Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Defensive Driving, DETS and DATA/TLSAE?
- Defensive Driving: Also known as a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course, this class can be taken to avoid points after a ticket, to qualify for an insurance discount or to satisfy a court requirement.
- DETS: This Driver Education Traffic Safety course is required for teen drivers earning a learner's permit.
- DATA/TLSAE: These are two names for the same course. Drug and Alcohol Traffic Awareness (DATA) or Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. It is required for all first-time drivers 18 and older.
Will I receive a certificate after completing a course?
Yes, all courses include a certificate of completion.
What is the required timeframe to complete the DETS course?
Finish the DETS course within 90 days of enrolling.
Does the DETS course include quizzes?
Yes, the program includes five 15-question quizzes and a 40-question final exam. You must score at least 70% on the quizzes (with unlimited attempts) and 80% on the final exam (with up to three attempts) to pass.
Do you report DETS course completion to the state?
Yes. Your digital certificate of completion is electronically reported to the FLHSMV.
What topics does the DETS course cover?
Topics include:
- Traffic signs and road markings
- Vehicle control and maneuvering
- Right-of-way laws and sharing the road
- Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.)
- Speed, highway safety and hazardous driving conditions
- DUI and Florida substance laws
- Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and safe driving strategies
What does the DATA/TLSAE course cover?
It teaches:
- The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
- Florida traffic laws and legal responsibilities
- Defensive driving strategies
- Mental and physical awareness behind the wheel
Do I need to complete the course in one sitting?
Our self-paced courses allow you to go at your own pace. Log in anytime, and your progress saves automatically.
Can I take these courses on my phone?
Yes. All three courses are mobile-compatible and can be completed on smartphones, tablets or computers.
How do I know if I'm eligible for a defensive driving course after a ticket?
You're usually eligible if:
- You haven't taken the course in the last 12 months.
- Your offense wasn't criminal (e.g., DUI).
- You elect to attend within 30 days of receiving your citation.
Always check with the FLHSMV or court handling your ticket to confirm eligibility.
How do I obtain a Florida learner's permit, and what are the requirements?
To get a Florida learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old, complete the DETS course, pass a written knowledge exam at the FLHSMV and provide proof of identity and residency.
What are the age restrictions and rules for driving with a learner's permit in Florida?
If you're under 18, Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws require you to drive only during daylight hours for the first three months and be accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older. After three months, you can drive until 10 p.m.
How do traffic tickets and points affect my Florida driving record?
Traffic tickets can add points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points may lead to license suspension.