FAQs
Is driver education required to meet Florida learner's permit requirements?
As of August 1, 2025, all Florida teens ages 14 1/2 to 17 are required to complete the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course to qualify for a learner's permit. We offer the DETS course online to help you meet this requirement quickly and conveniently.
For first-time drivers 18 and older, the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course is mandatory (with a few exceptions). Our TLSAE course is fully authorized by the State of Florida.
Can I take the permit test on its own?
Yes. You can complete the permit test by itself at age 15 to meet your FLHSMV learner's permit exam requirement. You do not need to purchase our bundle that includes the driver education course. Visit the permit exam page to register now.
What score do I need to get to pass the permit exam?
To meet state requirements to get your permit, you must score 80% or higher on the permit exam. The exam has 50 questions, so you must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. As soon as you answer 40 questions correctly, the exam will automatically end and you will pass the test. Likewise, the exam will automatically end if you answer 11 questions incorrectly.
How long is the permit exam?
You have up to 1 hour to complete the permit exam, but you may finish sooner. If you achieve a passing or failing score before the time limit expires, the exam will automatically end.
How many chances do I have to pass the permit exam?
After you register for the exam, you have one attempt to pass. If you fail the exam because of your score, an incorrect response to a security question or a course timeout, you will need to pay the fee to register again.
Florida allows you to attempt the online exam up to three times. If you do not pass the online exam after three attempts, you will be required to take the exam in person.
How do security questions work during the permit exam?
Throughout the exam, you are required to answer security questions to prove your identity. Before the test begins, you must answer 10 questions about yourself. You will be prompted to answer these same questions at random points in the exam, and you have 60 seconds to respond correctly. If you answer more than three security questions incorrectly, your exam will be terminated and you will have to re-register.
What happens after I complete the permit exam?
We will automatically report your information to the FLHSMV.
What is the drug and alcohol course?
The official name for the drug and alcohol course is Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE). It's also commonly referred to as the DATA course. This 4-hour course is required for Florida license applicants ages 18 and older who have never held a license. It is also required for certain court-ordered cases involving drug- or alcohol-related offenses.
Teens ages 15 to 17 formerly needed to complete the TLSAE course to earn a permit. As of August 1, 2025, these teens need to complete the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead.
Is there an age requirement for the online permit exam?
Yes. You must be at least 15 years old and under 18 to take the online permit exam. Students 18 and up are required to take the permit exam in person at a FLHSMV location.
Is proof of identity required to take the TLSAE course or permit exam?
Yes. Before you begin the permit exam or TLSAE course, you will need to provide a Social Security number or Alien Registration Number (USCIS Number).
Where can I find my Alien Registration Number?
If you do not have a Social Security number, you must provide an Alien Registration Number in order to take the TLSAE course or permit exam. This seven- to nine-digit number can be found on your green card, immigrant visa or various other immigration documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Other names for Alien Registration Number include:
- USCIS Number
- A-Number
- Alien Number
How do I complete my written exam?
We offer the Florida permit written exam online. You also have the option of completing the permit and license exam prep, which will help you pass the exam and prepare for your license.
Who needs to take the TLSAE course?
Before applying for a Florida license, applicants 18 and up who never held a driver's license must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. You are exempt from this program if you completed a state-approved driver ed program or previously held a license in another country or state.
Drivers may also receive a court order to complete TLSAE after receiving a drug- or alcohol-related driving offense.
How long is the TLSAE course?
The TLSAE course is a total of 4 hours.
What is the permit prep?
Online permit and license prep is a resource of materials that will help you get your first driver license. You can use the prep to prepare for your Florida online or written permit exam.
What documents do I need to take to the FLHSMV?
- If you are under the age of 18, you need a parental consent form. It must be signed in the presence of a driver license examiner or notary. You can access the form on the FLHSMV website.
- Proof of identity, Social Security number and residential address. Learn more about the required documents on the FLHSMV website.
Do I need anything else to get my permit?
Yes. After completing the required DETS course and passing the permit exam, you'll need to schedule an appointment with the FLHSMV to take a vision and hearing test, provide the necessary documents and pay the permit fee.
How do I get a list of the Florida FLHSMV locations?
Visit this link to find a local FLHSMV office: https://www.safemotorist.com/florida/dmv-locations/
How do I get access to the Florida Driver License Handbook?
You can find a free digital copy of the Official Florida Driver License Handbook on the FLHSMV website.