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Florida Teen Drivers · A Highway Traffic School Guide

Florida Learner's Permit Requirements for Teens:
Your Step-by-Step Guide

To get a Florida teen driver license: complete the 6-hour DETS course, then pass the Class E knowledge exam. Hold a learner's permit for 12 months and log 50 practice hours. Then pass the road test at 16.

Last updated · Florida's teen rules changed in Aug 2025 and Feb 2026. We keep this current with FLHSMV.

6 hrsDriver Ed (DETS)
12 moPermit hold (or until 18)
50 hrsPractice (10 at night)
Start the 6-hour DETS course — $29.95 Jump to the step-by-step ↓

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Your 3-phase roadmap
  1. 1Learner's Permit
  2. 2Practice Driving
  3. 3Full License

Is your teen eligible? Florida age requirements

15+Can get a learner's permit
16+Eligible to take the driving test
18+12-month wait ends & night limits lift

Teen does the course, exam, and driving. Parent signs the required forms and supervises every practice drive.

What you need before you start

Required course

The 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Every first-time driver under 18 must finish it before the Class E knowledge exam. Since Aug 1, 2025 it replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE for under-18 drivers. Take the DETS course ›

  1. Proof of identity U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.
  2. Proof of Social Security number SSN card, W-2, or 1099 tax form.
  3. Two proofs of Florida address Two different documents — a utility bill from about the last 60 days, a lease or mortgage statement, or a bank statement. two, and they must differ
  4. Parental Consent Form A parent or guardian signs it at the office, or has it notarized beforehand. signed in person or notarized
What Florida asks for at the driver license office on permit day. Bring proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. Bring two different proofs of Florida residential address. A parent or guardian must come to sign the consent form. A driver license or ID card does not count as address proof. F.S. 322.16 verified
Phase 1 of 3

How to get a Florida learner's permit at 15

Finish these four steps, in order, before you drive.

1

Complete the DETS course

Teen ~6 hours

Take the 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Florida requires it for every first-time applicant under 18 before the Class E knowledge exam. Most teens finish it online at their own pace.

Good to know: DETS replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE for under-18 drivers on Aug 1, 2025 (SB 994 / Ch. 2025-104). Adults 18 and older still take TLSAE — the two courses side by side.

Ready for Step 1?Start the state-approved 6-hour DETS course. Certificate emailed the moment you pass, and filed with FLHSMV for you.
Start DETS $29.95

Next → Teen finish the course and save your certificate.

2

Pass the Class E knowledge exam

Teen 30–60 min

The exam covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must finish the DETS course first. You can take it two ways.

  • Online, with a parent or guardian proctoring, or
  • In person at a Florida driver license office.

Parent Online testing needs a special form. Complete FLHSMV Form 71144 (Parent/Guardian Online Test Proctoring Form), signed before a notary or a driver license examiner once the exam is done. The form, field by field. This is a different form from the Parental Consent Form in Step 4 — don't confuse them.

English-only exams. As of , FLHSMV gives all knowledge and driving exams in English only. Interpreters, translators, and printed non-English exams are no longer allowed (ASL only to communicate in English). What the rule means, and how to study for it.

Want to test online?Bundle the Class E knowledge exam with your DETS course and finish both online.
Add Class E exam bundle $65.95

Next → Teen study the free Florida Driver Handbook at flhsmv.gov. Warm up with the free 20-question practice test, then take the exam.

3

Gather your documents

Both

Bring three kinds of proof. The address proof trips up the most families, so read it closely.

Documents you'll need
  • Proof of identity — U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.
  • Proof of Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, or 1099.
  • TWO different proofs of Florida home address — a utility bill (~60 days), a lease/mortgage statement, or a bank/credit-card statement.

Watch out: Many families bring only one address document and get turned away. Bring two different ones — a driver license or ID does not count.

Next → Confirm the current list at flhsmv.gov/WhatToBring before you go.

4

Visit a Florida driver license office

Both

Teen bring every document from Step 3 plus your DETS certificate. You'll take an on-site vision and hearing test. Parent if your teen is under 18, sign the Parental Consent Form — in person, or bring it notarized.

Bring with you
  • All identity, SSN, and two-address documents from Step 3.
  • DETS completion certificate.
  • Parental Consent Form (signed in person or notarized).

