted Answer

As of August 1, 2025, anyone under 18 who has never held a driver license from any other state, country, or jurisdiction must complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a license in Florida. If your teen has never been licensed anywhere and is under 18, this applies to them.

Question 2

What is the Florida DETS course?

Accepted Answer

DETS stands for Driver Education Traffic Safety. It is Florida's required 6-hour driver education course for applicable first-time drivers under 18. The curriculum covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving, and the dangers of impaired, distracted, and drowsy driving.

Question 3

Does DETS replace TLSAE for drivers under 18?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida replaced the older 4-hour drug and alcohol course (TLSAE) with the 6-hour DETS course for minors. Teens who completed TLSAE before August 1, 2025 may still be covered in some cases, but anyone completing TLSAE on or after that date generally needs the DETS course as well. Adults 18 and older generally still follow the TLSAE requirement.

Question 4

Do I have to complete DETS before taking the permit test?

Accepted Answer

Yes for applicable first-time drivers under 18. The 6-hour DETS course is a prerequisite, so complete it before registering for the Class E Knowledge Exam.

Question 5

How long does the DETS course take?

Accepted Answer

The DETS course is 6 hours of required instruction. Because it is self-paced and 100% online, you can finish it in one sitting or spread it across several sessions — your progress saves automatically.

Question 6

Can I complete DETS on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The course works on a phone, tablet, or computer, with no app to download and no in-person classes. Progress saves automatically, so you can stop and pick up where you left off.

Question 7

Is there a final exam in the DETS course?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The course includes quizzes throughout and a final exam. You need a passing score to complete the course, and you'll have limited attempts at the final exam.

Question 8

How old do you have to be to get a Florida learner's permit?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 15 years old to receive a Florida learner's license. Many students begin the DETS course around age 14½ so the course is finished by the time they turn 15. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the required consent form.

Question 9

What documents do I need to get my learner's permit?

Accepted Answer

Bring proof of identity (such as a U.S. birth certificate or valid passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residential address. A parent or guardian must be present for applicants under 18. You will also complete a vision screening and pay the permit fee.

Question 10

What happens after I get my learner's permit?

Accepted Answer

Florida requires 50 hours of supervised driving before you can move up to a driver's license, including at least 10 hours at night. Those hours must be certified by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over 21. You must also hold the learner's license for at least 12 months, or until your 18th birthday, whichever comes first.

Question 11

How does Florida know I completed the course?

Accepted Answer

Approved providers report your completion electronically to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). There is no certificate to mail and nothing for you to file.

Question 12

Can a 15-year-old take the Florida permit test online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they meet the eligibility rules. Florida allows eligible applicants under 18 to take the official Class E Knowledge Exam online through an approved provider. Applicants 18 and older must take the knowledge test at a local FLHSMV office.

Question 13

How many questions are on the Florida permit test?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Class E Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, pavement markings, right-of-way rules, and safe-driving practices.

Question 14

What score do you need to pass the Florida permit test?

Accepted Answer

You need 40 correct out of 50 — an 80% passing score. If you don't pass, there is typically a short waiting period before you can retake the exam.

Question 15

Is the official permit exam the same thing as a free practice test?

Accepted Answer

No. A practice test is study preparation; the Online Permit Exam is the official, scored Class E Knowledge Test Florida requires for your learner's permit. A practice test is included with the official exam registration to help you prepare.

Question 16

Is the DETS course available in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The course and the permit exam are both available in English and Spanish.

Question 17

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. The price shown on each course is the full registration price, with no hidden fees added at checkout.

Question 18

Who delivers the course and the official exam?

Accepted Answer

DETS Online is an independent Florida teen driver education resource. Course delivery and official permit testing are provided through our approved course partner, American Safety Institute. When you click an enrollment button, you finish checkout on their secure site.

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