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Does my teen need drivers ed to get a learner's license in Florida?

Yes. Florida law says a teen who is at least 15 must finish a department-approved drivers ed course to get a learner's license. TLSAE is a different course, for applicants 18 or older.

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The rule, fact by fact

Minimum age
A learner's driver license is for a person at least 15 years of ageThat is the age floor the Florida statute sets.
Verified. Florida Statutes · Section 322.1615, Learner's driver license (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Program
A department-approved course that meets or exceeds the 1900300 description1900300 is the Department of Education's Driver Education/Traffic Safety-Classroom course description.
Same source and date as above
Daylight limit
Daylight hours only, until 10 p.m. after 3 monthsThe 3 months count from the day the learner's license is issued.
Same source and date as above
Rule
Section 322.1615, Florida Statutes, Learner's driver licenseSection 322.1615 of the Florida Statutes sets these rules.
Same source and date as above
Age 18 or older
TLSAE is required of each applicant 18 or older, with two exceptionsThe TLSAE question below names both.
Verified. Florida Legislature · Florida Statutes 322.095 (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check the age. Your teen must be at least 15 for a learner's driver license.

  2. Step 2. Pick a department-approved course that meets or exceeds the Department of Education's 1900300 description.

  3. Step 3. Your teen must always drive with a driver who is at least 21, holds a valid license to operate that type of vehicle and sits in the closest seat to the right. At first, driving is allowed only in daylight, and until 10 p.m. after 3 months.

  4. Step 4. Don't mix it up with TLSAE. That traffic law and substance abuse course is for each driver license applicant 18 or older, with two exceptions. If that's you, read our Florida TLSAE page.

Before you pay

Ask the school whether its course is department-approved and meets or exceeds the 1900300 description before you pay.

Ask what the price covers. We haven't confirmed a Florida price from a source.

Florida asks driver license applicants 18 or older for TLSAE, a separate course. The TLSAE question below lists who is exempt.

Questions

Does my teen need TLSAE after drivers ed?

Only at 18 or older, and not if the applicant was licensed in another jurisdiction or finished a Department of Education driver education course offered under section 1003.48. Ask the school whether its course is that kind.

Does my teen have to pass any exams for a learner's license?

Yes. Besides the course, your teen passes the written exam for a learner's driver license and the vision and hearing exam.

What happens if my teen breaks the learner's license limits?

A learner's license holder who breaks the rule on the accompanying driver or the daylight limit is subject to the civil penalty for a moving violation.

What to do next

Start with section 322.1615 of the Florida Statutes. Then pick a department-approved course that meets or exceeds the 1900300 description.

www.flsenate.gov

Sources we read