What you need to do to get a Florida driver's license under 18
Florida requires you to complete a learner's permit stage first, then a driving test, before you can get your full license. You cannot skip straight to a license — the state requires a waiting period between the permit and the test. The whole process typically takes several months, not weeks, so start early if you need to drive by a specific date.
The basic path is: take a traffic law and safety course (online or in-person), pass a written test to get your learner's permit, practice driving with a licensed adult for a set number of hours, then take a road test. Each step has its own requirements and documents you'll need to bring.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a traffic law and safety course before you can take the written permit test — this is not optional for drivers under 18.
- After you get your learner's permit, you must wait at least 10 days before you can take the road test, and you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of them at night).
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency, a birth certificate or passport, and parental consent at every stage.
- The road test itself costs money and must be scheduled in advance; wait times vary by location but can be several weeks during busy seasons.
- Once you pass the road test, you receive a license that has restrictions until you turn 18 — you cannot drive alone late at night, and you cannot have teenage passengers without an adult in the car.
Step 1: Complete a traffic law and safety course
Before you can take the written permit test, you must finish a traffic law and safety course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). This is a requirement for all drivers under 18 in Florida and cannot be skipped.
You can take this course online or in person. Online courses are offered by private companies and typically take 4 to 8 hours to complete; you can do them at your own pace. In-person courses are usually offered by high schools, driving schools, or community colleges and take a full day or are spread across several sessions. Both types cost money — online courses usually range from $15 to $50, and in-person courses vary more widely depending on the provider.
When you finish the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to show it when you explore for your learner's permit. Some online providers send it to you by email; others mail it. Ask before you enroll how and when you will receive it.
Step 2: explore for your learner's permit
Once you have your course certificate, you can explore for a learner's permit at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Bring your certificate of completion, your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease in your name or your parent's name), your birth certificate or passport, and a completed process form (HSMV 80039). Your parent or guardian must be present and sign the process.
At the DMV, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Florida Handbook for Drivers, which is free online at the DHSMV website. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
When you pass, you receive your learner's permit when ready. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws.
Step 3: Practice driving and log your hours
After you get your learner's permit, you must practice driving for a minimum amount of time before you can take the road test. Florida requires at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night (between sunset and sunrise). This waiting period also means you cannot take the road test until at least 10 days after you receive your permit.
Keep a record of your driving hours. You do not have to submit this record to the DMV, but you should track it yourself so you know when you have met the requirement. Write down the date, time, location, and how many hours you drove. Your supervising adult can help you keep track.
During this time, practice in different conditions — residential streets, highways, heavy traffic, and night driving. The road test will include various driving situations, so the more experience you have, the better prepared you will be.
Step 4: Schedule and take your road test
When you have completed your 50 hours of practice (including the 10 night hours) and waited at least 10 days since getting your permit, you can schedule your road test. You must book this test in advance — you cannot just show up at a DMV office. Schedule online through the DHSMV website or call your local DMV office. Wait times vary by location; during busy seasons (spring and summer), you may need to wait several weeks for an available slot.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and other safety features before the test begins. Bring your supervising adult with you; they will wait while you take the test, but they cannot be in the car during it.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and driving on different types of roads. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least 7 days before scheduling another one.
Step 5: Receive your license and understand the restrictions
When you pass the road test, you receive your Florida driver's license. However, if you are under 18, your license comes with restrictions that last until your 18th birthday. These restrictions are designed to reduce crash risk for new teenage drivers.
The main restrictions are: you cannot drive alone between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. (with limited exceptions for work, school, or medical emergencies), and you cannot have passengers under 20 years old in the car unless a parent, guardian, or adult 21 or older is also in the vehicle. Violating these restrictions can result in a ticket and points on your license.
When you turn 18, these restrictions automatically expire, and you have a standard adult license. You do not need to renew or reapply.
Documents and fees you will need
Throughout this process, you will need to pay several fees. The learner's permit costs around $20 to $30, and the road test costs approximately $15 to $20 — but these amounts vary slightly by county. The traffic law and safety course costs $15 to $50 depending on whether you take it online or in person. Add the cost of the course certificate if you take it in person.
Bring these documents to every DMV visit: your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your address), your birth certificate or passport, and your parent or guardian's ID. If your address has changed, bring a new proof of residency. If you do not have all of these, the DMV will not process your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license faster if I turn 18 soon?
No. The 10-day waiting period between your permit and road test and the 50-hour practice requirement cannot be waived, even if you are about to turn 18. However, once you turn 18, the restrictions on your license expire automatically, so if you are close to 18, you might wait to get your license until after your birthday to avoid the restrictions.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least 7 days. You do not need to repeat the traffic law course or take the written permit test again. Schedule your next road test through the DMV website or by calling your local office. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to take the traffic law course if I already took driver's education in school?
It depends. Some high schools offer courses that satisfy Florida's requirement, but not all do. Ask your school whether their driver's education course is approved by the DHSMV. If it is, you can use that certificate instead of taking a separate course. If it is not, you will need to complete an approved course.
What happens if I get a ticket while I have my learner's permit?
Points go on your driving record just as they would for an adult. If you accumulate too many points, your license can be suspended. Drive safely and follow all traffic laws, especially since you are still learning.
Can my parent or guardian teach me to drive, or do I need a professional instructor?
Your parent or guardian can teach you. They do not need to be a professional instructor. They just need to be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Many people practice with a parent or family member and then take a professional lesson or two before the road test to build confidence.