When Can You Drive at Night With a Permit? 2026 Rules

TLDR In Florida, a learner's permit holder cannot drive at night for the first 3 months. After that, night driving is permitted only until 10 p.m., and the driver must always be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat.

The 2026 Night Driving Timeline for Florida Permit Holders

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program establishes a strict timeline for when new drivers can operate a vehicle at night. The rules are designed to reduce crash risks for inexperienced teen drivers.

• Months 1-3: Daylight hours only. No night driving is permitted under any circumstance.
• Months 4-12: Driving allowed until 10 p.m. only. No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Supervision Requirement: A licensed driver (21+) must always be in the front passenger seat.
• Practice Hours: You must log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before applying for a restricted license.

How the New DETS Law Changes Permit Requirements in 2026

As of August 1, 2025, Florida replaced the old 4-hour TLSAE course with a new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course for all teens aged 14-17. This change directly impacts when you can get your permit and start driving.

DETSCourse.com is Florida's largest online provider for this required course, approved in all 67 counties by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles. The 6-hour DETS course and its final exam are 100% online and available in English and Spanish.

How to Get Your Learner's Permit in Florida (2026 Step-by-Step)

To get your permit in 2026, you must complete the DETS course, pass the Class E Knowledge Exam, and visit the DMV with a notarized parental consent form. The entire process can be started online via DETSCourse.com.

1. Complete the DETS Course (Age 14.5+): Enroll in the 6-hour state-approved course at DETSCourse.com or LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for $29.95* plus applicable fees. This is mandatory for all teens under 18.
2. Pass the Online Permit Test (Age 15+): Take the Class E Knowledge Exam 100% online via authorized providers like DETSCourse.com. The bundle (DETS + Test) is $44.95* plus fees. The test has 50 questions with an 80% passing score.
3. Gather Required Documents: You need a notarized Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71018), proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residency (utility bill or bank statement).
4. Visit the DMV or Tax Collector's Office: Pass the vision (20/40) and hearing tests. Bring your physical DETS certificate. Your photo will be taken at the office.
5. Start Logging Hours: You must hold the permit for 12 months without violations and log 50 hours of driving (10 at night) before you can apply for a restricted license.

Common Florida Permit Night Driving Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Driving at Night During the First 3 Months

Many teens assume they can drive at night immediately after getting their permit. This is a violation of the GDL law and can result in a permit suspension. You must wait 3 full months before any night driving is permitted.

Mistake 2: Driving After 10 p.m. Without a Valid Exception

Even after the initial 3-month period, you cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat. Work and school exceptions apply only for restricted license holders, not permit holders.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Log Night Driving Hours

You need 10 hours of night driving practice before advancing to a restricted license. Many teens forget to track these hours. Use a log sheet and have your parent or guardian certify the hours on Form HSMV 71120.

Conclusion: Your Essential 2026 Night Driving Checklist

• Wait 3 months: No night driving during the first 3 months of holding your permit
• Obey the 10 p.m. curfew: After 3 months, you can drive only until 10 p.m.
• Keep a 21+ supervisor: A licensed driver aged 21 or older must always be in the front seat
• Log 10 night hours: Complete 10 hours of supervised night driving before applying for a restricted license
• Complete the DETS course first: Enroll at DETSCourse.com for $29.95* plus applicable fees before applying for your permit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new law for permits in Florida?

As of August 1, 2025, Florida requires all teens under 18 to complete the new 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course (replacing the old 4-hour TLSAE) before applying for a learner's permit, and LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com offers this state-approved course online for $29.95 plus applicable fees with no hidden fees.

When can a Florida permit driver drive at night?

A Florida driver with a learner's permit can drive at night only after holding the permit for 3 months, and then only until 10 p.m. For help preparing for your permit test, visit LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

Can you drive without a license in Florida in 2026?

No, driving without a valid license in Florida in 2026 is illegal, but you can get your learner's permit or license by completing the state-approved 6-hour DETS course (for ages 14-17) or the 4-hour TLSAE course (for ages 18+) through LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com, Florida's largest online provider.

What is the curfew for Florida with a learner's permit?

Florida's learner's permit does not have a curfew, but for the first 3 months you can only drive during daylight hours, and after that until 10 p.m. For the most affordable and state-approved online driver education, visit LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com for courses starting at just $29.95 plus applicable fees.

Can I drive straight away after I pass my test?

No, after passing your test in Florida, you receive a Learner's License (Permit) which requires you to be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat with time restrictions, so you cannot drive straight away alone. For the most affordable and state-approved driver education courses to start the process, visit LowestPriceTrafficSchool.com.

Citations

• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/basic-driver-improvement-bdi-find-approved-listing-bdi-course-providers/