What you need to do to get a Florida driver's license
To get a Florida driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written test about traffic laws, pass a driving test, and pay the fee. Florida calls its DMV the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — you must show up to an office with your documents and take both tests yourself.
The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself is usually one to two hours. Most people pass both tests on their first try if they study the handbook beforehand and have some driving experience.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Florida DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to take the written and driving tests.
- The written test covers Florida traffic laws and is based on the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which you can read free online before you go.
- The driving test happens in your own car or a rental, and you must bring someone who holds a valid license to sit in the passenger seat during the test.
- The fee for a Florida driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you can exchange it for a Florida license without retaking the tests, though you still need to visit an office and pay the fee.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV office
Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you don't have a number). For proof of identity, Florida accepts a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign national ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and Florida address on it — it must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are under 18, you also need a signed form from a parent or guardian. The form is called the Parental Consent Form for Minors, and you can read it from the DHSMV website or pick one up at the office. Your parent or guardian does not need to be present, but their signature must be on the form.
Bring the originals of these documents, not copies. The office staff will look at them and may make copies for your file, but you keep the originals.
Studying for and taking the written test
The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is based entirely on the Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free to read online at the DHSMV website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office.
Most people study the handbook for a few days or a week before their test. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. If you have driven before, much of it will be familiar, but Florida has specific rules you may not know — for example, Florida law requires you to move to another lane if a police car is parked on the shoulder with lights on.
When you arrive at the office for your test, you will sit at a computer and answer the questions. You get your score when ready. If you pass, you move on to scheduling your driving test. If you do not pass, you can retake the written test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the office staff will help you schedule your driving test. The test usually happens within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how busy your local office is. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location.
On the day of your driving test, bring your own car or a rental car. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. You must also bring someone who holds a valid driver's license to sit in the passenger seat during the entire test. This person can be a friend, family member, or instructor, but they cannot be the examiner.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, stopping at a stop sign, and merging onto a road. You need to follow traffic laws, use your turn signals, check your mirrors, and stay calm. Most people pass on their first try. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after a waiting period — ask the examiner how long you must wait before scheduling another attempt.
Paying the fee and receiving your license
The fee for a Florida driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license. You pay this at the DMV office after you pass both tests. Florida accepts cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have additional payment options, so ask when you arrive.
After you pay, the office will take your photo and print your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Florida, you do not need to retake the written and driving tests. Instead, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license. You still need to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you still need to pay the $48 fee.
The exchange process is faster than getting a license from scratch — you usually get your temporary license the same day and your plastic card within one to two weeks. However, if your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, Florida may not accept the exchange. In that case, you will need to take the written and driving tests as if you were getting a license for the first time.
Finding your nearest DMV office and what to expect
Florida has DMV offices in every county. To find the office nearest you, visit the DHSMV website and use the office locator tool, or call 1-844-35-DHSMV. Each office has different hours and may have different wait times depending on the day and time you visit. Many offices are busier on Saturdays and during lunch hours, so going on a weekday morning often means a shorter wait.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window to turn in your documents and take the written test. After you pass the written test, you will schedule your driving test and leave. The whole visit usually takes one to two hours, but it can be longer if the office is busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Florida DMV office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third party. However, you can study the Florida Driver's Handbook online before you go to the office.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after a waiting period. The examiner will tell you how long you must wait — it varies by office. You pay the test fee again when you retake it. You do not need to retake the written test unless your written test score expires, which happens after a certain amount of time if you have not passed the driving test.
Do I need to take driver's education classes?
No, driver's education is not required to get a Florida driver's license. However, if you are under 18, completing a driver's education course may lower your car insurance rates. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount.
How long is a Florida driver's license valid?
A Florida driver's license is valid for eight years. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal is simpler than getting a license for the first time — you usually do not need to retake the tests unless you have a medical condition or your license was suspended.
What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving while you wait for your plastic card. If you lose the temporary license, go back to the DMV office and ask for a replacement. You may need to pay a small fee for a duplicate.