Florida's drug and alcohol test for learner's permits is free and required before you can get your permit

Florida requires anyone under 18 who wants a learner's permit to complete a drug and alcohol course and pass a test on the material. The course itself is free — you do not pay the state to take it. The test is also free. What you pay for, if anything, depends on where you take the course and whether you choose an in-person or online option.

The course is called the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course, sometimes listed as the "DAAC" or "Drug and Alcohol Course for Minors." It covers the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving, Florida's laws about impaired driving, and the consequences of violating those laws. You must complete it and pass the test before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will issue your learner's permit.

The free part is the state requirement itself — there is no fee to DHSMV for taking or passing the test. However, some providers who offer the course online or in-person may charge a small fee to deliver the course material to you. Many high schools offer it free as part of driver education. If you take it through a private provider, costs vary.

Key Takeaways

  • The Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course and test are required by Florida law before you can get a learner's permit if you are under 18.
  • There is no fee to the state for taking or passing the test, but some private course providers may charge a fee for delivering the course material.
  • High schools often offer the course free as part of their driver education program.
  • You must pass the test and bring proof of completion to the DHSMV when you explore for your learner's permit.
  • The course covers impaired driving laws, the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving ability, and the legal consequences of driving under the influence.

Where to take the course in Florida

Your high school is often the easiest and cheapest option. Most Florida high schools include the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course in their driver education program, and it costs nothing. If your school offers driver education, ask the guidance counselor or driver education instructor how to register for the course.

If your school does not offer driver education or you are homeschooled, you can take the course through a private provider. The DHSMV maintains a list of approved course providers on its website. These providers offer the course online or in-person, and fees range depending on the provider — some charge $10 to $30, while others may charge more. When you choose a provider, make sure they are on the DHSMV's approved list, because only courses from approved providers will be accepted when you explore for your permit.

Some community colleges and vocational schools in Florida also offer the course. Call your local community college to ask whether they offer it and what the cost is.

What the test covers and how to pass it

The test is based on the course material you complete. It typically includes questions about how alcohol and drugs affect judgment, reaction time, and coordination; Florida's blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for drivers under 21; the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI); and the risks of impaired driving. The test is usually multiple choice, and you need to pass with a score of around 80 percent or higher, though the exact passing score may vary by provider.

Most providers allow you to retake the test if you do not pass on your first attempt. There is usually no additional fee for a retake. The course material is straightforward — it is designed to inform you about the law and the dangers of impaired driving, not to trick you. If you pay attention during the course, you should be able to pass the test.

How to use your test completion certificate

Once you pass the test, your course provider will give you a certificate of completion. This certificate is your proof that you have finished the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course. You must bring this certificate with you when you go to the DHSMV to explore for your learner's permit.

If you take the course online, the provider will usually email you the certificate or let you print it from their website. If you take it in-person at your high school or another location, you will receive a paper copy. Keep this certificate safe — you will need it to complete your permit process. If you lose it, contact your course provider and ask for a replacement.

The DHSMV will not issue your learner's permit without proof that you have completed the course. The certificate is your proof, so do not leave home without it when you go to explore.

Timeline and what happens next

The course itself usually takes a few hours to complete, whether you take it online or in-person. Online courses can often be done in one sitting, while in-person courses at high schools may be spread over a few class periods. Once you pass the test, you can explore for your learner's permit right away — there is no waiting period.

When you go to the DHSMV office to explore for your learner's permit, bring your certificate of completion, a valid form of identification (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The DHSMV will review your documents, take your photo, and administer a written test on traffic laws and road signs. If you pass that test, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

Costs you might encounter

The Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course and test are free when offered through your high school. If you take the course through a private provider, you may pay a fee — typically between $10 and $30, though some providers charge more. This fee goes to the provider for delivering the course material, not to the state.

The learner's permit itself has a separate fee charged by the DHSMV. As of the most recent information, the fee for a learner's permit is around $20 to $30, but this amount can change. Check the DHSMV website or call your local DHSMV office to confirm the current fee before you go in to explore.

If you need a replacement certificate from your course provider because you lost the original, some providers charge a small fee for this service, while others provide it free. Ask your provider about their replacement policy when you complete the course.

What happens if you do not complete the course

If you do not complete the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course and pass the test, the DHSMV will not issue your learner's permit. You cannot drive with a learner's permit without proof of completion. This is a state law requirement, not something the DHSMV can waive.

If you are under 18 and want to get your learner's permit, completing the course is a necessary step. There is no shortcut or alternative way to satisfy this requirement. The good news is that the course is free through most high schools and takes only a few hours, so it is not a major barrier to getting your permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the drug and alcohol test online?

Yes. Many DHSMV-approved providers offer the course and test online. You can complete it from home on your own schedule. Make sure the provider is on the DHSMV's approved list before you sign up, because only approved providers' certificates will be accepted when you explore for your permit.

What if I fail the drug and alcohol test?

Most providers allow you to retake the test at no additional cost. Review the course material again and try the test a second time. If you continue to struggle, some providers offer tutoring or additional resources to help you understand the material before you retake it.

Do I need the certificate before I can take the written driving test at the DHSMV?

Yes. You must bring your certificate of completion to the DHSMV office when you explore for your learner's permit. The DHSMV will not issue your permit without it. The certificate proves you have completed the required drug and alcohol course.

How long is the certificate valid?

Your certificate of completion is valid for as long as you need it to explore for your learner's permit. There is no expiration date on the certificate itself. However, once you have your learner's permit, you will need to follow the rules of the permit, including the supervised driving requirements and the restrictions on who can be in the car with you.

Can I take the course if I am 18 or older?

The Drug and Alcohol Awareness Course is required only for drivers under 18. If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete this course to get your learner's permit. You can go directly to the DHSMV office with your identification and other required documents to explore.