What you need to do to get a Florida driver license

To get a Florida driver license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while waiting for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Florida does not allow you to complete the entire process online or by mail. You must appear at a DHSMV office at least twice: once to take the written test and once to take the driving test. Between those visits, you will receive a learner's permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person to take both the written knowledge test and the driving test; neither can be done online or by mail.
  • Before you can take the driving test, you must hold a learner's permit for a minimum of one week and pass the written test at a DHSMV office.
  • Bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Florida residency, and Social Security number; copies alone will not be accepted.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and safe driving practices; the driving test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
  • Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

Florida requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof in three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy from a hospital.

For proof of Florida residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement showing your current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DHSMV office. Bring their ID as well. If you are renewing a license that has expired more than five years ago, Florida treats you as a new applicant and you must follow the same process as someone getting a license for the first time.

The written knowledge test and learner's permit

At your first DHSMV visit, you will take the written knowledge test, which covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

If you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least one week before you can take the driving test. During this time, you should practice driving in different conditions — residential streets, highways, parking lots, and if possible, at night.

The learner's permit is valid for one year. If you do not pass the driving test within that year, you will need to renew your learner's permit and take the written test again before you can schedule another driving test.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

You can schedule your driving test online through the DHSMV website, by phone at 1-844-DL-RENEW (1-844-357-3639), or in person at any DHSMV office. You must schedule at least one week after receiving your learner's permit. The driving test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive your own vehicle, a rental car, or a vehicle belonging to a family member — the examiner will ride along and observe your driving.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must be in safe working condition: all lights must function, the windshield wipers must work, the tires must have adequate tread, and the brakes must be responsive. If the examiner finds a safety defect, you will not be allowed to take the test that day.

The driving test includes basic maneuvers such as starting and stopping, turning, backing up, and parking. You will also drive on public roads. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits: proper use of mirrors, smooth steering, appropriate speed, and correct signaling. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test.

After you pass the driving test

When you pass the driving test, the DHSMV examiner will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being produced. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DHSMV to report it.

Your permanent license is valid for eight years if you are over 21, or until age 21 if you are under 18 when you receive it. The license includes your photograph, signature, and driving record restrictions if any explore. If you wear corrective lenses, the license will note that you must wear them while driving.

Fees and payment

The DHSMV charges a fee for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. The total cost varies depending on the type of license and whether you are a new driver or renewing. As of 2024, a new driver license typically costs between $75 and $100, but this amount changes periodically. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office for the current fee before you visit.

The DHSMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you have a preference. If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local DHSMV office to ask about fee waivers or payment plans — availability varies by location.

Special situations and restrictions for new drivers

If you are under 18, Florida law imposes restrictions on your license called a graduated licensing system. For the first three months after you receive your license, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. After three months, the curfew extends to midnight to 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

If you are 18 or older and getting your first Florida license, you do not have a curfew, but you must still follow all traffic laws. If you are moving to Florida from another state and already have a valid driver license, you can exchange it for a Florida license without retaking the written and driving tests, though you will still need to visit a DHSMV office and provide proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through a third-party testing center. You must visit an office during business hours to take the test.

How long do I have to wait between getting my learner's permit and taking the driving test?

You must hold your learner's permit for at least one week before you can take the driving test. You can schedule the test for the eighth day after you receive the permit. There is no maximum waiting period, so you can wait longer if you need more practice time.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one week. You do not need to retake the written test or get a new learner's permit. You can schedule another driving test through the DHSMV website, by phone, or in person. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to bring my own vehicle to take the driving test?

No. You can use a rental car or a vehicle belonging to a family member, as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ride along in whatever vehicle you choose. The vehicle must have working lights, wipers, brakes, and adequate tire tread.

How long is a Florida driver license valid?

A Florida driver license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older when you receive it. If you are under 18, the license is valid until your 21st birthday. After that, you must renew it every eight years. You can renew by mail or online if your license has not been suspended or revoked.