Florida Permit Guide
Everything a Florida teen driver needs to know: the DETS course, permit test, and DMV visit — all in one place.
As of August 1, 2025, Florida requires individuals under 18 who have never held a driver license from any other state, country, or jurisdiction to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (D.E.T.S.) course before applying for a license. The course covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving, impaired and distracted driving, and vehicle safety. DETS Online delivers this course 100% online — on any device, at any time, at your own pace. Once you finish, your completion is reported directly to FLHSMV automatically. No paperwork, no faxing, no delays.
Start the DETS Course — $29.95After completing the DETS course, you'll need to pass the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam. The exam includes 50 questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. A score of 80% (40 out of 50) is required to pass. Our Full DETS Package includes permit practice exams and the official Florida knowledge exam so you can prepare and test — all in one place.
FreePermitTests.com offers unlimited free Florida permit practice tests that mirror the real Florida permit exam. Use them to drill road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules until you're consistently scoring above 80% — no signup or payment required.
Practice for free →LicenseSim.com is a free interactive driving simulator that lets you practice real-world scenarios — intersections, lane changes, hazard perception, and more — from your browser. It's a great way to build behind-the-wheel confidence before you ever sit in the driver's seat.
Try the simulator →Eligible applicants under 18 may take the official Class E Knowledge Exam online through an approved provider, or use an authorized in-person testing option. Applicants 18 and older must take the knowledge test at a local FLHSMV office. If you are eligible to test online, you have two ways to do it:
Standalone permit exam — register for the Official Online Permit Exam on its own and take the 50-question Class E knowledge test online through American Safety Institute.
DETS + Permit package — if you purchased the DETS Course Package with the official permit exam included, your online test access is already bundled. Just complete the 6-hour course first, then take the exam.
After passing, your results are reported electronically to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) automatically.
Once you've passed the Class E Knowledge Exam, visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office to apply for your learner's permit. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. A parent or guardian must be present for applicants under 18. You'll pay the permit fee, pass a vision test, and — if all requirements are met — receive your learner's permit that day.
Florida requires teen drivers to log at least 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) before they can apply for a full license. Keep a driving log — a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over 21 must certify the hours on Florida's Certification of Minor Driving Experience form. After holding your learner's license for at least 12 months, or until your 18th birthday (whichever comes first), and completing all requirements, you can apply for your Class E driver's license.
Self-paced. Any device. Florida state approved. Certificate reported automatically.
Enroll Now — $29.95