The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has released updated guidance on upcoming changes for teen drivers. Effective August 1, 2025, new requirements will apply to teens ages 15–17 seeking a Class E Learner’s Permit.
All new teen drivers must complete the following:
6-Hour Driver Education Course (DETS)
REAL ID-compliant documents
Proof of residential address
Parental consent
Teens and their families can find course information at FLHSMV.gov or FLVS.net.
Important Exemption for Early Completion of TLSAE:
Teens who complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before August 1, 2025, may be exempt from the 6-hour Driver Education requirement, provided they obtain their learner’s permit within one year of course completion.
Please note: You must be at least 14 years old to take the TLSAE course.
Driver Education Exceptions:
The following individuals are not required to complete the new 6-hour Driver Education course:
Teens who already hold a Class E Learner’s Permit or Operator’s License
Individuals transferring a valid Learner’s Permit or Operator’s License from another state
Teens with a valid TLSAE certificate dated before August 1, 2025 (valid for up to one year)
All prospective drivers and their guardians should review these changes thoroughly and prepare in advance of the implementation date.
Next, your written exams must be completed. The handbook can be found on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Handbooks & Manuals page. Testing can be completed in any office. If you are under the age of 18 you may be eligible to test at home under the supervision of your parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over the age of 21. Whoever supervises the exam at home must be present in the office to certify the proctored exam or have applicable forms completed:
STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES FORMS:
- 71142 PARENTAL CONSENT FOR A DRIVER APPLICATION OF A MINOR (PDF) – Document must be signed by a parent or legal guardian (step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted the minor child).
- CERTIFICATION OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE OF A MINOR (PDF)
- 71144 PARENT PROCTORING OF ONLINE DRIVER LICENSE TESTING BY A MINOR (PDF)
Be prepared to show your Real ID documents, have your photo taken, and your vision checked. If corrected lenses are required, please have them with you.
If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to maintain your learner permit for 12 months with no moving violations or until you are 18 years old.
If you are 18 years of age or over, you are not required to maintain a permit for any specific length of time.
Once you are eligible to be upgraded to a driver license, visit our skills test page to learn the requirements for a driving examination.
Additional information can be found here.
Walk-in exams are offered each morning by Joining the Line. Once all available openings have been filled, the line will close for the day. Skills tests are not offered in inclement weather.
Special Accommodations:
Audio testing is available for the Class E General Knowledge exam. The exam is offered in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese.