How to get a driver's license in Florida

If you are under 18

The regular Florida license for a car is the Class E driver license. If you are under 18, you get it in two stages: first a learner's license, then a driver license.

1. Take a driver education course

   If you are under 18 and have never held a driver license anywhere, you must complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before you apply. You can take it in person or online. A Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) course offered by some county school boards, or a Florida Department of Education Traffic Safety Classroom course (1900300 or 1900310), may be used instead.

   Source: [7] [8] [1]

2. Pass the knowledge exam

   Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam. You can take it at a service center, online through an approved third-party administrator, or in many high school driver education classes through DELAP. For an online test, you need the Parent Proctoring Form (HSMV 71144), notarized or signed in front of a driver license examiner.

   Source: [1] [2] [4]

3. Get a parent's consent

   One parent or legal guardian must sign the Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71142). The signature must be notarized or made in front of a driver license examiner. A step-parent may sign only if they have legally adopted you.

   • If you are married, you show a certified marriage certificate.
   • If you are emancipated, you show a certified court order.
   • If you are in licensed out-of-home care, a foster parent, an authorized group-home representative or a guardian ad litem may sign.

   Source: [1] [6] [4]

4. Get your learner's license

   You must be at least 15 years old. Bring documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number and your residential address (see Documents to bring). At the service center, you must pass a vision and hearing test.

   Source: [1]

5. Follow the learner's license rules

   • A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must always sit in the seat closest to your right.
   • For the first 3 months after the license is issued, you may drive only during daylight. After that, you may drive until 10:00 p.m.
   • You may not drive a motorcycle.

   Source: [10]

6. Hold the learner's license and practice

   Keep your learner's license for at least 12 months, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult over 21 must certify that you have 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night. The adult signs the Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form (HSMV 71143) in front of a driver license examiner, or has it notarized if they will not be there.

   Source: [1] [4]

7. Keep a clean driving record

   In the first year after your learner's license is issued, you must have no convictions for moving violations. You may have one moving violation if adjudication was withheld. A conviction extends the time you must hold your learner's license to 1 year from the conviction date, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

   Source: [1] [5]

8. Meet school attendance rules

   If you do not comply with school attendance rules, your driving privilege can be suspended, or you may not be able to get a license until you prove that you attended school for 30 days in a row.

   Source: [5]

9. Pass the driving test and get your driver license

   You must be at least 16 years old and pass the Class E Driving Skills Test. Then you surrender (hand in) your learner's license at a service center to receive your Class E driver license. The Class E license is for passenger cars and other non-commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating under 26,001 pounds.

   Source: [1] [2] [10]

10. Driving hours until you turn 18

    • At 16, you may drive without a licensed adult only between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
    • At 17, you may drive without a licensed adult only between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
    • Outside these hours, you may drive only to or from work, or with a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
    • At 18, you may drive at any hour without an adult in the car.

    Source: [3] [1]

If you are 18 or older

1. Take the TLSAE course

   If you are 18 or older and have never held a driver license anywhere, you must complete a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. You can take it online or in a classroom with an approved TLSAE provider.

   Source: [9] [8] [3]

2. Pass the knowledge exam in person

   Adults cannot take the Class E Knowledge Exam online. You can take it at a service center, or in person with an approved third-party provider.

   Source: [3] [2] [27]

3. No 12-month learner's period

   The rule to hold a learner's license for 12 months is for applicants under 18. If you are 18 or older, you can qualify for a driver license without holding a learner's license for 12 months.

   Source: [2] [27]

4. Pass the vision and driving tests

   As a first-time applicant, you must also pass a vision test and a driving test. You must apply in person at an office for your first Florida driver license.

   Source: [22] [2] [24]

5. Selective Service (men aged 18 to 25)

   State law requires men who are U.S. citizens or immigrants and are at least 18 but under 26 years old to comply with federal Selective Service System requirements when they apply for a driver license.

   Source: [27]

Moving to Florida with a license from another state

New Resident Guide →

• You have 30 days

  You must get a Florida driver license within 30 days after you become a Florida resident. You apply in person at a local office that offers driver license services. You become a resident if you do any of these things:

  • Enroll your children in public school.
  • Register to vote.
  • File for a homestead exemption.
  • Accept a job.
  • Live in Florida for more than 6 months in a row.

