Approved by the Florida DHSMV
Florida TLSAE 4-Hour Course
- Required for Adults 18+ to Get a Florida License
- FLHSMV-Approved 4-Hour Course
- 100% Online – Complete at Your Own Pace
- Mobile-Friendly & Interactive Format
- First Step Toward Your Driver’s License
Ready to start your driving journey?
Florida Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course
⚠️ Important: Age Requirement Notice
This 4-hour TLSAE course is ONLY for individuals 18 years or older.
Effective August 1, 2025, Florida law requires students under 18 years old to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead. Students under 18 who completed TLSAE before August 1, 2025 may still use their certificate until it expires.
The Florida Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course is a mandatory program for all aspiring drivers 18 years of age or older who have never held a driver license from another state, country, or jurisdiction. This 4-hour course is required before applying for a Florida driver license.
State-Approved Foundation for Safe Driving
Our TLSAE curriculum is fully approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), ensuring complete compliance with all state requirements. Developed by traffic safety experts, the comprehensive program goes beyond basic traffic laws to build confident, responsible drivers. The course covers essential topics including traffic laws and regulations, the serious dangers of alcohol and drug-impaired driving, substance abuse awareness and prevention, defensive driving strategies, hazard recognition skills, Florida road signs and traffic signals, safe vehicle operation principles, and responsible driving behaviors. Upon successful completion, your certificate is reported directly to the state, satisfying all legal requirements and preparing you to take the Class E Knowledge Exam for your learner’s permit.
Why Choose Our TLSAE Course?
100% State-Approved & Trusted
Fully approved by FLHSMV with completion reported directly to the state, meeting all legal requirements for your license application.
Expert-Designed Curriculum
Developed by traffic safety professionals who understand what new drivers need to succeed on Florida roads.
Engaging & Interactive
No boring classrooms! Our mobile-friendly format keeps you engaged with interactive lessons designed for adult learners.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Complete the 4-hour course on your schedule from any device. Start, stop, and resume whenever it works for you.
Your First Step to Freedom
This is the mandatory first step toward your learner’s permit and ultimately your driver’s license.
3 Simple Steps to Your Learner’s Permit!
1. Register & Start Learning
Sign up in minutes and get instant access to your FLHSMV-approved TLSAE course. Learn on any device, anywhere, anytime!
2. Complete the 4-Hour Course
Work through engaging lessons covering traffic laws, substance abuse education, and defensive driving. Pass the final test to earn your certificate.
3. Get Your Certificate
Download your certificate immediately. Your completion is automatically reported to the state, and you’re ready for the permit exam!
What is the Florida TLSAE Course?
The Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course is a 4-hour educational program approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This course is required for individuals 18 years of age or older who have never held a driver license from any other state, country, or jurisdiction and want to obtain a Florida driver license. The curriculum covers essential driving knowledge including Florida traffic laws and regulations, the serious dangers of alcohol and drug-impaired driving, substance abuse awareness and prevention strategies, defensive driving techniques, hazard recognition skills, and responsible driving behaviors. This comprehensive program is designed to create confident, responsible drivers who understand both the rules of the road and the importance of avoiding impaired driving.
Who needs to take the TLSAE course?
The TLSAE course is required for anyone 18 years of age or older who has never held a driver license from another state, country, or jurisdiction and wants to obtain a Florida driver license. As of August 1, 2025, this course is specifically for adults 18 and older. If you’re under 18, you must complete the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead. The TLSAE course provides the foundational traffic safety and substance abuse education required by Florida law before you can apply for your learner’s permit.
Is the TLSAE course completely online?
Yes! The TLSAE 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 for adult 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 a few days.
How long does the TLSAE course take?
The TLSAE course is a 4-hour program as mandated by the FLHSMV. Most students complete the course in one sitting or over a day or two. 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.
What does the TLSAE course cover?
The FLHSMV-approved TLSAE curriculum provides comprehensive coverage of essential driving knowledge including:
– Florida traffic laws, regulations, and road signs
– The serious dangers of alcohol-impaired driving
– Drug-impaired driving risks and consequences
– Substance abuse awareness and prevention
– Defensive driving strategies and techniques
– Hazard recognition and awareness
– Safe vehicle operation principles
– 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
What happens after I complete the TLSAE course?
Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final test, you’ll immediately receive your TLSAE 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.
Can I take the permit test right after finishing TLSAE?
Yes! Once you’ve completed the TLSAE course and received your certificate, you’re eligible to take the Class E Knowledge Exam (permit test). Since your TLSAE 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 TLSAE course helps them feel confident and prepared for the permit test.
What if I don't pass the final 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.
Is my information secure?
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.
How much does the TLSAE course cost?
The TLSAE course is currently available for $19.95. 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.








