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 and a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process takes several visits spread over weeks — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day. Most people start by taking the written test, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test after they pass.
Florida issues licenses to people who are at least 16 years old and can prove their identity, residency, and Social Security number. If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process. The state also requires you to show proof that you have completed a driver education course if you are under 18, or proof of a previous license if you are moving from another state.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person with original documents proving your identity, Florida residency, and Social Security number before you can take either test.
- The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free online.
- After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which you take in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle.
- The total cost is $48 for a standard eight-year license, plus any fees for retakes if you do not pass on your first attempt.
- Processing times vary by office location, but plan for at least two to four weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail.
Documents you must bring to the DMV office
Bring original documents — not copies — that prove three things: who you are, that you live in Florida, and your Social Security number. The DMV will not accept expired documents for identity proof, and they will not accept documents that have been altered.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a valid visa, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. If you are under 18, your birth certificate is usually the easiest option because it has a raised seal and is hard to forge.
For Florida residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill. A piece of mail from the government — like a tax return or a court document — also works.
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 any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.
Taking the written test at the DMV
The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.
Study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which you can read free from the Florida DMV website. The handbook covers everything the test asks about — there are no trick questions or material outside the handbook. Most people spend a few hours reading it before taking the test.
You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is a fee for each retake.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the DMV staff will give you information about scheduling your driving test. You cannot take the driving test on the same day as the written test. Most DMV offices let you schedule online or by phone; some require you to schedule in person at your next visit.
For the driving test, you drive a set route in your own vehicle or in a DMV test vehicle, depending on which your location offers. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The test lasts about 20 minutes. You need to demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
Bring your written test passing certificate and your original documents again. If you are under 18, you must have held a learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the driving test. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set number of days — ask the examiner how long.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, the DMV processes your process and mails your license to the address you provided. This usually takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Your Florida driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires. The DMV sends renewal notices by mail about 90 days before your license expires.
Cost and payment methods
A standard eight-year Florida driver's license costs $48. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you need to retake the written test, each retake costs $10. If you need to retake the driving test, each retake costs $15.
If you are a Florida resident who is 65 or older, you may be able to renew your license for a lower cost or for free, depending on your age. Ask the DMV staff about senior discounts when you visit.
Different rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the written test. This course can be taken online or in person through a private driving school or your high school. After you complete the course, bring your completion certificate to the DMV.
You also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV. If both parents have custody, only one needs to sign. If you have a court order giving custody to someone other than your parents, bring that order with you.
You must hold a learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the driving test. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. The permit costs $10 and is issued the same day you pass the written test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online from home?
No. You must take both the written test and the driving test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take either test online or by mail. However, you can study for the written test at home using the free Florida Driver's Handbook.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting the number of days the examiner tells you — usually three to seven days. There is a $15 fee for each retake. You do not need to retake the written test unless your written test passing certificate expires, which is typically one year after you pass it.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The DMV will test your vision as part of the written test appointment. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to retake it after getting new glasses or contacts, or the DMV may restrict your license to require you to wear corrective lenses while driving.
How long is my learner's permit valid?
Your learner's permit is valid for one year. If you do not pass the driving test within that year, you must renew your permit and retake the written test. The renewal costs $10.
Can I transfer my license from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange it for a Florida license by visiting a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is $48, the same as a new license.