Watch out: A step-parent cannot sign the consent form unless they've legally adopted the teen. If a parent can't attend, bring the form notarized ahead of time.

Next → Check real-time office wait times at flhsmv.gov, then go.

Office-day checklist — everything for the counter
Done! You now hold a Florida learner's permit. Next: start logging practice hours — on to Phase 2.
Phase 2 of 3

Practicing with a learner's permit: 12 months & 50 hours

Log your hours, stay violation-free, and build real skills.

When your teen can drive on a permit Teen
  1. Day one Permit issued at 15 Day one: the permit is issued and the twelve-month hold starts. For the first three months the teen may drive in daytime hours only.
  2. Month 3 Driving until 10 p.m. Month 3: the daytime-only restriction lifts and the teen may drive until 10 p.m. A licensed driver 21 or older still rides in the front passenger seat.
  3. Month 12 Road test at 16 Month 12: the hold is complete. With 50 logged hours and the certification form signed, the teen can take the driving skills test.
  • Log 50 supervised hours, at least 10 of them after dark (months 0–12)
The permit year, counted from the day the permit is issued. For the first three months your teen drives in daylight only. After that, they can drive until 10 p.m. A licensed driver 21 or older rides in the front seat every time. The hold lasts 12 months, or until the teen turns 18. Along the way, 50 supervised hours go in the log, with at least 10 after dark. F.S. 322.1615 verified

A licensed driver 21 or older rides in the front passenger seat the whole time. Don’t drive past your allowed hours, even for a quick trip.

Minimum wait 12 mo

Hold your permit a full 12 months. If your teen turns 18 first, the waiting period ends early.

Practice hours 50 hrs

50 hours total, at least 10 at night. There's no fixed daytime number — you need 50 total, and 10 or more after dark.

Who can supervise Parent

A parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult who is at least 21 and holds a valid license. They must ride in the front passenger seat for every practice session.

Stay violation-free Teen

No moving-violation convictions in the 12 months from your permit issue date.

Disqualifying: any conviction One OK if adjudication withheld

No passenger limit. Florida's graduated rules don't cap how many passengers a teen may carry. But extra passengers distract new drivers, so set a family rule.

Use the official practice log. Download the free Practice Driving Log from flhsmv.gov. Your supervising adult signs each entry — log night hours separately, and keep it safe for Phase 3.

12 months held and 50 hours logged (10 at night)? Next: get the certification form signed — on to Phase 3.
Phase 3 of 3

Getting your Florida Class E license at 16: the road test

Pass the road test and you're done.

Eligibility check — confirm all four before the road test
5

Get the certification form signed

Parent

An adult 21 or older signs the "Certification of Minor Driving Experience" form. It confirms the teen completed 50 hours, including at least 10 at night.

Bring with you
  • Completed Certification of Minor Driving Experience form.
  • Practice Driving Log with all hours documented.

Next → Download the form at flhsmv.gov and fill it out completely before test day.

6

Prepare your vehicle

Both

The examiner inspects the car before the test. If it fails inspection, the test is canceled — so check ahead.

Bring with you
  • Valid vehicle registration.
  • Current proof of insurance.

Watch out: Test the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, horn, seat belts, and wipers first. A single failed item cancels the test.

7

Pass the driving skills test

Teen

Schedule the road test at a Florida driver license office. Practice mirrors, signals, and the moves listed below. Arrive 15 minutes early.

Remember: the driving skills test is given in English only (effective Feb 6, 2026). No interpreters or translators.

Bring with you
  • Identity, SSN, and Florida-address documents (if not already on file).
  • Signed Certification of Minor Driving Experience form.

Next → Arrive 15 minutes early. Practice parallel parking, lane changes, and three-point turns beforehand.

Congratulations!

Your teen now holds a full Florida driver license. One more thing to know before those late-night drives ↓

After you pass: nighttime driving limits still apply

Florida law (F.S. 322.16) keeps nighttime limits until age 18.

