The Drug and Alcohol Course in Florida: Key Things to Know

Ready to get your driver’s license? If you’re over 18 and live in Florida, you must first complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. This program explains how alcohol and illicit substances affect driving ability and offers practical tips for staying safe on the road. 

The drug and alcohol course in Florida is also required for drivers under 21who apply for a hardship license after a DUI conviction. In some cases, the court may order it as part of sentencing. 

Whatever your reason for taking the course, here’s what you need to know before you sign up. 

What Is the Drug and Alcohol Course in Florida?

The TLSAE course is a state-approved training program that covers Florida traffic laws, with emphasis on impaired driving. Depending on the school, you may find the course listed under different names, such as:

  • Drug, Alcohol and Traffic Education (DATE)
  • Drug, Alcohol and Traffic Awareness (DATA)
  • Alcohol Drugs Accident Prevention Training (ADAPT)

This program is mandatory for first-time driver’s license applicants age 18 and older. Some county schools offer Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) courses that serve as substitutes for the TLSAE, but these are not widely available.

The TLSAE course is also required for drivers under 21 seeking hardship reinstatement

Simply put, if your license has been suspended after a DUI, you may qualify for a restricted license following course completion. Also known as a hardship license, this document allows you to drive under specific conditions, such as commuting to work or school. 

Students may take the course online or in person, depending on their schedule and preferences. Both formats are recognized by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and state courts, provided the training provider holds accreditation. 

How Long Is the Drug and Alcohol Course in Florida?

The drug and alcohol course in Florida takes four hours to complete. If you study online, you can finish it in one sitting or pause and return later, based on your schedule. 

This program is different from DUI school, which includes a 12-hour course for first-time offenders and a 21-hour course for repeat offenders. DUI school is court-mandated and not required for driver’s license applicants or drivers under 21 seeking hardship reinstatement. 

How Do I Take a Drug and Alcohol Course in Florida?

Most schools offer the TLSAE course online, making it easy to sign up, go through the study materials, and receive proof of completion. However, the learning experience varies from one provider to another, so you’ll want to research your options and look beyond the price tag.

Without further ado, here’s how to take the TLSAE course in Florida: 

1. Find a State-Approved School

Check the FLHSMV’s list of accredited course providers, then review their offerings. Certificates from non‑approved TLSAE courses are not valid. 

You can also register directly with Traffic Safety Institute. Our online course is approved by the FLHSMV and accepted by all state courts. Therefore, it can help with both hardship reinstatement and driver’s license applications.

Find a state-approved school

2. Sign up for the TLSAE Course

Once you’ve found a program that meets your needs, sign up and pay the registration fee. The cost varies from $20 to $55 or more, depending on the provider, course format, and features.

At Traffic Safety Institute, we charge a flat fee of only $34.99, payable after you complete the course. You can sign up, work through all the lessons, and take the final exam for free. After you pass, you’ll pay our low fee—and nothing more.

Beware that some TLSAE courses come with hidden charges. For instance, many schools will ask you to pay extra for a digital certificate, audio read-alongs, or exam retakes. Our all-inclusive flat fee covers these services so that you won’t have any surprises. 

3. Complete the Program 

If you choose to study online, you can start the course anytime. Its format varies from school to school, but generally, students must complete several lessons and pass a final exam. 

Our four-hour TLSAE course has six modules covering Florida traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the dangers of substance abuse. We also included several short quizzes to help you test your knowledge. 

The final exam consists of 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly. If you don’t pass, you can retake the test for free as many times as needed. 

Program Completion

Note that we’re available 24/7 to answer your questions or assist with technical issues. Simply drop us a message through live chat, and we’ll respond right away.

4. Submit Your Certificate to the FLHSMV

After passing the final exam, you’ll receive a digital certificate of completion—keep it for your records. If the course was court-ordered, you may need to provide an electronic or printed copy to the court handling your case.

The school will also report your completion to the FLHSMV. At Traffic Safety Institute, we submit this information within 24 hours. Once that happens, you can take the permit test at your local FLHSMV office.

Take the TSLAE Course with Traffic Safety Institute

Traffic Safety Institute offers an FLHSMV-approved TLSAE course you can complete at your own pace. Study from your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or PC whenever it fits your schedule, and take breaks without losing your progress.

When we created this course, we wanted to deliver a stress‑free learning experience. That’s why we prioritized flexibility and convenience, providing easy‑to‑follow study materials, practice tests, and helpful resources, such as audio read‑alongs.

Most of our students pass on the first try. However, we offer unlimited course retakes and exam attempts, so there’s no pressure. 

Need one more reason to choose Traffic Safety Institute? Here’s a small breakdown of what you’ll get:

✅ Study online from any device
✅ Save time with audio read-alongs
✅ Pause and resume as needed 
✅ Contact our team 24/7 via live chat 
✅ Test your knowledge with practice quizzes
✅ Retake the final exam for free
✅ Have your completion reported to the FLHSMV within 24 hours
✅ Receive your digital certificate immediately after you pass
✅ Get your FLHSMV physical certificate shipped for free

Save time with audio read-alongs

Remember, you can start the course for free. After you pass the final exam, you’ll pay a one-time fee that covers every feature mentioned above. 🤓

So, what are you waiting for? Start the TLSAE course for FREE today.

FAQs About the Florida Drug and Alcohol Course

Looking for more information about the TLSAE course in Florida? Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions. 

How much does the Florida drug and alcohol course cost?

Students who choose Traffic Safety Institute pay an all-inclusive flat fee of only $34.99. Our fee covers everything you need to complete the course.

The TLSAE course costs between $20 and $55, with some providers charging up to $75. Price differences often reflect added fees for digital certificates, exam retakes, or other services.

Can I take the Florida drug and alcohol test online?

Yes, you can. Both online and in-person TLSAE courses are valid as long as they have the FLHSMV’s seal of approval.

How many modules are in the Florida drug and alcohol course?

The number of modules varies by school. At Traffic Safety Institute, our course includes six modules, along with practice tests and a final exam.

What are the legal requirements of a drug and alcohol course in Florida?

TLSAE courses must be approved by the FLHSMV, follow a set curriculum, and have a minimum duration of four hours.

Does Florida accept online DUI classes?

No, it doesn’t. DUI classes require in‑person attendance. Keep in mind that DUI school is different from a TLSAE course.

How to pass the drug and alcohol test in Florida?

To pass the TLSAE course in Florida, you must complete all lessons and then score at least 80% on the final exam.

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