In Florida, drivers who are 18 or older and have never held a driver's license in any state or country are required to take a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before earning their first Florida driver's license. This program is also referred to as the Drug, Alcohol & Traffic Awareness (DATA) course or Drug, Alcohol & Traffic Education (DATE).
The reason for this course is simple — new drivers need to be aware of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind. It also introduces the basic traffic laws, responsibilities and consequences every Florida driver needs to know before getting behind the wheel.
Course Topics
So, what else will you learn about? Here are some example topics in the drug and alcohol class:
Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
- Alcohol Absorption and Blood Alcohol Concentration
- Marijuana
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Narcotics
- Pain Relievers
- Antihistamines
- Impaired Judgment, Muscle Coordination and Vision
- Slowed Reaction Time and Drowsiness
- Long-Term Effects on the Body
- Physical Deterioration
Drug Abuse, Driving Impairment and Risk
- Reduces Your Ability to Safely Operate a Motor Vehicle
- Effects on Motor Skills and Vision
- How Impaired Driver Actions Affect Others
- Risk to Sober Drivers from Drunk Drivers
- Common Misconceptions
Consequences and Economic Costs
- Alcohol-Related Crashes and Costs to Society
- Personal Costs, Family Impact, Emotional and Physical Damage
- Cost of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Vehicle Operation
Prevention and Responsibility
- Preventing Drinking and Driving
- Warning Labels and Resources
- Dealing with Stress and Fatigue
- Maintaining an Appropriate Attitude
- Consequences of Distracted Driving
Florida Traffic Laws and Licensing
- Major Traffic Laws of Florida
- Graduated Licensing and Insurance Requirements
- Drivers 15 to 17 Years Old
- School Attendance Requirement
- Required Identification and Insurance
- Minimum Insurance Coverage
- Alcohol-Related Driving Laws
- Safety Equipment and Basic Driving Laws
Florida TLSAE Learning Tips
Take the substance abuse education course seriously
This Florida TLSAE course is required for a reason: It covers important information that can save lives. Raising your awareness of the ways that drinking and substance abuse can affect your driving can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Don't rush!
This course includes four hours of material and utilizes lesson timers to make sure you spend an adequate amount of time studying each subject. Taking your time will help you retain important traffic laws and safety rules you'll need when you're behind the wheel.
Take notes
Jotting down key points — like DUI consequences, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and common traffic violations — can make studying for the test much easier.
Find a quiet place to study
Minimize distractions so you can focus. This will help you better absorb the material and prepare for the exam.
Manage your time well
Don't wait until the last minute. Complete the course early in your licensing process so there's plenty of time to study for the Florida Class E Knowledge exam and schedule your Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) appointment.
Stay updated on major traffic laws
Rules can change, so it's a good idea to frequently check the Florida FLHSMV website or app for any updates or changes to traffic laws after your course is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to take the TLSAE course?
The TLSAE course is required for drivers 18 or older who have never held a driver's license in any state or country. It is also required for certain drivers under 21 seeking a hardship license after an alcohol-related suspension.
Without it, you won't be eligible to get your Florida learner's license or driver's license, so make sure you complete it before your FLHSMV visit.
Do I need the TLSAE course before getting a Florida learner's permit or taking the driving test?
If you're 18 or older and are required to take the TLSAE course, you can take the Class E Knowledge Exam before or after the course. However, the course must be completed before the FLHSMV will issue your license.
Drivers under 18 must complete the 6-hour DETS course, not TLSAE, before applying for a learner's license.
Are individuals under 18 years old required to complete the TLSAE course?
No. As of August 1, 2025, first-time drivers under 18 must complete a 6-hour DETS course before they can apply for a learner's license or Florida driver's license.
Some teens who completed TLSAE before that date may be grandfathered under FLHSMV rules.
Can Florida courts require licensed drivers to complete the TLSAE course?
Yes. Even licensed drivers may be ordered by Florida courts to take the TLSAE course after committing certain drug — or alcohol — related offenses. The program reinforces law and substance abuse education for high-risk drivers.
Can a certified course help me reinstate my driver's license under hardship?
Yes. If you're under 21 and have received a suspension notice for driving with a blood alcohol level of .02 to .05, you must complete a state-approved course through a certified provider to reinstate your Florida driver's license on a hardship basis.
Is this course state-approved?
Yes, the TLSAE course is approved by the FLHSMV. First-Time Driver is an FLHSMV-approved provider, making it easy to meet all the requirements in one course.
How is the TLSAE substance abuse education course structured?
The Florida TLSAE course includes seven timed modules covering alcohol, drugs, major Florida traffic laws and safe-driving practices. After the modules, students must pass a 40-question final exam to earn their certificate.
How long does the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course take?
The TLSAE course is four hours long. However, most online versions, including ours, let you work at your own pace. You can stop, take breaks and resume where you left off.
Is this course 100% online?
Yes, our course is 100% online. You can complete the course from anywhere with internet access.
Will I get a certificate after course completion?
Yes, you will receive a downloadable certificate once you pass the final exam for the drug and alcohol course.
What happens after I finish the online course?
After completing the TLSAE course, your completion will be reported to the FLHSMV.
Next, you can take the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam and continue the process of getting your Florida license. After finishing the online course, you must go to your local Florida DMV office to take the knowledge exam and behind-the-wheel test. Remember to bring proof of identity and pay the state fee at the DMV after passing.
Is this course the same as a traffic school course?
No. The TLSAE course is primarily for first-time license applicants and for some drivers (especially under 21) who must complete TLSAE to qualify for a hardship license or meet a court order.
"Traffic school" usually refers to Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Driver Improvement courses used to remove points or satisfy other court requirements.
How hard is the Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education course?
The TLSAE course is designed to be user-friendly, combining easy-to-learn text lessons with engaging videos. Students can take breaks during the TLSAE course and resume where they left off, enhancing the learning experience and making it accessible for everyone.
Does the Florida drug and alcohol class cover gateway drugs and impairment risks?
Yes. The course discusses marijuana, stimulants and other substances sometimes labeled as gateway drugs, explaining how they impair judgment, reaction time, motor skills and safe vehicle operation.