Florida Class E Knowledge Exam 2026: 50 Questions, Passing Score & Free Practice

TLDR The Florida Class E Knowledge Exam is the official 50-question permit test for a learner's permit or first Florida driver's license. You need 40 correct answers (80%) to pass. Teens aged 15-17 can take the exam online from home through state-authorized providers; adults 18+ must take it in person. Free practice tests are the fastest way to pass on your first attempt.

Last updated: September 2026.

How Many Questions Are on the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam?

The Class E Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass. Questions come directly from the official Florida Driver's Handbook and cover road rules, traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, and Florida-specific driving laws.

Which Course Do You Need Before the Exam?

Florida requires a state-approved education course before you can take the knowledge exam. Which course depends on your age.

Per FLHSMV, the 6-hour DETS course has been mandatory for all first-time applicants under 18 since August 1, 2025. Teens who completed the old 4-hour TLSAE before that date may use it until the certificate expires.

Can You Take the Class E Knowledge Exam Online?

Yes -- if you are 15 to 17 years old. Florida authorizes state-approved providers to administer the official exam online from home, with a parent or guardian supervising the test session. Adults 18+ must take the same 50-question exam in person at a FLHSMV or Tax Collector's office.

1. Complete your required course (DETS for teens, TLSAE for adults) with a state-approved provider.
2. Take the knowledge exam -- teens online from home, adults at the driver license office.
3. Pass the vision and hearing checks (20/40 vision standard) at the office.
4. Bring your documents and receive your learner's permit or license.

What Happens If You Fail the Exam?

If you do not reach the 80% passing score, you can retake the Class E Knowledge Exam. Retake rules -- including any retest fees and waiting periods -- are administered through FLHSMV and vary by county, so confirm the details with your local driver license office before rebooking. This is why practice tests matter: the exam has historically had a first-time failure rate around 40%, and nearly every failed first attempt traces back to skipping practice.

Recommended prep path: work through the free Class E knowledge exam practice test, then drill the Florida DHSMV practice test question bank until you score 90% or higher on three full 50-question runs.

How to Study: A 7-Day Plan for First-Time Passers

A week of focused study is enough for most applicants. The plan below assumes 30-45 minutes per day.

Documents to Bring on Test Day

Whether you test online or in person, the DMV visit to issue your permit requires original documents -- photocopies are not accepted.

• Identity: original U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport
• Social Security: Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub
• Residency: two different-source proofs of Florida address (utility bill, bank statement, lease)
• Under 18: signed and notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71142)
• Course proof: your DETS or TLSAE Certificate of Completion

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Florida Class E knowledge exam?

The exam has 50 multiple-choice questions drawn from the official Florida Driver's Handbook. You must answer 40 correctly to achieve the 80% passing score.

Can I take the Florida permit test online?

Teens aged 15-17 can take the official Class E Knowledge Exam online from home through state-authorized providers. Adults 18 and older must take the exam in person at a FLHSMV or Tax Collector's office.

What is the passing score for the Florida Class E exam?

You need 80% to pass, which means at least 40 of the 50 questions correct.

How much does the Florida Class E knowledge exam cost?

The official online exam through authorized providers starts at $29.95 plus applicable fees. In-person testing fees vary by county -- check with your local driver license office for current amounts.

Is the Florida Class E exam hard?

It has a historically high first-time failure rate of around 40%, but applicants who consistently score 90%+ on full-length practice tests pass comfortably. Focus on right-of-way rules, signals, and Florida-specific distance and speed laws.

Citations

• FLHSMV -- Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course FAQs
• FloridaDriversHandbook.com -- Official Handbook Resource
• FLHSMV -- Driver Licenses and ID Cards