What You'll Pay for a Florida Driver's License Test

Florida charges $7 for a written test and $20 for a road test, though the total cost depends on which tests you need and whether you're renewing or getting your first license

The written test costs $7 and the road test costs $20 in Florida. You pay these fees when you take each test at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. If you need both tests — which most first-time drivers do — you'll pay $27 total for the testing itself. Some people take the written test first, pass it, and then schedule the road test for a later date, so you don't have to pay both fees on the same day.

These are the only fees the state charges for the tests themselves. However, getting a driver's license involves other costs before you ever walk into the DMV. You'll need to pay for your learner's permit first (usually $7 to $10), and if you fail either test, you pay the fee again to retake it. The actual license card, once you pass, costs between $48 and $75 depending on how long you want it to be valid.

Key Takeaways

The written test in Florida costs $7 and the road test costs $20, paid at the DMV office when you take each test.
You can take the written test and road test on different days, so you don't have to pay both fees at once.
If you fail either test, you pay the fee again to retake it — there is no charge to schedule a retest, only to take it.
The license card itself costs extra after you pass both tests, ranging from $48 to $75 depending on the validity period you choose.

What the $7 written test covers

The written test, also called the knowledge test, checks whether you know Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DMV office. You need to get at least 40 questions correct to pass — that's 80 percent. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass it. Each time you retake it, you pay the $7 fee again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they study the Florida Driver's Handbook beforehand. The handbook is free and available online through the Florida DMV website, so you can prepare without spending extra money.

What the $20 road test covers

The road test, also called the driving test, is where a DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive and evaluates your ability to handle the vehicle safely. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your own vehicle, and it has to pass a safety inspection first — the examiner checks your brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before you drive.

You need to score at least 70 percent on the road test to pass. If you don't pass, you can retake it, but you pay the $20 fee each time. Most DMV offices let you schedule a retest within a few days or weeks, depending on how busy they are. You don't pay extra to schedule the retest — you only pay the $20 when you actually take the test.

When you pay these fees

You pay the $7 written test fee when you arrive at the DMV office to take the test. Bring cash or a debit card — most Florida DMV offices accept both, though some locations may have different payment methods. You don't pay in advance; payment happens on the day of the test.

The $20 road test fee works the same way. You pay it on the day you take the test, not when you schedule it. If you schedule a road test and then cancel or don't show up, you don't lose the $20 — you only pay when you actually take the test. This means you can schedule a test without committing the money until you're ready to go.

Other costs involved in getting your license

Before you take either test, you need a learner's permit. In Florida, a learner's permit costs $7 to $10 depending on how long you want it to be valid. You get the permit by passing the written test, so the $7 test fee covers that step. Once you have the permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test.

After you pass both tests, you pay for the actual license card. A Florida driver's license costs $48 for a four-year license or $75 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you explore for the license at the DMV office. The card is mailed to you within about two weeks.

If you fail a test and need to retake it, you pay the test fee again — $7 for the written test or $20 for the road test. There's no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but each attempt costs money. Some people budget for one or two retakes just in case.

How to find your nearest DMV office and check wait times

You schedule your tests through the Florida DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. The website has a location finder that shows every DMV office in your county, their hours, and sometimes their current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead can help you pick a time when you're less likely to wait long.

Many Florida DMV offices now let you schedule tests online, which means you can pick a specific date and time instead of showing up and waiting. This doesn't change the cost — you still pay $7 or $20 on the day of the test — but it can save you time. Check your local office's website to see if online scheduling is available in your area.

What to bring on test day

For the written test, bring your learner's permit and a valid form of identification. For the road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you're driving, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, mirrors, and a valid registration. If the car doesn't pass the safety inspection, the examiner will not let you take the road test, and you'll need to reschedule.

Bring cash or a debit card to pay the test fee. Some DMV offices accept credit cards, but not all, so cash is the safest option. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you have time to check in and complete any paperwork before your test starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

Yes, you can schedule both tests on the same day at the same DMV office. You would pay $7 for the written test and $20 for the road test, for a total of $27. However, you must pass the written test before you take the road test — if you fail the written test, you cannot take the road test that day.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test as many times as you need. You pay the $7 fee each time you take it. Most people who study the Florida Driver's Handbook pass on the second attempt if they didn't pass the first time. There is no waiting period between attempts — you can retake it the same day or schedule it for another day.

Do I have to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes, you must bring your own vehicle for the road test. The car must pass a safety inspection, which means working brakes, lights, wipers, mirrors, and valid registration. If you don't have access to a car, some driving schools offer vehicles for the test, but that costs extra money beyond the $20 DMV fee.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test and pay the $20 fee again. There is no waiting period, so you can schedule another test within days or weeks depending on the DMV office's availability. You need to score at least 70 percent to pass, and the examiner will tell you which skills you need to practice before your next attempt.

Is there a fee to schedule a test?

No, scheduling a test is free. You only pay the $7 or $20 fee when you actually take the test. If you schedule a test and need to cancel or reschedule, there is no penalty — you straightforward don't pay until you show up to take the test.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.