What Florida requires before you can get a driver license

Florida issues driver licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, prove your identity and Florida residency, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test. You will also need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have one.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are a first-time driver, moving to Florida from another state, or renewing an expired license. Each path requires different documents and has different testing requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Florida residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to any DHSMV office.
  • First-time drivers under 18 must complete a traffic law and substance abuse course before taking the written test, and must hold a learner permit for at least three months before the road test.
  • Drivers age 18 and older can skip the learner permit stage and go straight to the written and road tests if they have never held a license.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; the road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner who watches your ability to handle the vehicle and follow instructions.
  • You can schedule your road test online through the DHSMV website or by calling your local office, and tests are typically available within two to four weeks.

Documents you need to bring to the DHSMV office

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of secondary documents such as a school ID, a work ID, or a Social Security card, but you will need at least two secondary documents.

For proof of Florida residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can use an ITIN, which you can obtain through the Internal Revenue Service. Bring documentation of your ITIN if you use one instead of a Social Security number.

The learner permit stage for drivers under 18

If you are under 18 and have never held a driver license, you must first get a learner permit. Before you can take the written test for the permit, you must complete a traffic law and substance abuse course approved by Florida. This course is usually offered online or in person at high schools, driving schools, or community colleges, and takes about four hours to finish.

Once you have your course completion certificate, go to a DHSMV office with your documents and take the written test. The test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws and road signs; you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. If you pass, you receive a learner permit on the spot.

With a learner permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You must hold the permit for at least three months before you can take the road test. During this time, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

The written test and what it covers

The written test is 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test covers topics such as speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles and school buses.

You can study using the official Florida Driver License Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website. Many people also use practice tests online or through driving schools to prepare. You must answer at least 40 of the 50 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day.

The road test: what the examiner watches for

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DHSMV office where you scheduled it. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to instructions. You will be tested on basic skills such as starting the car, steering smoothly, braking safely, turning, parking, and backing up. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate that you know how to use your headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals.

You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, horn, and wipers work before the test begins. If any of these do not work, the test will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule.

Common reasons people fail the road test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, speeding, not signaling before turning, and not checking mirrors and blind spots. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt.

How to schedule your road test and what happens next

You can schedule your road test online through the DHSMV website or by calling your local DHSMV office. When you schedule, you will choose a date and time that works for you. Road tests are usually available within two to four weeks of when you call or book online, though wait times vary by location.

Bring your learner permit (if you have one), proof of insurance for the vehicle, and the vehicle itself. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you pass the road test, you will receive a temporary driver license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives within two weeks.

If you fail the road test, you will receive a written notice explaining what you did wrong. You can retake the test after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee each time.

Special situations: moving to Florida or renewing an expired license

If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the written or road tests. You can exchange it for a Florida license by going to a DHSMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The process takes about 30 minutes.

If your Florida license has expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need to update your photo. Licenses that expired fewer than six months ago can usually be renewed online or by mail without a new photo. Licenses expired longer than six months require you to go to an office and take a new photo. You do not have to retake the written or road tests to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test in a borrowed car?

Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and wipers before the test starts.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You must pay the test fee each time you take it. Most DHSMV offices allow you to retake the test within a few hours if you fail in the morning.

How long is a Florida driver license valid?

A Florida driver license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Licenses for drivers age 80 and older are valid for five years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires.

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes. When you go to the DHSMV office, you will read letters and numbers on a chart to show you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the vision test and while driving. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before you can get your license.

What if I cannot pass the road test after several tries?

You can keep retaking the test as many times as you need. There is no limit. Some people work with a driving instructor between attempts to practice specific skills the examiner noted. You must pay the test fee each time you take it.