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Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte The Florida learner’s permit holding period is 12 months from the day the permit is issued, or until your 18th birthday if that comes first. You also need to be at least 16, log 50 hours of supervised driving and avoid moving violation convictions before you can get a Class E license. Adults 18 and older don’t need a permit, so no holding period applies to them. Key Facts The Florida Learner’s Permit Holding Period Rule FLHSMV’s teen licensing page says a teen must hold the learner’s license for 12 months, or

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte A Florida learner’s permit is a Class E Learner License that lets a driver age 15 or older practice on the road with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. Teens get one by finishing DETS, passing the knowledge, vision and hearing tests, and bringing documents and a signed parent consent form. Adults 18 and older can get one, but they don’t need it before taking the tests for a full license. Key Facts What a Florida Learner’s Permit Is Most people say “learner’s permit.” FLHSMV calls it a

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte The Florida learner’s permit documents you need are one proof of identity, one proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of your Florida home address. Teens under 18 also need a signed parent consent form (HSMV 71142) and must meet school attendance rules. Bring originals or certified copies, because FLHSMV turns away photocopies for some items. Key Facts Your Florida Learner’s Permit Documents Checklist Most people call this the list of what to bring to the Florida DMV for a learners permit. In Florida, the licensing agency is FLHSMV, and

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte Florida’s graduated driver license (GDL) system gives teens driving privileges in three stages: a learner’s license at 15, a Class E license with hour limits at 16 and 17, and full privileges at 18. Each stage has its own rules, set by FLHSMV and Florida law. The Florida graduated driver license rules cover supervision and driving hours, but not passengers or phones. Key Facts How the Florida Graduated Driver License System Works A graduated system gives new drivers more freedom as they gain experience. Florida’s version moves teens from supervised practice to

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte The Florida 50-hour driving requirement means a teen must drive at least 50 hours with a licensed driver 21 or older, including 10 hours at night, before getting a Class E license. A parent, guardian or responsible adult 21 or older then certifies those hours on form HSMV 71143. FLHSMV offers a practice log sheet to help you track them. Key Facts What the Florida 50-Hour Driving Requirement Is FLHSMV’s teen licensing page lists 50 hours of driving experience, including 10 at night, as a condition for a Class E license at

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte To get a first-time Florida driver’s license as an adult 18 or older, you take the 4-hour TLSAE course, pass the Class E knowledge exam and a vision test, then pass the driving skills test. You also bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and two Florida address proofs. Adults don’t need a learner’s permit first, and they don’t take DETS, which is only for teens. Key Facts Who Follows These Steps These steps are for adults 18 and older who have never held a driver license anywhere. That includes people

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte How long is the Florida DETS course? It must last at least 6 hours, and most teens split that time into two or three sessions before taking the 40-question final exam. Online courses track your time, so you cannot finish faster than the 6-hour minimum. Key Facts How Long Is the Florida DETS Course? The Short Answer FLHSMV says a DETS course must be at least 6 hours long. You can read that rule on the FLHSMV DETS course page. Some providers may build a longer course, but none can be shorter.

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte Florida DETS vs TLSAE comes down to age: first-time applicants under 18 take the 6-hour DETS course, and first-time applicants 18 and older take the 4-hour TLSAE course. The change took effect on August 1, 2025, when DETS replaced TLSAE for teens. TLSAE was not removed, and adults still need it. Key Facts The One Rule That Decides It You do not need to compare course features to choose between DETS and TLSAE. Florida decides it by your age when you apply for your first license. FLHSMV explains the teen rule on

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte You can take the Florida DETS course online in self-paced lessons that add up to at least 6 hours, then finish with a 40-question final exam. When you pass, the provider reports your completion to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Teens under 18 who have never held a license need this course before they apply for a learner’s license. Key Facts Who Takes the Florida DETS Course Online DETS stands for Driver Education Traffic Safety. Since August 1, 2025, Florida applicants under 18 who have never held

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed by Billy Forte Your Florida DETS course next steps are to check your certificate, gather your documents, get the HSMV 71142 consent form signed, and pass the knowledge exam and vision and hearing tests. You can then apply for a learner’s license once you are at least 15. This guide covers each step in order, plus the learner’s license year that comes after. Key Facts Florida DETS Course Next Steps at a Glance The steps are simple, but small mistakes cause most delays. The sections below explain each one. Step 1: Check Your Certificate When