Florida Learner's Permit Requirements for Teens (2026)

Q: 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 cannot be issued until age 15.

Q: Do you need driver's ed to get a Florida permit?

Yes. Since August 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 and older still take TLSAE.

Q: Can a Florida teen take the Class E knowledge exam online?

Yes. An under-18 teen can take it online with a parent or guardian proctoring, or in person at a driver license office. After an online exam, the parent or guardian completes FLHSMV Form 71144, the Parent/Guardian Online Test Proctoring Form, signed before a notary public or a driver license examiner.

Q: How many proofs of address does Florida require?

Two different documents proving your Florida residential address. For example: a utility bill dated within about 60 days, a lease or mortgage statement, or a bank or credit-card statement. A driver license or ID card does not count as address proof.

Q: What language are Florida driver license exams given in?

As of February 6, 2026, FLHSMV gives all knowledge and driving-skills exams in English only. Interpreters, translators, and printed non-English exams are no longer allowed. American Sign Language is allowed only to communicate in English.

Q: How long must my teen hold the learner's permit?

A full 12 months, or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.

Q: What are the nighttime driving rules for 16- and 17-year-olds?

A licensed 16-year-old may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., and a licensed 17-year-old may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Both may drive during those hours if going directly to or from work, or if a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat.

Q: 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.

Florida Teen Driver · Quick Reference

Teen Driver's License — At a Glance

6 hrsDriver Ed (DETS)

12 moPermit hold (or 18)

50 hrsPractice (10 night)

Learner's PermitBefore you drive

Complete the 6-hr DETS course.
Pass the Class E knowledge exam.
Form 71144 needed to test online.
Gather ID + two address proofs.
Visit a driver license office + vision/hearing test.
Parent signs the consent form.

Step-parents can't sign unless they legally adopted the teen.

Practice Driving12 months minimum

Hold the permit 12 months (or turn 18).
50 hours total, at least 10 at night.
Permit driving: daytime only 3 months, then to 10 p.m.
Supervisor must be 21+, front seat.
Log every hour on the official form.

No moving-violation convictions during this period.

Full LicenseMust be 16+

Confirm all eligibility requirements.
Get the Certification of Minor Driving Experience signed.
Bring vehicle with registration + insurance.
Pass the vehicle safety check.
Pass the Class E driving skills test (English only).

Done! You have your full Florida (Class E) driver license.

Documents required — bring to every driver-license-office visit

Proof of identityU.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.

Proof of Social Security #Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 tax form.

Two proofs of FL addressTwo different docs (utility bill, lease/mortgage, bank statement). DL/ID doesn't count.

Full list at flhsmv.gov/WhatToBring.

Age requirements & night limits

15+ Can apply for the learner's permit.
16+ Eligible for the full-license test.
18+ 12-month wait & night limits end.

Post-license curfew: 16 → no 11 p.m.–6 a.m. · 17 → no 1 a.m.–5 a.m. (work or 21+ passenger excepted).

Common mistakes to avoid

Bringing only one proof of Florida address.
Forgetting Form 71144 for the online exam.
Step-parent signing consent without adoption.
Not logging nighttime hours separately.
Expired registration or no insurance at the test.
Testing before the full 12-month hold.

For informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify at flhsmv.gov before visiting a driver license office. Last updated September 2026.