Florida Learners Permit

Teens in Florida can get their Learner Permit at age 15. There are 2 steps that must be completed first — Take the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course and pass the Florida Permit Test. Both requirements can be completed online.

Shortcuts to Approved Courses:

State of Florida Authorized Driver's Ed Course and Permit Test:

DETS Course

State of Florida Authorized Permit Test

Examen de Permiso de Florida en español

Related Pages - Resources:

Florida Learner Permit Course Requirements

To obtain a Learner's Permit in the state of Florida, you must complete:

A state-approved driver's ed course (DETS)
The Florida Permit Test, which covers road signs and traffic laws

Additionally, you will need to pass a vision and hearing test and provide the required proof of identity, Social Security number and Florida residency when you apply at a FLHSMV office.

For applicants under 18, a parental consent form is also required. Once all requirements are met, you can receive your learner's permit and begin supervised driving.

Learners Permit Overview

Starting at the age of 14 ½, you are eligible to take the DETS course. Once you turn 15, you can take the Florida Permit Exam. Both are available online for teens. Applicants ages 18 or older must take the Florida Permit Exam in person at a DMV office.

At age 15 or older and after you've completed the DETS Course and Permit Test, you are then eligible to obtain a Florida Learner's Permit. Under the age of 18, you must have a Learner's Permit for 12 months (1 year) before you are eligible for a Driver's License.

Step 1: Complete the DETS course, also known as Driver Education Traffic Safety.
Step 2: Study for the Florida Permit Exam on Road Signs and Traffic Laws by reading the Florida Drivers Handbook.
Step 3: Complete the Florida Permit Exam on Road Signs and Traffic Laws. American Safety Council is authorized by the State of Florida to offer this exam online for ages 15 to 17. Age 18 or older must take at a DMV office.
Step 4: At age 15 or older you are now eligible to get your Learners Permit from your local DMV office. Be sure to take required documentation and a parent or legal guardian if under age 18.

Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course

As of August 1, 2025, the Driver Education Traffic Safety course is mandatory for Florida teens ages 15 to 17 who are applying for their first learner's permit.

This course replaces the previous Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) requirement for this age group and is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in safe and responsible driving.

How It Works

The DETS course is available as a self-paced online program or as a semester-long classroom course for high school students. The online version requires a minimum of six hours to complete, ensuring that all essential topics are thoroughly covered. The course includes interactive lessons and assessments to engage new drivers and reinforce learning.

DETS Course Topics Include:

Driver's license responsibilities — Understanding the rights and responsibilities that come with holding a driver's license.
Traffic laws — Florida's motor vehicle laws, including Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements.
Vehicle control and traffic procedures — Basic vehicle operation and navigating traffic safely.
Sharing the road — Awareness of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Defensive driving techniques — Strategies to anticipate and avoid hazards.
Physical and mental factors — How factors like fatigue, distractions, drugs and alcohol impair driving ability.
Effects of drugs and alcohol — Education on substance impairment and its consequences behind the wheel.

Florida Permit Exam

The state required Permit Test covers road signs, road rules and traffic laws. The exam must be passed with 80% accuracy or better.

How It Works: Permit Exam

The Permit Test or Class E Knowledge Exam is comprised of 50 multiple choice questions. Once you obtain 40 correct questions then you pass the exam (80% accuracy.)

Timed Test — 60 minutes are allowed to complete the test.

Topics covered — Road Signs, Traffic Laws, and Road Rules. The questions often are presented in a "scenario" format asking how you would respond to specific situations to help emphasize safe driving practices.

Study the Florida Drivers Handbook and review Permit Practice Tests online. It is important to study in advance as you get three (3) chances to pass the exam online.

Permit Test Online — this Exam can be taken online for ages 15 to 17.

Age 18 and older must take the Exam at a local DMV Office. It is best to make an appointment especially in more populated counties.

Examples of Permit Test topics include:

Distracted Driving — this is a major cause of car accidents. It is illegal to text while driving, which is becoming a major issue in today's driving environment. Eating, drinking, turning your head to talk to friends and texting are all forms of distracted driving. Your eyes are taken off the road, both hands are not on the wheel and you are thinking of something other than driving. It is important to focus on the road and your surroundings (other drivers) at all times while driving.
Right-of-Way and Intersections — who goes first at intersections, the proper use of signals, the importance of looking out for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle drivers, how to properly let emergency vehicles pass on the road, and how to drive in a roundabout to avoid accidents.
Braking and Speed Limits — what is the stopping distance, how speed effects braking distance, how to make a smooth stop to avoid collisions, what are the speed limits on specific roads, speed limits for School Zones and Construction Zones, and how to drive in bad weather or heavy traffic.

DMV Offices

After successfully completing both the DETS course and permit exam, you are then eligible to apply for a Florida Learner's Permit. American Safety Council automatically transmits your information to the State of Florida upon completion. Please note — the DMV office randomly selects teens to retake Permit Exams for quality assurance checks.

Age 15 to 17: Minors are required to bring a parent or legal guardian to the DMV office to obtain a Learners Permit. If not available, the responsible adult party can sign and have notarized a Parent Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor Form.

Age 18 or Older: The state Exam (on road signs, traffic laws) must be taken at a DMV office once you turn age 18. It is important to study in advance by reading the Florida Drivers Handbook and practice with online Permit Practice Tests. For busy counties, it is advised to make an appointment online.

Required Documents to Bring: You must bring several documents with you to obtain a Learners Permit or first Drivers License in Florida including a Primary Identification; Proof of Social Security Number and Proof of Residential Address. Review a full list of identification requirement documents allowed.