  Source: [11] [12]

• Tests you do not take

  If you exchange a valid license from another U.S. state for a Florida license, you do not need to take the written test or the driving test. You must pass the vision and hearing tests. Other tests may be required if there are signs that you may not be able to drive safely. If you are under 18, you also do not need the DETS course.

  Source: [21] [17] [8]

• Hand in your old license

  When your Florida license is issued, you must surrender (hand in) your license from the other U.S. state or territory. Your out-of-state license is not accepted as your primary identity document, so you still need to bring your documents.

  Source: [27] [17]

• Licenses from U.S. territories, the U.S. military or other countries

  With a license from another country, you may need to complete the TLSAE course, a written test or a driving test. The Class E knowledge and driving tests are waived if you have a valid license from one of the places below. A vision test is still required.

  • U.S. territories
  • U.S. military
  • Canada (only if you surrender your Canadian license)
  • France
  • Germany (only the driving test is waived)
  • Taiwan (Republic of China)
  • South Korea

  Source: [27] [22]

• If you are missing documents

  If you cannot bring all the required documents, you may get a 60-day temporary permit. This is possible only if your out-of-state license is still valid, or has been expired for 60 days or less.

  Source: [12]

• Military families

  Military service members and their families who live and drive in Florida may drive with a valid out-of-state driver license.

  Source: [17]

Documents to bring

The complete lists are on the FLHSMV What to Bring page. Choose your status there: U.S. Citizen, Immigrant, Non-Immigrant or Canadian.

• Originals or certified copies

  Bring original documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number and your residential address. Identity documents, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards and marriage or divorce records, must be originals or certified copies from the office that issued them. Notarized copies are not accepted. Your address documents may be printouts or faxes (see below).

  Source: [13] [18] [14]

• Identity: U.S. citizens

  Bring one of these documents. Only a birth certificate issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics is accepted. Hospital birth certificates are not accepted.

  • U.S. birth certificate, including some U.S. territories and the District of Columbia (a Puerto Rico birth certificate must be issued after July 1, 2010)
  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (form N-560 or N-561)

  Source: [14]

• Identity: immigrants

  Bring one of these documents.

  • Valid green card (form I-551)
  • I-551 stamp in your passport or on your I-94
  • An immigration judge's order granting asylum, with your A-number, plus a valid passport
  • Form I-797 with your A-number stating that you were granted asylum, plus a valid passport
  • Form I-797 or another form from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with your A-number stating that your refugee application is approved, plus a valid passport

  Source: [15]

• Identity: non-immigrants

  Bring one of these documents. It must be valid for more than 60 days from the date of issuance. Some classifications need more documents with the I-94, for example an I-20 for F-1 or M-1 status, or a DS2019 for J-1 or J-2 status. If you are not sure what to bring, bring all your USCIS documents.

  • Valid employment authorization card (form I-688B or I-766)
  • Unexpired form I-94 with its required supporting documents, and a valid passport with a date-of-entry stamp

  Source: [16]

• Social Security number

  U.S. citizens and immigrants must have a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration. Non-immigrants must also bring proof of an SSN, unless their immigration status does not allow them to work in the U.S. The name linked to your SSN must match the name that will be on your license. Bring an original document that shows your complete name and complete SSN, such as:

  • Social Security card with your current name
  • W-2 form (not handwritten)
  • Pay check or pay stub
  • SSA-1099 form
  • Any 1099 form (not handwritten)

  Source: [14] [17]

• Florida address: 2 documents

  Bring 2 different documents that show your Florida residential address. Printouts or faxes are accepted. You cannot use your current driver license or ID card as proof of address. An address in another state or in a U.S. territory is not accepted. Accepted documents include, for example:

  • Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or residential rental or lease agreement
  • Florida voter registration card (for U.S. citizens)
  • Valid Florida vehicle registration or title
  • Utility bill, such as water, gas, electricity, cell phone or cable, dated within the last 60 days
  • Homeowner or car insurance policy or bill, dated within the last 60 days
  • Bank, credit card or investment account statement, dated within the last 60 days
  • Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency, dated within the last 60 days

  Source: [14]

• No address documents in your name?

