What's the Difference Between Florida's DETS Course and the TLSAE Course?

Florida now requires two different driver education courses depending on your age and licensing goals. Here's an easy-to-follow guide to help you understand the differences-and choose the right one for your journey.

What Is the DETS Course?

Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) is a 6-hour, state-mandated course for teens under 18 (ages 15-17) preparing for their learner's permit.

Key Details:

Who's it for: Teens ages 15-17 applying for a Florida learner's permit (effective August 1, 2025).
Length: 6 self-paced hours.
Format: 100% online.
Course topics include:
- Florida road laws and traffic signs
- Safe driving practices like defensive driving, scanning, and hazard awareness
- The effects of alcohol, drugs, medications, and distractions on driving
- Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists
- Emergency preparedness, vehicle basics, and risk management
- Teen licensing requirements, teen curfew, zero tolerance, and insurance basics
After completion: Teens (15-17 years old) can take the official Florida DMV learner's permit exam online from home - no waiting in line at the DMV to take the exam. Once completed, you can take your documents to the DMV or Tax Collectors office and get your learner's permit.

What Is the TLSAE Course?

Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) is a 4-hour state-mandated course for first-time drivers aged 18+.

Key Details:

Who's it for: Adults (18+) applying for their first Florida driver's license (or who have never held a license in another state or country).
Length: 4 self-paced hours.
Format: 100% online.
Course topics include:
- Florida traffic laws and responsible driving habits
- Legal, physical, and behavioral effects of alcohol, drugs, and certain medications
- Defensive driving strategies and risks of distracted driving
- Insights into Florida's point system, DUI laws, and substance abuse prevention
- After completion: TLSAE certificate is mailed to the student and electronically reported to the Florida DMV - then you can schedule your DMV written exam. After you successfully pass your DMV written exam at the DMV, you can get your Driver's license with proper documentation.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	DETS Course (Teens 15-17)	TLSAE Course (Adults 18+)
Course Duration	6 hours	4 hours
Who it's for	Teens under 18	Adults getting first license
Includes DMV Permit Test	Available online	Only after course via DMV visit
Course Topics	Road laws, defensive driving, impairment, distractions, teen-curfew, insurance	Traffic laws, substance abuse, distraction, legal consequences
Device Compatibility	Fully online, mobile-ready	Fully online, mobile-ready
State Approval	Florida DHSMV-approved	Florida DHSMV-approved
Certificate Reporting	Electronic + USPS delivery	Electronic + USPS delivery

Why Choose DrugAndAlcoholCourse.com?

State-Approved & Trustworthy - DHSMV-approved courses for both DETS & TLSAE, recognized in all 67 counties.
Official Online DMV Permit Exa available for eligible teens (15-17).
Fastest, Legal Courses - 6 hours for DETS and 4 hours for TLSAE.
Low Price & High Value - Transparent pricing, backed by our Lowest Price Guarantee.
Flexible Learning - Mobile-friendly and self-paced so you can fit learning into your schedule.
Fun and Easy Course - Open-book test.
Free Certificate Delivery - Included USPS delivery; expedited options available.
7-Day Support - U.S.-based team to help you every step of the way.