Becoming a licensed driver in the Sunshine State is an exciting endeavor, with the first milestone often being the completion of driver’s education. In Florida, the journey begins with a commitment of time to learning the ropes.
The word driver’s ed or driver’s education in Florida are broad terms that can refer to any number of the requirements to get your learner’s permit or first driver’s license. It could refer to the lengthy course that you might take in high school or at a commercial school to learn the road signs and road rules and how to operate a motor vehicle safely, but for many prospective Florida drivers, it refers to a 4 hour Florida Drug and Alcohol course also known as a Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course or a Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Completing one of these two courses is required, depending on your age, is a pivotal investment in your safety and that of others on the road.
What Is Florida Driver’s Ed?
A Florida driver’s ed course, typically refers to the course(s) that a new driver must complete prior to obtaining a learner’s permit or driver’s license. In Florida, there are two courses that could be required. Determining which one depends on your age.
Age 14.5 to 17 – This age group is required to complete a 6-hour Driver Education and Traffic Safety (DETS) course.
Age 18 and older – This age category is required to complete a 4-hour Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. This is a comprehensive educational program designed to introduce new drivers to the fundamentals of safe driving, but it’s core curriculum is focused on an overview of Florida’s driving laws, safe driving techniques, and, crucially, the dangers of using drugs or alcohol while driving.
Prior to August of 2025, the TLSAE course was required in Florida for anyone going through the process to obtain their first driver’s license. Now the State of Florida introduced a new course that drivers under the age of 18 must complete, called DETS. The DETS course is a bit longer than TLSAE and endeavors to prepare learners for the responsibilities of driving. It covers a wide range of topics, from safe driving strategies to the implications of substance abuse on driving abilities. The course’s ultimate goal is to cultivate informed, responsible, and safe drivers.
Who Needs to Take Florida Driver’s Ed?
Every first time driver is required to complete some form of Florida Driver education prior to obtaining a learner’s permit or drivers license. The specifics vary by age and preferred method of learning.
- Individuals Seeking a Learner’s License
Those under 18 must first get a learner’s permit prior to obtaining a driver license. If under 18, you are required to complete the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Those 18 and over seeking a learner’s permit must complete the 4-hour Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. - Applicants for a Driver’s License
Those under 18 per state law, must hold a learner’s permit for a year and meet other requirements behind the wheel during that period prior to getting a driver’s license. Since the DETS course is required to get a permit for those under 18, there is no additional courses required to get a drivers license. If you are age 18 or older and did not take the TLSAE course previously to get a learner’s permit, then you are required to complete TLSAE prior to obtaining a license. - Under 21 and Applying for a Hardship License
Young drivers under the age of 21, who are applying for a hardship license due to specific circumstances necessitating early driving privileges, are also required to complete the DETS or TLSAE course depending on age. - Individuals Court-Ordered to Take the Course
In some cases, individuals may be mandated by a court to complete the TLSAE. This can be part of a sentencing requirement related to traffic violations or other offenses.
Choose Safety and Convenience with Ticket School
Embarking on your driving journey in Florida with a strong foundation in safety and legal awareness is paramount.
Ticket School’s isn’t just for those with tickets. We offer a highly rated, state approved Florida driver education courses such as the Florida DETS and Florida TLSAE course, which is your gateway to not only meeting the state’s requirements but doing so with the ease and convenience that comes from our 35 years of experience in offering online courses.
Our expertise makes the process of completing your Florida driver’s ed quick, easy, and thoroughly informative. Choose Ticket School for a seamless, educational experience that sets you up for a lifetime of safe driving.