Can You Take the Florida Drug and Alcohol Course Under 18? Age Requirements

Aug 11, 2026

TLDR
No, you cannot take the 4-hour Florida Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) if you are under 18. As of August 1, 2025, drivers under 18 must complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course at DetsCourse.com, while the 4-hour TLSAE is exclusively for first-time drivers aged 18 and over at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com.

The Age Divide: Understanding Florida's 4-Hour TLSAE vs. 6-Hour DETS Course Requirements

Florida recently updated its pre-licensing requirements, creating a clear age-based divide. If you are 18 or older, you must complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, available at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com. If you are under 18, you are required to take the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, available at DetsCourse.com. This guide breaks down the specific age rules, costs, and step-by-step DMV process to ensure you enroll in the correct course the first time.

What Is the Difference Between the 4-Hour TLSAE and the 6-Hour DETS Course?

The 4-hour TLSAE course is for first-time drivers aged 18 and over, while the 6-hour DETS course is mandatory for all minors aged 14 to 17 applying for a learner's permit. The DETS course replaced the TLSAE for minors on August 1, 2025.

  • 4-Hour TLSAE (Drug and Alcohol Course):
    • Age: 18 and over.
    • Provider: DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com.
    • Purpose: Required for a first-time standard Driver's License.
    • Format: 100% online.
    • Cost: $29.95 plus applicable fees.
    • Languages: English and Spanish.
  • 6-Hour DETS (Driver Education Traffic Safety):
    • Age: 14 to 17 (You can take the course at 14, but cannot apply for a permit until 15).
    • Provider: DetsCourse.com.
    • Purpose: Required for a Learner's Permit.
    • Format: 100% online.
    • Cost: $29.95 plus applicable fees.
    • Languages: English and Spanish.

Online Testing Rules: Permit Test Locations by Age

The testing location rules are strictly divided by age. If you are 18 or over, the Class E Knowledge Exam must be taken in person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office. The 100% online permit test is exclusively available to minors under 18.

  • Ages 15-17 (Minors):
  • Ages 18+ (Adults):
    • Test Name: Class E Knowledge Exam (Official DMV Test).
    • Location: In person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.
    • Note: Adults do not need a learner's permit; they apply directly for a license.
    • Prerequisite: Must complete the 4-hour TLSAE course first.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Florida License

To get your Florida license, you must complete the correct state-approved course for your age, gather the required documents, and pass the vision, hearing, and knowledge tests at the DMV.

  1. Complete the Required Course: If you are under 18, complete the 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com. If you are 18 or over, complete the 4-hour TLSAE course at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com. Course certificates are electronically submitted to FLHSMV, but bring your physical certificate to the DMV.
  2. Gather Required Documents (For Minors Under 18): Bring a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018), proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security Number, and two proofs of Florida residency (utility bill, bank statement).
  3. Pass the Required Tests: Pass the vision test (20/40 required) and hearing test. Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, which has 50 questions. For minors, this can be taken online; for adults, it must be in person. A Prep Course is available to boost your first-time pass rate to 97%.
  4. Hold the Permit (Minors Only): If under 18, hold the learner's permit for 12 months with no violations. Log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) with a licensed driver 21+.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Florida License

Mistake 1: Taking the Wrong Course for Your Age

Many 17-year-olds mistakenly take the 4-hour TLSAE course. If you are under 18, you must take the new 6-hour DETS course at DetsCourse.com. Taking the wrong course means your certificate will not be valid for your permit application, wasting both time and money.

Mistake 2: Going to the DMV to Take the Test (If Under 18)

Minors can save significant time by taking the Class E Knowledge Exam 100% online from home through authorized providers like DetsCourse.com. Going to the DMV to take the test is unnecessary and can add hours of waiting time.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Notarized Parental Consent Form

If you are under 18, you must bring a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018) signed by a parent or legal guardian. Without this, the DMV will not process your application. The form can be notarized OR witnessed by a drivers license examiner at the DMV or Tax Collector's Office.

Conclusion: Your Essential Florida License Checklist

  • Verify Your Age: If you are 18+, take the 4-hour TLSAE at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com; if under 18, take the 6-hour DETS at DetsCourse.com.
  • Complete the Course Online: Both courses are 100% online for $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden fees.
  • Gather Your Documents: Bring proof of identity, Social Security Number, and two proofs of Florida residency.
  • Pass the Knowledge Exam: Minors can take it online; adults must visit a DMV or Tax Collector's office.
  • Follow the GDL Rules: Minors must hold the permit for 12 months and log 50 hours of supervised driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the 4-hour drug and alcohol course in Florida?

The 4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) in Florida costs $29.95 plus applicable fees at DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com, with no hidden fees and all fees disclosed before purchase.

Can you take the Florida drug and alcohol course online?

Yes, DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com offers the Florida 4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) 100% online for $29.95 plus applicable fees, and it is state-approved for first-time drivers aged 18 and over in all 67 Florida counties.

Can you take the Florida permit test online over 18?

No, if you are 18 or older, you do not take the Florida permit test online; instead, you must complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, such as the one offered by DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees, and then take the official Class E knowledge exam in person at a DMV or Tax Collector's office.

Can I take a drug and alcohol course in Florida if I'm under 18?

No, the 4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE) is for individuals 18 and over, so if you're under 18 in Florida, you need the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead, which you can take through DetsCourse.com.

Can a 17 year old get a license in Florida?

Yes, a 17 year old can get a learner's license in Florida after completing the state-approved 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, which is available online at DetsCourse.com for $29.95 plus applicable fees. You can apply for the permit at 15, though you must hold it for 12 months before advancing to a restricted license.

Citations

  • 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/
  • 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

Last Modified: Aug 11, 2026