Age 16No driving 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Age 17No driving 1:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Exception: driving directly to or from work Exception: a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat

Who does what — parent vs. teen

  1. Your teen Complete the 6-hour DETS course Required for every first-time applicant under 18, and it comes before the knowledge exam. 6 hours
  2. Your teen Pass the Class E knowledge exam Online with a parent proctoring, or in person at a driver license office. English only. 50 questions
  3. Parent or guardian Sign Form 71144 after an online exam The Parent/Guardian Online Test Proctoring Form is a sworn statement that you were there. Sign it after the exam, before a notary or a driver license examiner. Without it the online result does not count. After the exam
  4. Parent or guardian Gather the documents and go in Proof of identity, Social Security number, and two different proofs of Florida address — then sign the Parental Consent Form at the counter. Permit day
  5. Your teen Drive the 50 supervised hours At least 10 after dark, over a twelve-month hold, always with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. 12 months
  6. Parent or guardian Sign the certification and bring the car An adult 21 or older signs the Certification of Minor Driving Experience, and the test vehicle needs valid registration and insurance. Before the test
  7. Your teen Pass the driving skills test At a Florida driver license office, in English, for the Class E license. Road test
Who does what on the way to a Florida teen license. The teen takes the DETS course, the knowledge exam, the practice hours and the road test. The parent or guardian proctors the online exam, brings the documents, signs the consent and certification forms, and provides the vehicle. F.S. 322.16 verified

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Bringing only one proof of Florida address — you need two different documents.
  • Forgetting Form 71144 when the teen wants to test online.
  • Letting a step-parent sign the consent form without a legal adoption.
  • Arriving without a notarized consent form when the parent can't attend.
  • Not logging night hours separately (you need 10).
  • Showing up for the road test with expired registration or no insurance.
  • Testing before the full 12-month permit hold is complete.
  • Driving past your permit hours or a teen's post-license curfew.

Quick knowledge check

Test yourself before you head to the office. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

How many proofs of your Florida home address do you need?
Two — two different documents, and a driver license or ID doesn't count.
A licensed 16-year-old wants to drive at midnight. Allowed?
No. A licensed 16-year-old can't drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless going to/from work or riding with a licensed driver 21+.
What must a parent complete for the online knowledge exam?
FLHSMV Form 71144, the Parent/Guardian Online Test Proctoring Form, signed before a notary or a driver license examiner after the exam is complete. See the form field by field.

Florida teen driver license FAQ

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Florida?
You can get a Florida learner's license at 15. Teens may begin the DETS course a little earlier, but the permit can't be issued until age 15.
Do you need driver's ed to get a Florida permit?
Yes. Since Aug 1, 2025, all first-time applicants under 18 must complete the 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course. It comes before the Class E knowledge exam. It replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE for under-18 applicants; adults 18+ still take TLSAE.
Can a Florida teen take the Class E knowledge exam online?
Yes. An under-18 teen can take it online with a parent/guardian proctoring, or in person at a driver license office. After an online exam, the parent/guardian completes FLHSMV Form 71144, signed before a notary or a driver license examiner.
How many proofs of address does Florida require?
Two different documents proving your Florida residential address. For example: a utility bill dated within ~60 days, a lease/mortgage statement, or a bank/credit-card statement. A driver license or ID does not count.
What language are Florida driver license exams given in?
As of , FLHSMV gives all knowledge and driving-skills exams in English only. Interpreters, translators, and printed non-English exams are no longer allowed (ASL only to communicate in English).
How long must my teen hold the learner's permit?
A full 12 months, or until they turn 18 — whichever comes first.
What are the nighttime driving rules for 16- and 17-year-olds?
A licensed 16-year-old may not drive 11 p.m.–6 a.m.; a licensed 17-year-old may not drive 1 a.m.–5 a.m. Both may drive during those hours to or from work, or with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat.
Does Florida limit how many passengers a teen can carry?
No. Florida's Graduated Driver License program has no passenger-number limit. The teen restrictions are on nighttime driving hours, not passenger counts.

Official Florida resources (flhsmv.gov)

Accepted document listEvery ID accepted for the permit & license. Florida Driver HandbookFree study guide for the knowledge exam. Practice driving log & formsOfficial form to track & certify your 50 hours. Find a driver license officeLocations, hours & real-time wait times.

Ready to start? Take the required DETS course

Step 1 for every Florida teen under 18. State-approved, 100% online, certificate filed with FLHSMV for you.

Start the DETS course — $29.95 Add the Class E exam bundle $65.95

Over 18? You take the 4-hour TLSAE course instead.

This guide is for information only. Rules can change — always confirm the latest requirements at flhsmv.gov before visiting a driver license office. Highway Traffic School is a Florida state-approved provider of the DETS course and the Class E knowledge exam.