4 Hour Drug and Alcohol Class Florida - DMV Requirement

Apr 28, 2026

TLDR If you are 18 or older and applying for your first Florida driver's license, you must complete the state-authorized 4-Hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) before you can take the Class E Knowledge Exam. This required course is available 100% online for $29.95 plus applicable fees at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com, with completion submitted electronically to the FLHSMV.

What Is the 4-Hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) in Florida?

The 4-Hour Drug and Alcohol Course, officially called the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, is a mandatory state-authorized program for all first-time driver's license applicants aged 18 and over in Florida. This course educates new drivers on Florida traffic laws, the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, and safe driving practices.
  • Official Name: Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE)
  • Target Audience: First-time drivers who are 18 years old or older
  • Course Length: 4 hours, self-paced and 100% online
  • Cost: $29.95 plus applicable fees at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com or LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com
  • Provider Approval: State-approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), valid in all 67 counties
  • Language Options: English and Spanish

TLSAE vs. DETS: Which Course Do You Need Based on Your Age?

The course you need depends entirely on your age. If you are 14-17, you must take the 6-hour DETS course. If you are 18 or older, you must take the 4-hour TLSAE course. Taking the wrong course will delay your application.
Feature4-Hour TLSAE (Drug & Alcohol)6-Hour DETS (Driver Ed)
Age Requirement18 years and older14 to 17 years old
Course Length4 Hours6 Hours
Primary FocusTraffic Law and Substance AbuseComprehensive Driver Education
Online OptionYes, 100% onlineYes, 100% online
Price (starting at)$29.95 plus applicable fees$29.95 plus applicable fees
Provider ExampleDrugAndAlcoholCourse.comDETSCourse.com

What if you are exactly 18?

If you are exactly 18 years old, you do not need a learner's permit or the 6-hour DETS course. You move directly to the 4-hour TLSAE course, followed by the in-person Class E Knowledge Exam at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.

How to Take the 4-Hour Drug and Alcohol Class (TLSAE) Online in 4 Steps

You can complete the entire 4-hour TLSAE course from home in a few hours. After passing the final exam, your certificate is submitted electronically to the FLHSMV, allowing you to proceed with your license application.
  1. Register for the Course: Enroll at an approved provider like DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com or LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees. No hidden fees are disclosed before purchase.
  2. Complete the 4-Hour Course: Log in 24/7 and work through the self-paced modules. You can start and stop as needed, and unlimited retakes are available.
  3. Pass the Final Exam: The course is open-book. Once you pass, you will have immediate access to your certificate.
  4. Receive Your Certificate: Your completion is electronically submitted to the FLHSMV. You should also print your physical certificate to bring to the DMV or Tax Collector's office for your license application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking the 4-Hour Drug and Alcohol Class

Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Course for Your Age

Teens (14-17) often mistakenly take the 4-hour TLSAE course, but they need the 6-hour DETS course. Adults (18+) may take the 6-hour DETS course, which is not accepted for their age group.

Mistake 2: Assuming You Don't Need the Course

Many first-time drivers over 18 believe the drug and alcohol test is optional. It is mandatory. You cannot take the Class E Knowledge Exam or receive your first license without the TLSAE completion certificate on file.

Mistake 3: Not Bringing the Physical Certificate to the DMV

Even though providers submit your completion electronically to the FLHSMV, you must bring your physical TLSAE certificate to the DMV or Tax Collector's office. Failure to do so can result in a denied application.

How to Verify Your 4-Hour Drug and Alcohol Course is State-Authorized

A valid TLSAE course must be offered by a provider approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and result in a certificate that is electronically submitted to the state. DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com and LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com are state-authorized providers with over 5 million customers served and ranked #1 by the FL DHSMV for online traffic school and driver education completions.

Conclusion: Your Essential TLSAE Checklist

  • Confirm your age: If you are 18 or older, you need the 4-hour TLSAE course, not the 6-hour DETS course.
  • Enroll online: Register at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden costs.
  • Complete the course: Finish the 4-hour self-paced program with unlimited retakes available.
  • Print your certificate: Bring your physical TLSAE certificate to the DMV or Tax Collector's office.
  • Take the Class E Knowledge Exam: Schedule and pass the in-person test to receive your first Florida driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to take the 4-hour drug and alcohol course in Florida?

Yes, if you are 18 or older and a first-time driver in Florida, you must take the 4-hour Drug and Alcohol course (TLSAE), which you can complete online at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Do you need to take the drug and alcohol test to get your license in Florida?

Yes, if you are 18 or older and have never held a driver license, you must complete the 4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE), available at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees, before applying for a Florida license.

Do you need the drug and alcohol certification in Florida?

Yes, if you are 18 or over and have never held a driver license, you must complete a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, which you can take online through DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

What is the 4-hour class for drivers license in Florida?

The 4-hour class for a driver's license in Florida is the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, required for first-time drivers aged 18 and over, available online for $29.95 plus applicable fees at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com.

Can I take the 4-hour driving course online?

Yes, you can take the 4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) 100% online through DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Citations

  • https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit
  • https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/traffic-law-substance-abuse-education-tlsae-find-approved-listing-tlsae-course-providers/

Last Modified: Apr 28, 2026