Who Is Eligible to Take the Florida Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course
The Florida Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course is required for first-time drivers under 18 who are applying for a Florida learner's license. The requirement took effect August 1, 2025 under F.S. 322.1615.
Age Requirements
You must be at least 14½ years old to enroll in the DETS Course. You must be at least 15 to be eligible to apply for a Florida learner's license after completing the course.
Who Must Take the Course
You must complete the DETS Course if you are under 18 and applying for your first Florida driver's license from any state, country, or jurisdiction. This is a mandatory requirement — you cannot apply for a Florida learner's license without completing a FLHSMV-approved DETS Course first.
Who Is Exempt
You do not need to complete the DETS Course if you fall into one of the following categories:
You already hold a valid out-of-state driver's license and are transferring it to Florida
You obtained a Florida learner's license before August 1, 2025
You completed a TLSAE course before August 1, 2025 — your certificate remains valid for one year from the date of completion
You are enrolled in an FDOE Traffic Safety Classroom course (1900300 or 1900310) at your school
You are enrolled in a Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) course through your county school board
Drivers 18 and Older
If you are 18 or older, the DETS Course does not apply to you. First-time drivers 18 and older are required to complete the TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course instead.
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Minimum age to enroll | 14½ |
Minimum age to apply for learner's license | 15 |
Required for | First-time FL drivers under 18 |
Exempt: out-of-state license transfer | Yes |
Exempt: FL learner's license before Aug 1 2025 | Yes |
Exempt: TLSAE completed before Aug 1 2025 | Yes — valid for 1 year from completion |
Exempt: FDOE classroom course enrolled | Yes |
18 and older | Take TLSAE instead |
Governing statute | F.S. 322.1615 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DETS Course required for all Florida drivers under 18? Yes, for first-time drivers. If you are under 18 and have never held a driver's license anywhere, you must complete the DETS Course before applying for a Florida learner's license.
What if I already have a driver's license from another state? If you hold a valid out-of-state license and are transferring to Florida, you are exempt from the DETS requirement.
What if I completed TLSAE before August 1, 2025? Your TLSAE certificate is valid for one year from your completion date and can still be used to apply for a learner's license within that window. After one year, it expires and you would need to complete the DETS Course.
Does my school's driver's ed class count instead of the DETS Course? It may. FDOE Traffic Safety Classroom courses (1900300 or 1900310) and DELAP programs substitute for the DETS requirement. Contact your school for details.
I am 18 — do I need to take the DETS Course? No. First-time drivers 18 and older take the TLSAE course, not the DETS Course.