Florida Driver's License
Requirements
In Florida, driver's licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) — through its Division of Motorist Services. Florida operates a strict three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for drivers under 18: a Learner's License at age 15, a Restricted Class E License at 16–17 with nighttime restrictions, and an unrestricted Class E License at 18 (or after 12 violation-free months on the restricted license). The standard non-commercial Florida license is the Class E License — what most Floridians refer to as a "regular driver's license." Florida also issues Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL Classes A, B, and C) for trucking and bus operations. All first-time drivers under 18 must complete the four-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course — also known as the Drug & Alcohol course — before their permit is issued. Florida is a REAL ID state: every newly issued Class E license is REAL ID-compliant by default and shows a gold star in the upper-right corner. Adults applying for the first time follow a shorter path, but the core requirements (vision, knowledge test, skills test) still apply.
Requirements Overview
You must be a Florida resident to apply. The DHSMV requires two documents proving your current Florida address; one document must be from List A (e.g., utility bill, lease) and one from either List A or List B. P.O. boxes do NOT qualify as residency proof. For the most current document list, use the DHSMV "What to Bring" tool at flhsmv.gov.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Florida DMV website.
- Proof of identity (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card)
- Proof of Social Security number (SSN card, W-2, paystub showing full SSN, or 1099)
- Two proofs of Florida residential address (utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, mortgage statement — must show your name and address; P.O. boxes not accepted)
- Parental consent form HSMV 71142 (signed at the office or notarized in advance) — if under 18
- Proof of completion of the TLSAE course (Drug & Alcohol course) — required for all first-time drivers under 18
- Original name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) if your name differs from your birth certificate
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Florida DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Florida driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Study the Florida Driver License Handbook
Download the official Florida Driver License Handbook from flhsmv.gov. The Class E knowledge test is 50 multiple-choice questions (40 traffic law + 10 road sign recognition); you need 80% (40 correct) to pass. Every question comes directly from the handbook — read it twice.
Complete the TLSAE / Drug & Alcohol Course (Under 18)
Florida requires every first-time driver under 18 to complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before being issued a learner's permit. The 4-hour course covers DUI laws, the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving, and Florida's point system. It's offered online by state-approved providers (typically $25–$45) or in classrooms. The provider electronically reports your completion to the DHSMV.
Pro tip: Take the TLSAE course online — it's usually cheaper, can be completed at your own pace, and most providers bundle the 50-question knowledge test with the course (saving you a trip to the DHSMV).
Get a Learner's License (Age 15+)
Visit a DHSMV driver license office (or tax collector office that handles licenses) with your identity, SSN, and residency documents — plus parental consent if under 18. Pass a vision screening (20/40 in at least one eye) and hearing test, and the knowledge test if you didn't already pass it online. The Class E Learner's License costs about $48 plus a $6.25 service fee. You must hold it for 12 consecutive months — or until you turn 18, whichever comes first — before applying for the Restricted Class E License.
Pro tip: Use the DHSMV "Online Services" portal at flhsmv.gov to schedule your appointment in advance — walk-ins can wait 2–4 hours at busy offices in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orlando.
Complete 50 Hours of Supervised Practice Driving
Florida requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving — including at least 10 hours at night — for applicants under 18. All practice must be with a licensed driver age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat. Print the official Form HSMV 71142 from flhsmv.gov to log your hours; a parent or guardian must sign each entry to certify it. Practice in varied conditions: highways, neighborhoods, rain, and at night.
Pass the Class E Driving Skills Test
Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel skills test at a DHSMV office, tax collector office, or one of Florida's state-approved third-party testing schools. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control (signals, turns, parking), lane changes, three-point turns, parallel parking (where space allows), and stopping at signs and lights. You bring your own vehicle, which must be properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition.
Pro tip: Some Florida driving schools offer the official road test on-site — typically with shorter wait times than DHSMV offices and a familiar vehicle.
Receive Your Florida Driver License
Once you pass, pay the $48 license fee plus the $6.25 service fee. Applicants 16–17 receive a Restricted Class E License with nighttime driving restrictions (no driving 11 p.m.–6 a.m. for 16-year-olds; no driving 1 a.m.–5 a.m. for 17-year-olds — unless going to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21+). At age 18 (or after 12 months on the restricted license with no traffic convictions), restrictions are automatically lifted and you receive a full Class E License. Your physical card is mailed within 2–3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 16 years old to receive a Restricted Class E License (with TLSAE course completion, 50 supervised hours, and 12 months on a learner's license). A full unrestricted Class E License is issued at age 18 — or earlier if you complete 12 violation-free months on the Restricted License. Applicants can apply for a Learner's License at age 15.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Florida DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.