Florida requires certain drivers to complete state approved education or driver improvement courses based on their age, licensing status, or traffic violations. The course you need depends on your individual situation.
Types of Courses
- Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS): Required for drivers under age 18 applying for a Florida learner’s license on or after August 1, 2025. The course is six hours long and teaches traffic laws, safe driving habits, and defensive driving techniques. Certain school based driver education programs and DELAP courses may satisfy this requirement.
- Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE): Required for first time drivers age 18 and older who have never been licensed in another state, country, or jurisdiction. This is a four hour course that covers Florida traffic laws and the dangers of alcohol and drug impaired driving.
- Basic Driver Improvement (BDI): May be elected by eligible drivers after receiving certain traffic citations to avoid points on their driving record. You must notify the Clerk of Court within 30 days of receiving the citation to qualify.
- Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI): Required for certain drivers whose license has been suspended or revoked, who have been designated as a habitual traffic offender, or who have been ordered by a court to complete the course.
- Mature Driver Course: Available for drivers age 55 and older and may qualify participants for an insurance discount. Contact your insurance provider to determine eligibility.
Important Information
- All courses must be completed through a Florida approved provider.
- Course completions are reported electronically to FLHSMV. Please allow 24 to 72 hours for your completion to appear in the system.
- FLHSMV does not accept paper certificates for licensing purposes.
- If your course was ordered by a court, you are responsible for meeting all court requirements and deadlines.
Questions?
If you are unsure which course you need, please contact our office or the court that issued your citation before enrolling. We will be happy to help you determine the correct course for your situation