How to Get a Florida Driver's License
Getting a driver's license in Florida involves passing a 50-question written knowledge test (80% to pass), holding a learner's permit for 12 months OR until 18, whichever comes first, completing 50 hours total (10 at night) of supervised driving, and passing a road test. Below is the complete process — eligibility, required documents, fees, and Florida-specific rules.
Florida License — Quick Facts
- Permit Age
- 15
- License Age
- 16 (graduated) / 18 (full)
- Full Privileges
- 18
- Permit Fee
- $48
- License Fee
- $48 (Class E, 8 years)
- Written Test
- 50 Q · 80%
Age: Learner's permit at 15; full driver's license at 16 (graduated) / 18 (full); full unrestricted privileges at 18 Residency: Must be a Florida resident with documentation Permit holding period: 12 months OR until 18, whichever comes first before becoming eligible to take the road test Supervised driving: 50 hours total (10 at night) of practice with a licensed adult before the road test
Bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted at most FLHSMV offices.
Proof of identity — certified birth certificate, valid US passport, or permanent resident card Proof of Social Security number — SS card, W-2, or pay stub showing SSN Proof of state residency — TWO documents (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage) Proof of legal presence (if not US citizen) — visa, green card, or employment authorization Parental/guardian consent form (signed in person or notarized) — required for under-18 applicants Proof of school enrollment or graduation (in many states, required for under-18) TLSAE / Drug & Alcohol course completion certificate (required for first-time licensees)
Always verify current document requirements with the FLHSMV ↗ before your visit.
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1
Verify your eligibility
Confirm you're at least 15 (the minimum age for a Florida learner's permit) and have all required documents.
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2
Apply for your learner's permit
Visit a FLHSMV office (or apply online if available), submit your documents, pay the $48 fee, and pass a vision test.
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3
Pass the written knowledge test
50 questions, 80% required (40 correct out of 50). Format: 40 road rules + 10 road signs. Try our free Florida sample test →
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4
Complete supervised driving practice
Drive with a licensed adult (typically 21+ with 3+ years of driving experience). Log 50 hours total (10 at night) as documented practice. Hold the permit for at least 12 months OR until 18, whichever comes first.
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5
Pass the road test
A FLHSMV examiner rides with you for 15–25 minutes, scoring your driving on standard maneuvers. Pass to qualify for licensing.
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6
Receive your driver's license
Pay the license fee ($48 (Class E, 8 years)), have your photo taken, and receive your Florida driver's license. A temporary paper license is usually issued the same day; the permanent card arrives by mail in 1–4 weeks.
Standard road test components in Florida (and most US states):
Pre-drive vehicle inspection (lights, signals, horn, mirrors) Starting and proper signaling before moving Lane changes and merging into traffic Stop sign and traffic signal compliance Right and left turns at intersections Parallel parking Three-point turn (if road permits) Backing in a straight line Maintaining safe following distance Speed control (not too fast, not too slow) Mirror and blind-spot checks Defensive driving and hazard awareness
Rolling stops — slowing without coming to a complete stop Failing to check blind spots before lane changes Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by 1–2 mph Not signaling far enough in advance of turns Improper or unsafe lane changes Failing to yield right-of-way at intersections Hitting curbs while parking Driving too slowly (perceived as unsafe in traffic)
Florida requires the 4-hour TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course before any first-time permit.
💡 Pro tip: Hurricane evacuation routes and low-speed-vehicle (golf cart) rules are tested. Take the TLSAE early.
How old do you have to be to get a driver's license in Florida?
In Florida, you can apply for a learner's permit at age 15. A full driver's license is available at age 16 (graduated) / 18 (full), with full unrestricted privileges by age 18.
How much does it cost to get a Florida driver's license?
Florida's permit fee is $48, and the license fee is $48 (Class E, 8 years). Total cost varies depending on the length of license you choose. Always verify current fees with the FLHSMV.
How many questions are on the Florida written test?
The Florida written knowledge test has 50 questions. You need to answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass. Format: 40 road rules + 10 road signs.
How long do I have to hold my permit in Florida?
Florida requires holding your learner's permit for 12 months OR until 18, whichever comes first before applying for a full license. During this time, you must complete 50 hours total (10 at night) of supervised driving practice.
What's a Florida-specific rule I should know?
Florida requires the 4-hour TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course before any first-time permit.
Ready to pass the Florida written test?
Practice with our free Florida sample test or download the full app for hundreds of practice questions.