Florida's two paths to a driver's license

Florida issues two types of driver's licenses: a standard license for people 18 and older, and a learner's permit for people 15 and older who are learning to drive. To get either one, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test (except for the learner's permit, which requires only the written test). You cannot complete this process online or by mail.

The standard license is what most people think of as a driver's license — it lets you drive alone on public roads. The learner's permit is a step before that; it requires a licensed adult to sit in the front passenger seat while you drive. If you are under 18, Florida law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the driving test for a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number or an affidavit if you do not have one.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DHSMV handbook or practice tests on the DHSMV website.
  • The driving test is performed by a DHSMV examiner at the office where you take your written test, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months and complete a traffic law and substance abuse course before you can take the driving test.
  • The standard license costs $48 and is valid for eight years; a learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year.

What documents you need to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The DHSMV accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A photocopy of any of these does not work — it must be the original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

You also need proof that you live in Florida. Bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a homeowner's insurance policy, a bank statement, a paycheck stub, or a government-issued document with your name and current Florida address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A photocopy does not work.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to sign an affidavit at the DHSMV office stating that you do not have one.

How to prepare for the written test

The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a test in another language if you bring an interpreter at your own cost.

Study using the official DHSMV Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website as a PDF. The handbook covers everything the test covers. You can also take practice tests on the DHSMV website; these are free and show you the types of questions you will see. Many people take the practice test multiple times until they score 40 or higher.

The test is taken on a computer at the DHSMV office. You have 30 minutes to complete it. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again.

The driving test: what to expect and what to bring

The driving test is performed by a DHSMV examiner and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive on public roads near the DHSMV office. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle, obey traffic signs and signals, park, and respond to other traffic. You must pass this test to get a standard license.

Bring a vehicle that is registered in Florida, has a current Florida inspection sticker, and is insured. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — all lights must work, the windshield must be clean and uncracked, the tires must have tread, and the brakes must work. The examiner will check these things before you drive.

You cannot take the driving test if you do not have a valid learner's permit in your hand at the time of the test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test the same day you pass the written test. If you are under 18, you must wait at least three months after getting your learner's permit, and you must have proof that you completed a traffic law and substance abuse course.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

If you are 15 or 16, you can get a learner's permit. You must pass the written test and bring all required documents. The permit is valid for one year and costs $20. While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat.

Before you can take the driving test, you must hold the learner's permit for at least three months and complete a traffic law and substance abuse course. This course is four hours long and is offered online or in person by approved providers. The DHSMV website lists approved providers in your county. You must bring proof of completion to the DHSMV office when you take the driving test.

Once you pass the driving test, you get a license that is valid for eight years and costs $48. If you are under 18 when you get your license, it will have a "Juvenile" designation, which means you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a court-ordered activity. This restriction lifts when you turn 18.

Finding a DHSMV office and scheduling your visit

Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the DHSMV website by entering your county or city. The website shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation.

You do not need an appointment to take the written test, but you can schedule one online if you want to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. If you schedule an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with a date and time.

Bring all required documents and arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are taking the driving test, bring your vehicle and your learner's permit. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Fees and how long your license is valid

A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year. A standard driver's license costs $48 and is valid for eight years. These are the only fees you pay to the DHSMV; there are no additional charges for the written test or the driving test.

If your license expires, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. Renewal by mail or online is cheaper and faster than renewing in person. The DHSMV will mail you a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, sign an affidavit at the DHSMV office stating that you do not have one. Bring all other required documents. You will still pay the same fee and take the same test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it at any time. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again. Many people retake the test within a few days after studying the areas where they struggled.

Do I need to bring my learner's permit to take the driving test?

Yes. You must have a valid learner's permit in your hand when you take the driving test. If your permit has expired, you will need to renew it before you can test.

Can someone else take the written test for me?

No. You must be present and take the test yourself. The DHSMV verifies your identity before the test begins.

What if my vehicle fails the safety check before the driving test?

You cannot take the driving test that day. You will need to fix the vehicle and return another day. The examiner will tell you which parts need repair.