As of August 1, 2025, Florida teens under age 18 are required to complete the new 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course to earn their driver’s license. This is a big change. In the past, teens could meet this requirement by taking the 4-hour TLSAE course, but that course is now reserved for drivers age 18 and older.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what this new DETS requirement means, how Florida’s licensing process works, and how you can get started with your driver education. Let’s take a look.
How does the licensing process work for Florida teens?
Florida uses a graduated driver licensing system to help teens gain driving experience over time. Teens typically start with a learner’s license, move on to a Class E license, and eventually earn full driving privileges.
To get your learner’s license, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written exam, and complete a traffic safety course. That’s where the new DETS course comes in. If you are under 18, you are now required to take the DETS course instead of TLSAE.
Once you have your learner’s license, you’ll need to hold it for at least 12 months (or until you turn 18), complete 50 hours of supervised driving, and pass a driving skills test before you can earn your Class E license.
What is the DETS course?
The DETS course is a 6-hour driver education program developed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). It’s designed specifically for teen drivers and covers a wide range of safety topics, including traffic laws, defensive driving, and the risks of distracted and impaired driving.
The course is more comprehensive than the previous TLSAE program and aims to better prepare teens for the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel.
Who needs to take DETS?
If you are under the age of 18 and want a Florida driver’s license, you are required to complete the DETS course. The 4-hour TLSAE course is now only for adults 18 and older.
How can I take the DETS course?
There are several options for completing the DETS course, whether you want to take it online or in person. You can take the DETS course entirely online with us. It’s self-paced, mobile-friendly, and available 24/7. Once you finish, we’ll report your completion directly to FLHSMV so you can move forward with your licensing process.
Ready to sign up for the Florida DETS course? Visit our website now!