The Florida TLSAE course (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) is the short drug and alcohol and traffic law course that first-time Florida drivers must finish before they can get a license. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says all new drivers need it before applying, and today it is mainly the course for adults 18 and older, because drivers under 18 now take a longer course called DETS.
Quick answer: who needs the Florida TLSAE course
- Adults 18 and older getting their first Florida license: take the 4-hour TLSAE course (or the longer DETS course) before your learner license or Class E license appointment.
- Teens under 18: since August 1, 2025, Florida has required the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course instead of TLSAE for new drivers under 18.
- High school students in an approved driver education class (DELAP): FLHSMV says the TLSAE curriculum requirement can be met through that class.
Do it first. Your course completion has to be on record before the service center will issue a learner license.
What the course covers
Approved courses follow a state-set outline. Typical topics include:
- Florida traffic laws and right-of-way rules.
- How alcohol and drugs affect judgment, reaction time and vision.
- Florida's DUI laws and penalties, including the stricter limit for drivers under 21.
- Safe driving habits and sharing the road.
- Your responsibilities as a licensed driver.
How to complete the Florida TLSAE course
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Florida TLSAE course online | Taken with an FLHSMV-approved provider on a computer or phone. |
| Classroom | Offered by some driving schools and traffic schools. |
| High school driver ed (DELAP) | The approved course can cover the requirement for enrolled students. |
| Length | 4 hours for TLSAE; 6 hours for DETS |
| Cost | Set by each provider. FLHSMV does not set one price |
| Completion | The provider reports it electronically to FLHSMV |
Only approved providers count. Before you pay, check that the course is FLHSMV-approved and that it is the right course for your age. A course from an unapproved site will not show up in the state system.
What you get after: the Florida TLSAE certificate
Some providers also give you a certificate or receipt, but what matters is the electronic record the provider sends to FLHSMV. When you go for your learner license, the clerk looks up that record along with your Class E knowledge exam result.
The Florida TLSAE test people ask about is usually one of two things. Providers may include a short quiz at the end of the course. The test that decides your permit is the Class E knowledge exam: 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need 40 correct (80 percent). Since February 6, 2026, all Florida driver license exams are given in English only, with no translators.
- Initial Class E license fee, which includes the learner license: $48.
- Service fee at most tax collector offices: $6.25.
- Knowledge exam retest: $10.
Common mistakes
- Taking TLSAE when you are under 18. Since August 1, 2025, teens need the 6-hour DETS course instead.
- Paying a site that is not FLHSMV-approved. The completion never reaches the state.
- Booking the service center visit before the completion shows up. Give the provider time to report it.
- Thinking the course replaces the knowledge exam. It does not; you still need 40 of 50 correct.
- Studying for the exam in another language. Since February 6, 2026, every exam is in English.
Do the Florida TLSAE practice test and knowledge exam prep the same week you finish the course, while the traffic law material is still fresh.
FAQ
Is the Florida TLSAE course free?
FLHSMV does not run a free version on the pages we checked. Approved providers set their own prices, and high school students may meet the requirement through an approved driver education class. Be careful with sites that advertise free and charge to report your completion.
Can I take the Florida TLSAE course online?
Yes, through an FLHSMV-approved provider. The provider reports your completion electronically.
How long is the Florida TLSAE course?
About 4 hours. The DETS course for drivers under 18 is 6 hours.
Do I need TLSAE if I am under 18?
Since August 1, 2025, new drivers under 18 take DETS instead of TLSAE.
Is the TLSAE drug and alcohol course the same as a DUI course?
No. TLSAE is the course for new drivers. A DUI program is ordered after a DUI offense.
Requirements change, so confirm the right course and the current fees with FLHSMV at flhsmv.gov before you pay a provider. DMVZone is a study resource, not FLHSMV.
