How to Get Your Florida Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Florida license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Florida learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Florida residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Florida residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Florida permit knowledge test
The Florida knowledge test has 50 questions; you must answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Florida-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Class E Knowledge Exam, you can retake it after paying a $10 retest fee. There is no cap on the number of attempts. The exam can be taken online if you are under 18.
The best prep path is to read the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free FL practice test and the full 50-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Florida learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $48).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Florida's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Florida license
Schedule your Florida road test through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $48 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Florida steps in order
As listed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
- Turn 15 years old (or 18 for the adult path).
- Complete the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course (under 18).
- Read the Florida Class E Driver Handbook at flhsmv.gov.
- Take practice tests until you score 90% or higher.
- Visit a FLHSMV service center or county tax collector office, or take the test online if under 18.
- Bring proof of identity, Florida residency, Social Security number, and parental consent (under 18).
- Pass the vision, hearing, and 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam.
- Pay the $48 Original Class E fee plus any tax collector service fee.
- Receive your Class E Learner's License.
- Hold the learner's license for at least 12 months (or until 18) and log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night).
- Pass the Class E Driving Skills Test for a full Class E driver's license.
FAQ: Getting Your Florida License
How old do I need to be to get a Florida learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Florida learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Florida permit test?
The Florida permit knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Florida permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Florida residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Florida?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) driver manual lists Florida's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Florida driver license?
Yes — Florida issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free FL practice tests mirror the real Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Florida-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.