  The person you live with can complete a Certification of Address form and add 2 proof-of-address documents that are listed on that form. That person must be present at the office, or sign the form in front of a notary.

  Source: [14]

• If your name has changed

  If you changed your name by marriage, divorce or court order, bring the original or a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order. Photocopies and church-issued marriage certificates are not accepted. Your documents must show how your birth name changed to your current name.

  • If your valid U.S. passport shows your current name, you do not need other name-change documents.
  • Wait 24 to 48 hours after you change your name with the Social Security Administration before you apply.
  • Immigrants must first have their name changed on their USCIS documents.

  Source: [14] [13] [15]

REAL ID

• What it is

  A REAL ID-compliant license has a star in the upper right corner, and new Florida driver licenses have this star. Florida is a REAL ID-compliant state. You cannot hold a REAL ID driver license and a REAL ID ID card at the same time.

  Source: [13] [19]

• Why the star matters

  Since May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver license or ID card as identification at airports only if it has the star. REAL ID-compliant identification is also needed to enter military bases and most federal facilities. A U.S. passport can be used instead of a REAL ID-compliant card.

  Source: [13]

• REAL ID documents

  The documents listed under Documents to bring are the documents needed for a REAL ID-compliant license. You must visit an office to become REAL ID-compliant for the first time. After that, you need to show your documents again only if your information changes, for example your name or residential address.

  Source: [13] [19]

At the office

• Find an office and make an appointment

  Driver license services are offered at FLHSMV driver license service centers and at county tax collector offices, listed at flhsmv.gov/locations. Some offices accept walk-ins, and some work by appointment only. Many offices require an appointment. FLHSMV recommends making an appointment before you visit.

  Source: [19] [21] [20]

• Apply in person with your documents

  You must apply in person at an office for your first Florida driver license. Your documents are scanned and given back to you right after your visit. On the driver license application, you must list any physical or mental issues that might affect your driving.

  Source: [24] [17] [27]

• Take the tests

  Hearing, vision, knowledge and driving tests are given at the service center, depending on the license you want. Vision is tested with an eye machine at the counter. If you passed the knowledge exam with DELAP or a third-party administrator, your score is sent electronically, so you do not need to bring proof of it. If you completed the TLSAE course with a registered provider, your completion is also sent electronically, so you do not need a paper certificate.

  Source: [21] [3] [26]

• Have your photo taken

  A full facial photo is taken for your license. Veils, scarves or headdresses must not hide any facial features or create shadows. Glasses or other eyewear must not block the iris or pupil of your eyes.

  Source: [21]

• Fees and payment

  The current fees are on the FLHSMV fees page (see Official links). There is no fee for the Class E driver license if you surrender your learner's license and do not need a name or address change. A service fee applies to all driver license transactions at a tax collector office. State-run FLHSMV service centers accept American Express, MasterCard and Discover credit cards.

  Source: [21] [3]

The tests

• Knowledge exam

  The Class E Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, safe driving practices and identifying traffic controls. To pass, you must answer 40 of the 50 questions correctly (80 percent). The exam is available in English only.

  Source: [2]

• Where to take the knowledge exam

  You can take the Class E Knowledge Exam in these places:

  • At a service center
  • In person with an approved third-party provider (any age)
  • Online through an approved third-party administrator, only if you are under 18, with the Parent Proctoring Form (HSMV 71144)
  • In many high school driver education classes, through DELAP

  Source: [2] [27] [3]

• Vision test

  Every applicant for a first Florida license must pass a vision test. You need 20/70 or better in either eye or in both eyes together, with or without glasses or contact lenses, if your vision cannot be improved. If one eye is blind or 20/200 or worse, the other eye must be 20/40 or better.

  • If your vision is 20/50 or worse in either eye, an eye specialist must complete the Report of Eye Exam (Form 72010).
  • If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass, you must wear them when you drive.
  • Telescopic lenses may not be used to meet the vision standard.

