The Basic Path to a Florida Driver's License

To get a driver's license in Florida, you need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) handles all licenses. You can take the written test at any of Florida's 67 county tax collector offices or at a DHSMV office, and you must pass the driving test at a DHSMV office. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

Florida does not require you to take a formal driver education course to sit for the tests, though some people choose to take one. You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 17 to get a full license without parental consent. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test on Florida traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test, both administered by DHSMV or county tax collector offices.
  • Bring a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The written test costs $7 and the driving test costs $20; the license itself costs $48 for an eight-year license or $75 for a REAL ID-compliant license.
  • You can take the written test at any county tax collector office, but you must take the driving test at a DHSMV office.
  • After you pass both tests, DHSMV mails your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days, and you receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and a Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (a parent or spouse, for example) plus a document showing your relationship to that person, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

If you are under 18, bring your parent or guardian with you, or bring a notarized consent form signed by them. DHSMV offices and many banks and notaries can notarize the form.

Taking the Written Test

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any county tax collector office or DHSMV office. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You have one hour to complete it.

You can take the test on a computer at the office, and you get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. The test costs $7 each time you take it.

Many people study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which DHSMV publishes and makes available free online at flhsmv.gov. You can also request a printed copy at any tax collector office or DHSMV office.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

You must take the driving test at a DHSMV office, not at a tax collector office. You can schedule an appointment online at flhsmv.gov, by phone at 1-844-9-FLORIDADMV, or in person at any DHSMV office. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy counties, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

Bring your temporary permit (the paper receipt you got after passing the written test), your identity document, and proof of residency. You must also bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must follow the examiner's directions and obey all traffic signs and signals. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. The test costs $20 each time.

After You Pass Both Tests

Once you pass the driving test, DHSMV gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license lets you drive when ready while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

The cost of the license depends on which type you choose. A standard eight-year license costs $48. A REAL ID-compliant license, which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access, costs $75. Both are valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are over 80, your license is valid for six years and costs less.

If you move to a different Florida address, you must update your address with DHSMV within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a tax collector office or DHSMV office. There is no fee to change your address.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Florida, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written or driving tests. You must bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Florida residency. The exchange costs $48 for a standard license or $75 for a REAL ID license.

You can do the exchange at any county tax collector office or DHSMV office. Processing takes a few minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you may still be able to exchange it, but DHSMV may require you to take the written test. Call your local tax collector office or DHSMV office to ask before you go in.

Finding a Tax Collector Office or DHSMV Office Near You

Florida has 67 county tax collector offices and multiple DHSMV offices statewide. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. The site also shows wait times at some offices, which can help you plan when to go.

Many tax collector offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer Saturday hours. DHSMV offices have similar hours. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you visit, because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. Florida requires you to take the written test in person at a tax collector office or DHSMV office so that staff can verify your identity. You cannot take it remotely.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period, but appointments fill up quickly, so you may have to wait several weeks for the next available slot. Each attempt costs $20.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

No. Florida does not require a formal course to sit for the written and driving tests. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some people find a course helpful for learning the material.

What if I fail the written test multiple times?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, and you can retake it the same day if you want. Each attempt costs $7.

How long is a Florida driver's license valid?

A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are over 80 years old, your license is valid for six years. You must renew before the expiration date printed on your license.