DRIVER'S EDUCATION

FLORIDA DRIVER'S ED: What parents & students need to know

Helping your teen earn a learner’s permit in Florida has changed. Families who plan ahead can save time, avoid frustration, and choose the option that best fits their student’s schedule, learning style, and confidence level.

As of August 1, 2025, students under age 18 who wish to obtain a Florida learner’s permit must complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying. This new requirement replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE course for most minors.

The program covers essential topics like defensive driving, traffic laws, highway safety and the effects of drugs and alcohol. Lessons combine video instruction with animations and interactive activities.

Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) courses offered by some county school boards may substitute for this requirement. (FLHSMV)

OPTION #1
FLVS (Florida virtual School)

Florida Virtual School offers an approved driver education option for public school students. Students can complete coursework online at their own pace, making it ideal for busy academic and extracurricular schedules. FLVS notes that beginning August 1, 2025, teens under 18 must complete a state-approved course to obtain a learner’s license.

Important: Because this is a regular-level course, when added to your transcript, it will lower your weighted GPA and affect your class rank. For students in competitive academic environments, this is something to carefully consider.

FLVS Flex

OPTION #2
private company

Private companies often provide DETS coursework, permit prep, behind-the-wheel lessons, road test preparation, and flexible scheduling. This is often the best fit for students who benefit from direct instruction or need confidence-building practice.

For most of my students, this is the more beneficial option academically.

PROS

No cost to you
Easy course to earn an A
Earn 0.5 high school credit

CONS

Regular level course
May impact your weighted GPA and class rank

PROS

No impact on grades, GPA or class rank
Fast & straightforward

CONS

Cost: Betwen $15-$30 $

If your goal is simply to obtain your learner’s permit without affecting GPA or class rank, I typically recommend using a private provider rather than FLVS.

FLVS is not “wrong” — it’s just often unnecessary unless a student specifically wants the elective credit.

If you’re unsure which option makes the most sense for your student’s academic profile, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you think it through strategically — because even small decisions can have long-term academic impact.

FLORIDA DRIVER'S ED: FAQs

WHO NEEDS TO TAKE THIS PROGRAM?

DETS is required for teens ages 14 1/2 to 17. You can begin the lessons as early as age 14 1/2, but you need to be at least 15 to earn your permit. To take the online permit exam, you must be under 18 years old.

DO STUDENTS ALSO NEED TO TAKE A DRUG & ALCOHOL COURSE?

No. The DETS course replaced the former Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) training that used to be required to earn a permit. The risks of drugs and alcohol are covered in the new driver education course.

HOW LONG DOES THE COURSE TAKE TO FULLY COMPLETE?

There are 6 hours of instruction. Usually, your completion is saved automatically as you progress through the modules. This enables you to log out without losing your progress, allowing you the freedom to start and stop at any time.

HOW MANY QUIZZES ARE THERE?

There are a total of five quizzes. You need to score at least a 70% to pass every quiz, but you have unlimited attempts to pass.

IS THERE A FINAL EXAM?

Yes, there is a final exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80% to pass and earn your completion certificate.

WHAT IF YOU FAIL THE EXAM?

You have three attempts to pass. If you fail all three attempts, you will need to retake the program.

HOW DO YOU RECEIVE THE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE?

You should be able to instantly download the completion certificate after successfully passing the final exam.

IS SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM COMPLETION AUTOMATICALLY REPORTED TO THE STATE?

Yes, the company you contract with should take care of this. Please refer to their respective websites for their practices and policies.

Questions come up—and that’s completely normal.
Whether you’re a current client or exploring college advising support, feel free to contact us or complete the New Client Interest Form

Updated: 4/29/2026

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