What you need before you go to the DMV
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires you to bring specific documents in person — you cannot complete this by mail or online. The exact documents depend on whether you are a Florida resident, a new resident, or a minor, but all applicants need proof of identity and proof of Social Security number.
Proof of identity means a valid passport, a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a military ID. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. If you are a Florida resident explore for your first license, you also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current Florida address on it.
New Florida residents have an additional step: you must surrender your out-of-state license if you have one. Bring it with you to the office. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own ID.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Florida DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency if you are a Florida resident.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook available free online.
- The road test happens after you pass the written test and get a learner's permit, and you must bring a vehicle registered in Florida with valid insurance.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests, and your temporary license is valid while you wait for the card in the mail.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months and one week before taking the road test.
Finding the right DHSMV office and scheduling your visit
Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead or check the website for your specific location, because appointment availability and wait times vary widely by office and time of year.
Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. Arrive early; even with an appointment, offices can run behind, and you will need time to complete the written test if you have not taken it yet.
Taking the written test and getting your learner's permit
The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DHSMV website.
If you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat. If you are under 18, you must hold the learner's permit for at least three months and one week before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you schedule it — there is no waiting period.
If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though some may require you to wait a certain amount of time between attempts. Check with your local office about their policy.
Preparing for and taking the road test
The road test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to road conditions. You will drive for about 20 minutes on local streets. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and merging, and whether you check mirrors and blind spots.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Florida, has valid liability insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and a functioning horn. Bring proof of registration and proof of insurance — your insurance card counts. The vehicle must also have a valid inspection sticker if it is required for your vehicle's model year.
Schedule your road test through the DHSMV office where you took your written test. Wait times for road tests vary by location; some offices have openings within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks. If you fail, you can retake the test, but fees and scheduling policies vary by office.
Understanding the costs and timeline
Florida charges a fee for the written test and a separate fee for the road test. The exact amounts depend on the type of license you are seeking and whether you are a Florida resident or a new resident. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office for current fees, as they change periodically.
Once you pass both the written and road tests, the DHSMV issues you a temporary license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license card is mailed to your Florida address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time, so you do not need to wait for the card to arrive.
The entire process — from your first visit to receiving your permanent license — typically takes four to eight weeks if you are 18 or older, or four to five months if you are under 18 (because of the three-month-plus waiting period for the learner's permit).
Special situations: Renewing an out-of-state license and changing your name
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Florida, you do not have to take the written and road tests again. Instead, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license by visiting a DHSMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency. You will still need to pay the license fee.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will need to retake the written test and road test as if you were a new applicant, unless you are exchanging an out-of-state license, in which case you may not need to retake the tests depending on your situation. Ask your local DHSMV office about their specific policy for name changes.
What to do if you fail the road test
If you do not pass the road test, you will receive a written explanation of what you did not do correctly. You can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment. Most offices allow you to retake the test within a few days or weeks, depending on availability. You will pay the road test fee again.
Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop, failing to signal, improper lane changes, hitting the curb during parking, and not checking mirrors or blind spots. Review the areas where you struggled before your next attempt, and consider practicing those specific maneuvers with someone who can give you feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at a DHSMV office. However, you can study for it online using the free Florida Driver's Handbook on the DHSMV website before you go.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must have a Social Security number to get a Florida driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can proceed with your license process.
Can someone else take the road test for me?
No. You must take the road test yourself. The examiner needs to observe your driving ability and your response to road conditions. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present at the DHSMV office, but they cannot take the test for you.
What happens if my learner's permit expires before I take the road test?
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If it expires before you take the road test, you will need to retake the written test and get a new permit. Plan to schedule your road test well before your permit expires.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. As part of the process process at the DHSMV office, you will take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get a vision correction from an eye care professional before you can proceed.