Where to go for a driver license in Hollywood

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the driver license program. In Hollywood, you will visit a local Driver License office to explore in person — you cannot complete this by mail or online. The main Hollywood office is located at 3001 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33020. This is the office most residents use, though you can also visit any other DHSMV office in Florida if that is more convenient for your schedule.

You do not need an appointment at most Florida driver license offices, but you can make one online through the DHSMV website if you prefer to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours vary by location. Calling ahead to confirm current hours for the Hollywood office is a good idea, since hours sometimes change seasonally or for maintenance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a Florida driver license.
  • A standard Florida driver license costs a set fee that covers the license itself and a required eye exam performed at the office.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and a practical driving test in your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the office.
  • Processing takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the office, and your license is issued the same day if you pass both tests.
  • If you are renewing an existing license, the process is faster and does not require the driving test unless your license has been expired for more than a certain period.

Documents you need to bring

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous driver license), proof of your current Florida address (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person. Bring their ID as well. If you are explore for a commercial driver license (CDL), the requirements are more extensive — you will need a medical certificate and additional documentation — so contact the Hollywood office directly if that applies to you.

The written test and what it covers

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 several other languages. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website or in print at the office.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. Most people study for a few hours to a few days before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the fee again for each attempt.

The driving test and how it works

After you pass the written test, you will take a practical driving test. An examiner will ride with you while you drive a set route through Hollywood. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You can use your own vehicle if it is registered and insured, or the office can provide a test vehicle for an additional fee.

The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes — and will watch how you handle normal driving situations. Common reasons people fail include not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, and hitting cones during parking. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a set period, usually a few days to a week.

Fees and what they cover

A standard Florida driver license costs a set amount that covers the license itself, the eye exam, and the written test. The practical driving test may have a separate fee if you use the office's test vehicle. Exact amounts vary and change periodically, so contact the Hollywood office or check the DHSMV website for current pricing. Payment is accepted in cash, card, or check at most offices.

If you are renewing a license rather than getting one for the first time, the cost is lower and you do not need to retake the driving test. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to retake both tests — the office will tell you when you arrive.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass both the written and driving tests, your license is printed on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent plastic card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Your Florida driver license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person before it expires. Setting a reminder on your phone or calendar a few months before the expiration date helps you avoid driving on an expired license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, a Social Security number is required by Florida law. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver license. Contact your local Social Security office or visit their website for instructions.

What if I fail the driving test — how long do I have to wait to retake it?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a set period, usually one week. You do not have to retake the written test if you passed it on your first attempt. You will pay the driving test fee again when you retake it.

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

No, the office provides test vehicles for an additional fee if you do not have your own. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.

How long does the whole process take on the day I visit?

Plan for two to three hours total. You will wait to be called, take the written test (about 20 minutes), wait again, then take the driving test (20 to 30 minutes). If you pass both, your license is printed while you wait. Wait times vary by how busy the office is that day.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you can renew online or by mail. However, if you are getting a license for the first time, you must visit the office in person. Check the DHSMV website to see if your renewal situation qualifies for online renewal.