Getting Your Florida Learner's Permit: What to Know About the DETS Program

Ready to get your Florida learner's permit? Before you head to the licensing office, there's one required step you need to complete first: the DETS course. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is DETS?

DETS stands for Driver Education Traffic Safety. It's the state-required course Florida teens under 18 must complete before they can get a learner's permit.

The course is 6 hours long and covers the skills and knowledge you need before you start practicing behind the wheel. You'll learn about impaired driving, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and how to build the kind of habits that keep you safe long-term. It's less about memorizing rules and more about learning how to actually make good decisions on the road.

DETS replaced the older TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course in 2025. If you're starting the permit process now, DETS is what you need.

How to Complete DETS

You can take the DETS course online through DriversEd.com. Our course is state-authorized, which means your certificate of completion is accepted at any Florida licensing office.

Work at your own pace, start and stop whenever you need to, and finish from any device. When you're done, you'll receive your completion certificate to bring with you to your permit appointment.

What Else You'll Need for Your Learner's Permit

Once you've completed DETS, here's what to bring to your local Florida licensing office to get your permit:

• Your DETS completion certificate
• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card or W-2)
• Proof of Florida residential address (utility bill or phone bill)
• Parent or guardian consent form (signed at the licensing office)
• Parent proctoring form (if you took the knowledge exam online)
• $48 fee for the license and permit

You'll also take a written knowledge exam and a vision and hearing test at the office. Schedule an appointment at your local Florida Driver License Service CenterDmv Florida Driversed.com to get the process started.

What to Expect on the Knowledge Exam

The Florida permit knowledge exam has 50 questions covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

The best way to prepare is to study the Florida Driver Handbook and take practice tests before your appointment. DriversEd.com's free Florida practice permit testsFlorida Practice Permit Test Driversed.com cover the same material and format you'll see on the real exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DETS required for all Florida teens?

Yes. All Florida residents under 18 applying for a learner's permit are required to complete the DETS course. There are no exceptions.

How long does the DETS course take?

The course is 6 hours. You can take it all at once or break it up across multiple sessions — it's entirely self-paced.

Is the DriversEd.com DETS course state-approved?

Yes. DriversEd.com is state-authorized to offer the DETS course in Florida. Your completion certificate will be accepted at any Florida licensing office.

What happened to TLSAE?

Florida replaced the TLSAE course with DETS in 2025. TLSAE is no longer accepted for new permit applicants under 18. If you haven't started a course yet, you need DETS.

Can I take the knowledge exam online?

Yes, Florida allows teens to take the knowledge exam online through an approved provider. If you test online, you'll need to bring a parent proctoring form to your licensing office appointment.

What if I'm 18 or older?

The DETS requirement applies to teens under 18. If you're 18 or older, you'll need to complete a Drug and Alcohol courseFlorida Drug And Alcohol Driversed.com instead to get your Florida permit.

How soon can I get my permit after finishing DETS?

As soon as you have your certificate and all your documents ready, you can schedule your licensing office appointment. There's no waiting period after completing the course.

You're closer than you think

Getting your learner's permit is the first step toward real independence on the road. DETS is designed to make sure you start that journey with confidence — and with the knowledge to back it up.

Ready to check it off your list? Enroll in DriversEd.com's Florida DETS courseFlorida Combo Driversed.com and get your learner's permit on the way.