  Source: [22] [23] [27]

• Driving skills test

  The Class E Driving Skills Test is a series of maneuvers that shows whether you can drive safely. You can take it at a service center, with a driver license exam provider or third-party administrator, or in many high school driver education classes through DELAP. The examiner checks, for example:

  • A three-point turn in a space of 20 to 40 feet
  • Backing up 50 feet slowly while looking to the rear, without the rear-view mirror or backup camera
  • Signaling for the last 100 feet before a turn, by hand or with the turn signals
  • A complete stop at a stop sign, before the stop line or crosswalk
  • Yielding to pedestrians, and pulling over and stopping for emergency vehicles
  • A following distance of at least 4 seconds
  • Parking uphill and downhill, with and without a curb, and straight-in parking
  • A quick, safe stop when the examiner tells you to stop
  • Both hands on the steering wheel

  Source: [2]

• The vehicle for the driving test

  You must bring a vehicle for the test. It must have valid registration and proof of insurance, and pass a basic inspection by the examiner. No passengers other than the examiner are allowed, and the test is not given if, for example:

  • The horn, rear-view mirror, turn signals, steering wheel, brakes, tires, brake lights or taillights are defective or do not work.
  • There is no windshield wiper on the driver's side, or the headlights do not work.
  • Cracked or broken glass blocks the view.
  • The tag (license plate) is expired.
  • It is a low-speed vehicle, with a top speed of 20 to 25 miles per hour.

  Source: [21] [2]

• Re-tests

  If you fail the driving test, you will be asked to study or practice before you come back for a re-test. A re-test fee applies if you fail the knowledge exam or the driving test. If you pass either test with a third-party administrator, you may be chosen at random, without notice, for a free mandatory re-test.

  Source: [2] [3]

After you pass

• If you are not a U.S. citizen

  If you are not a U.S. citizen and you apply for your first driver license, you get a 60-day temporary paper permit without a photo, and a receipt. After your identity and legal status are verified, your license is issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on your driver record. If they cannot be verified, a letter denying the license is mailed to you.

  Source: [16] [27]

• Drivers under 21

  If you are under 21, the front of your license shows a red box with the date you turn 21.

  Source: [25]

• How long your license is valid

  A Class E license for U.S. citizens and immigrants is valid for 8 years if you are under 80, and 6 years if you are over 79. For non-immigrants, it is valid for the time approved by USCIS, up to 1 year. You can renew up to 18 months before it expires.

  Source: [17] [24]

• Keep your license up to date

  If you move, you have 30 days to update the address on your license. Always carry your license when you drive, and keep proof of registration and insurance in the vehicle.

  Source: [24] [27]

Official links

• Requirements for teens (under 18) (flhsmv.gov)
• DETS course for first-time drivers under 18 (flhsmv.gov)
• TLSAE course for first-time drivers 18 and older (flhsmv.gov)
• What to Bring (document lists) (flhsmv.gov)
• REAL ID (flhsmv.gov)
• Find an office or make an appointment (flhsmv.gov)
• Knowledge exam and driving skills test (flhsmv.gov)
• Fees (flhsmv.gov)
• Forms (flhsmv.gov)
• New to Florida (flhsmv.gov)

Sources

1. Licensing Requirements for Teens, Graduated Driver License Laws and Driving Curfews (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
2. Class E Knowledge Exam & Driving Skills Test (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
3. Teen Drivers - Frequently Asked Questions (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
4. Required Forms for Teens (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
5. Traffic Laws for Florida Teens (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
6. Form HSMV 71142 - Parental Consent for a Driver Application of a Minor (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
7. Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
8. Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course Frequently Asked Questions (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
9. What is Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) and how do I find the approved listing of TLSAE course providers? (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
10. License Classes, Endorsements & Designations (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
11. New Resident - Welcome to Florida! (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
12. Visiting Florida Frequently Asked Questions (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
13. What to Bring (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
14. What to Bring - U.S. Citizen (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
15. What to Bring - Immigrant (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
16. What to Bring - Non-Immigrant (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
17. What to Bring - Frequently Asked Questions (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
18. What to Bring - Document Help (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
19. REAL ID (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
20. Locations (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
21. Driver Licenses & ID Cards - General Information (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
22. General Information - Frequently Asked Questions (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
23. Vision Standards (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
24. Renew or Replace Your Florida Driver License or ID Card (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
25. Florida's NEW Driver License and ID Card (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
26. Handbooks & Manuals (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
27. Florida Driver License Handbook (Revised August 2023) (flhsmv.gov) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)