Florida Drivers Ed: Teen vs. Adult - What's the Difference?

Getting a driver's license in Florida requires meeting specific education and testing requirements, which vary for teens and adults. No matter your age, following the correct steps ensures you're prepared to drive safely and legally. 

Getting your Florida driver's license means meeting specific education and testing requirements—and as of July 1, 2025, those requirements now differ significantly depending on whether you're a teen or an adult.

Whether you’re 14 or 40, knowing the right steps for your age group helps you stay on track—and on the road.

Drivers Ed for Teens (Under 18)

Step 1: Take the New DETS Course

Starting July 1, 2025, Florida law requires all teens under 18 to complete the Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course. This new 6-hour course replaces the TLSAE and includes a final exam to test your knowledge of drug and alcohol safety, road laws, and defensive driving.

You’ll need to pass this course before you can apply for your learner’s permit.

Step 2: Pass the Florida Knowledge Exam

After finishing DETS, you’ll need to pass the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam, which covers traffic signs, rules, and safe driving practices. Teens can still take this test online with parental consent.

Step 3: Earn Your Learner's Permit (TLP)

Once you’ve passed both DETS and the knowledge exam, you can apply for your Teen Learner’s Permit (TLP) at the DMV. With your TLP, you’ll enter a supervised driving phase.

Permit restrictions for teens include:

• First 3 months: drive only during daylight hours

• After 3 months: drive until 10 p.m.

• A licensed driver age 21+ must ride in the front passenger seat

Step 4: Log Your Behind-the-Wheel Hours

Florida law requires 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before you can apply for a full license. A parent or guardian must certify these hours.

Step 5: Take the Road Test and Get Licensed

Once you've held your learner’s permit for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions—and completed your driving hours—you can take the road test for your Class E license.

Drivers Ed for Adults (18 and Older)

Step 1: Complete the TLSAE Course

If you're 18 or older and applying for your first Florida license, the first step is completing the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. This is required by the state before you can take the knowledge exam.

You can take TLSAE 100% online, at your own pace, and your completion is reported directly to the DMV.

Step 2: Take the Permit Test (In Person)

Adults must take the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam in person at a licensing office. Teens are the only ones eligible for online testing.

Step 3: Practice Driving (Optional but Encouraged)

Adults aren’t legally required to log supervised hours, but if you're new to driving, real-world practice with a licensed driver is highly encouraged. Learning in stages builds confidence and helps you prep for the test.

Step 4: Take Your Road Test and Get Licensed

Once you're ready, schedule your driving test. Pass it, and you’ll earn your full Class E Florida driver's license—no permit holding period required.

Key Differences: Teen vs. Adult Drivers Ed in Florida

Why Start Drivers Ed Early?

Structured courses help eliminate guesswork. Whether you’re 15 or 50, drivers ed gives you the tools to:

• Learn safe driving techniques

• Understand Florida’s laws and penalties

• Build confidence before test day

• Feel comfortable navigating real-world driving scenarios

And if you're wondering whether it’s better to start now or later, this breakdown of how long it takes to get your license after drivers ed might help you plan ahead.

Choosing the Right Drivers Ed Course

Whether you're a teen starting your first chapter or an adult ready to hit the road, pick a course that’s:

• Compliant with Florida’s latest licensing rules

• Tailored to your age group

• Available online and on mobile

• Backed byreal reviewsTrustpilot Driversed.com and helpful customer support

DriversEd.com offers apps and tools that help you study on your schedule, practice for your test, and stay safe behind the wheel.