Florida Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course

The Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course is a 6-hour educational program approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). As of August 1, 2025, any individual under 18 years of age who has never held a driver license from any other state, country, or jurisdiction must complete this course before applying for a Florida driver license. The curriculum covers essential driving skills including defensive driving techniques, traffic laws, hazard awareness, and the dangers of distracted and drowsy driving. This comprehensive program is designed to create confident, responsible drivers who are well-prepared for Florida roads.

The DETS course is required for anyone under 18 years old who has never held a driver license from another state, country, or jurisdiction and wants to obtain a Florida driver license. This requirement went into effect on August 1, 2025. If you’re a teen ready to start your driving journey in Florida, this course is your mandatory first step. The course is designed specifically for new drivers and provides the foundational knowledge needed to become a safe, skilled motorist.

Yes! The DETS course is 100% online and can be completed from any device with internet access, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. The course features an engaging, interactive format designed specifically for teen learners. You can start, stop, and resume the course at your convenience, and your progress is automatically saved. This flexibility means you can fit the course into your schedule, whether you prefer to complete it all at once or spread it out over several days.

The DETS course is a 6-hour program as mandated by the FLHSMV. Most students complete the course within a weekend, though you’re welcome to work at your own pace. The interactive format keeps you engaged throughout the material, and you can take breaks whenever needed. Your progress is automatically saved, so you can log back in and pick up exactly where you left off. The goal is for you to thoroughly understand the material, not to rush through it.

The FLHSMV-approved DETS curriculum provides comprehensive coverage of essential driving knowledge including:
– Defensive driving strategies and techniques
– Florida traffic laws, regulations, and road signs
– Hazard recognition and awareness
– The serious dangers of distracted driving (texting, phone use, etc.)
– The risks of drowsy driving and how to prevent it
– Safe vehicle operation and basic maintenance
– Sharing the road safely with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists
– Weather-related driving challenges
– Decision-making skills for new drivers
– Responsible driving attitudes and behaviors

Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final test, you’ll immediately receive your DETS certificate of completion. Your completion is automatically reported to the Florida DHSMV, satisfying the state requirement. You can then proceed to the next step: taking the Class E Knowledge Exam (permit test) to obtain your learner’s permit. Once you have your learner’s permit, you can begin practicing driving with a licensed adult before eventually taking your driving test for a full license.

Yes! Once you’ve completed the DETS course and received your certificate, you’re eligible to take the Class E Knowledge Exam (permit test). Since your DETS completion is reported directly to the state, you’ll meet the educational requirement needed to take the permit exam. Many students find that the knowledge gained in the DETS course helps them feel confident and prepared for the permit test.

If you don’t pass the final test on your first attempt, don’t worry! You can review the course material and retake the test. We want every student to succeed and thoroughly understand the material. The course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a safe driver, so take your time reviewing any areas where you need more practice. There’s no penalty for retaking the test, and you can attempt it as many times as needed.

Absolutely. Defensive Driving Institute takes your privacy and security seriously. We use industry-standard encryption technology (HTTPS with TLS/SSL) to protect all personal and payment information transmitted through our website. We never store credit card details on our servers, and we do not share your personal information with third parties. Your information is used solely to administer the course and issue your certificate as required by the FLHSMV.

The DETS course is currently available for $29.99. This one-time fee includes complete access to all course materials, the final exam, and your certificate of completion. There are no hidden fees or additional charges. Once enrolled, you have unlimited access to the course materials until you complete it, and you can retake the final exam as many times as needed at no extra cost.