Drivers Ed in Florida

To complete Driver's Ed in Florida, you'll need to:
  • Sign up with your high school or find an online course.
  • Complete your required classroom and driving hours.

More details are below—keep reading!

If you have never held a regular driver's license in any state, country, or jurisdiction, you must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course prior to applying for a learner's permit in Florida.

Most states refer to this course as Driver's Ed, but in Florida it is also known as TLSAE, the Drug & Alcohol course, or the First Time Driver D.A.T.A. course.

You will also need to complete a TLSAE course if you are under 21 years old and have had your driver's license suspended for driving under the influence (DUI).

About Your Florida Driver's Ed Course

A Florida driver's education course is vital for any driver that wants to be smarter, safer, and more responsible. Driver's Ed teaches the importance of road awareness and traffic safety for first-time drivers, and it can also be an excellent refresher for those who are more seasoned drivers.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires all new drivers to complete Driver's Ed before being eligible for a FL learner's permit. Some insurance companies even offer discounts if you have completed an approved Driver's Ed course.

Here's what to expect from your Florida Drivers Education course:

  • You'll learn all the basics of being a safe and responsible driver.
  • You'll be able to identify Florida state-specific road signs and know what they mean.
  • You'll understand the physiological and psychological consequences of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

If you're under 18 years old and you successfully complete your course online, you can take the DHSMV written exam online as well. Otherwise, you will need to take your written exam in person in order to receive your Florida learner's permit.

Once you successfully pass the written test, your results will be submitted automatically to the FLHSMV.

FL Driver's Ed Eligibility Requirements

If you're a first-time driver, you must successfully complete a TLSAE course before you can apply for your Florida learner's permit.

In order to apply for your learner's permit, you need to be at least 15 years old. Please contact your driver's education provider for details on how old you need to be to enroll in their course.

Your high school may provide a state-approved Driver's Ed course, which typically includes the TLSAE curriculum.

New to Florida?

If you have taken Driver's Ed in another state other than Florida, the FLHSMV will honor it as long as it meets state requirements. For more information, contact your local Division of Driver Licenses.

Types of Driver's Ed Courses in Florida

Florida Driver's Ed can be taken:

A list of TLSAE providers can be found on the FLHSMV website.

After Driver's Ed – What's Next?

Once you complete your Florida TLSAE Driver's Ed course, your course provider will automatically notify the DHSMV on your behalf electronically.

The next step in the Florida graduated driver's license program is to get your learner's permit. For more information, refer to our Driver's Permits in Florida page.

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