Florida Driver’s Ed
for Teens and Adults

Who needs to take the Florida Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course?

All first-time drivers in Florida under 18 years old must complete the 6-hour DETS course before they can apply for a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

• Teens can begin the DETS course at 14 years old but must be at least 15 to apply for a learner’s permit.
• You must be 16 or older to qualify for a driver’s license.
• The learner’s permit exam can only be taken online by teens under 18. Adults 18 and older must complete the separate 4-hour TLSAE course and take their permit exam in person at a DMV office.

At what age can you take the DETS course in Florida? 

You may enroll in DETS at 14 years old, but you must be 15 to apply for a learner’s permit.

Is DETS required for a learner’s permit or a driver’s license?

Yes. Florida law requires DETS for all first-time drivers under 18 before they can apply for a learner’s permit or full license.

Do teens under 18 still need to take the TLSAE course?

No. Starting August 1st, 2025, DETS replaces TLSAE for teens. TLSAE is now only required for adults 18 and older.

What is the difference between DETS and TLSAE in Florida?

• DETS (6 hours – teens ages 14–17): Required from August 1, 2025, DETS is a comprehensive driver education course that focuses on defensive driving, safe decision-making, and real-world driving challenges. It includes immersive scenario-based training and is built around theSPIDER Method — Scan, Predict, Identify, Decide, Execute, Reflect—to instill safe-driving reflexes.
• TLSAE (4 hours – adults 18+): Still required for first-time adult drivers, TLSAE also integrates the SPIDER Method to help students build safer driving habits. It focuses more on traffic laws and substance use education than the deeper decision-making frameworks featured in DETS.

Is this course online?

Yes. The DETS course is fully online, mobile-friendly, and accessible on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

What technology is required?

Any device with internet access works. The course is delivered through the DriverZ LMS, which supports interactivity, videos, quizzes, and games.

How does DETS verify student identity?

We use randomized security questions and advanced LMS tools to confirm that the student who registers is the one completing the course.

How interactive is the course?

Very. DETS includes video, animations, branching scenarios, SPIDER Assessments to provide you with individualized feedback based on your needs, quizzes, leaderboards, and badges to keep students engaged.

What kind of exam is at the end of DETS?

At the end of the course, students complete a 40-question multiple-choice final quiz.To pass, you’ll need to answer at least 32 correctly (80%). The test is designed to review what you’ve already learned, so most students find it simple and straightforward.

What happens if I fail the final quiz?

Don’t worry — it’s a simple multiple-choice quiz, and almost everyone passes right away. In fact, 99.9% of students pass on the first try and 100% by the second. Plus, we give you plenty of practice questions throughout the course so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Are there quizzes during the course?

Yes. Each mission includes short quizzes and SPIDER-based assessments. Incorrect answers are explained to reinforce learning.

What topics does DETS cover?

The Florida DETS course features 15 interactive missions, led by the SPIDER Academy team, covering all essentials for safe driving, defensive strategies, and real-world scenarios. Students build practical skills using the SPIDER Method—giving them superhero-like reflexes and mindset for every road challenge.

What is the S.P.I.D.E.R. Method™?

The SPIDER Method is a proven defensive driving system that teaches you to:
Scan, Predict, Identify, Decide, Execute, and Review. Think of it like having superhero reflexes behind the wheel — you’ll learn to spot hazards early, make smarter choices, and drive with total confidence.

Does DETS include drug and alcohol education?

Yes. One mission focuses entirely on how alcohol, cannabis, and medications impair driving, and explains Florida’s Zero Tolerance DUI laws for teens.

However, this should not be confused for Alcohol Education (aka TLSAE that is required to be taken by anyone who is over 18.

How long is the course?

The DETS course is 360 minutes, divided into 15 short missions you can complete at your own pace on any device. We also offer bundle options that combine DETS with the online permit test and free practice exams, so you can take care of everything in one place.

What happens after I finish the Florida DETS course?

Once you complete the DETS course and pass the final exam, you’ll receive a certificate of completion that we report directly to the Florida DMV, allowing you to move forward with your learner’s permit exam online with us or in person at the DMV.

• If you take the quiz with us, the fee is $??
• If you go directly to the DMV, the fee is $48 (Florida state permit fee).

Either way, your DETS completion is automatically reported to the Florida DMV, so you’re ready to move forward with your permit.

What are the driving practice requirements after DETS?

Teens must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) and hold a learner’s permit for 12 months before applying for a full license.

Do parents have responsibilities during GDL?

Yes. Parents must provide consent, supervise driving practice, and may be held liable for their teen’s driving behavior during the permit phase. However, you can take all or part of the required hours with a licensed driving school. See our list of the Best Driving Schools in Florida.

What’s the difference between taking driver education online with DriverZ, at school, or through a private program?

DriverZ is faster! With DriverZ, you can complete the required course in just 360 minutes online and be ready to get your learner’s permit. If you take driver’s education at your high school or through a private driving program, the same material is stretched over an entire semester.