Florida Permit Guide

How to Get a Florida Learner's Permit — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Everything a Florida teen driver needs to know: the DETS course, permit test, and DMV visit — all in one place.

Step 1: Complete the 6-Hour DETS Course Online

Florida law requires all first-time drivers under 18 to complete a state-approved Driver Education Traffic Safety (D.E.T.S.) course before they can apply for a learner's permit. This 6-hour 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 certificate is reported directly to FLHSMV automatically. No paperwork, no faxing, no delays.

Start the DETS Course — $29.95

Step 2: Study for the Florida Permit Knowledge Test

After completing the DETS course, you'll need to pass the Florida permit knowledge test at a local DHSMV office. The test includes 50 questions on traffic laws, signs, and safe driving. 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.

  • Study Florida's official driver handbook
  • Practice road sign recognition
  • Take timed practice tests to build confidence
Download FLHSMV Driver Handbook (English)

FreePermitTests.com

FreePermitTests.com offers unlimited free Florida permit practice tests that mirror the real DHSMV 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

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 →

Step 3: Take the Permit Test Online

Florida teens under 18 can take the official Class E knowledge test online — no need to visit a DMV office just to test. 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 DMV automatically. Applicants 18 or older must take the exam at a local DMV office.

Step 4: Visit Your Local DHSMV Office

Once you've passed the knowledge test online, visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office to receive 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 receive your temporary permit that day.

Step 5: Log Your Required Supervised Driving Hours

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 — your parent or guardian must certify the hours. After holding your learner's permit for at least 12 months and completing all requirements, you can apply for your Class E driver's license.

Ready to start? Complete the DETS course online today.

Self-paced. Any device. Florida state approved. Certificate reported automatically.

Enroll Now — $29.95