Florida's learner's permit is a restricted license that lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car

Florida's learner's permit — officially called a learner's license — is not a full driver's license. It allows you to practice driving on public roads, but only when a licensed driver age 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat. The permit is a legal requirement before you can take the road test for an unrestricted license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.

The permit is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You obtain it by passing a written knowledge test at a local DHSMV office. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the official Florida Driver License Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Florida, and the permit is valid for three years from the date of issue.
  • A licensed driver age 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a permit, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances.
  • You pass the knowledge test at a DHSMV office by answering 50 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and road signs; you need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.
  • You must hold the permit for at least three months and complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of those at night) before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • The written test costs a fee that varies by county; you will also pay a separate fee for the permit itself, and both fees are non-refundable if you do not pass or do not use the permit.

Age requirements and how long the permit lasts

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Florida. There is no upper age limit — adults can obtain a permit at any age if they are new drivers or have not held a Florida license within a certain period. The permit itself is valid for three years from the date the DHSMV issues it. If you do not pass the road test within that three-year window, you will need to renew the permit and pay the renewal fee.

If you are under 18 when you get your permit, you will be subject to additional restrictions beyond those that explore to adult permit holders. These restrictions remain in place until you turn 18 or obtain your full license, whichever comes first. The restrictions include the midnight-to-5-a.m. driving ban and the requirement that a supervising driver be present at all times.

What documents you need to bring to the DHSMV office

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida residency. Acceptable forms of identity include a passport, a birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Florida address.

If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The DHSMV provides a form for this purpose, or you can bring a notarized letter of consent. Some DHSMV offices allow a parent or guardian to sign the consent form in person at the office. Call your local DHSMV office ahead of time to confirm what they accept, because requirements can vary slightly by location.

The written knowledge test: what to expect and how to prepare

The written test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to complete the test. You must score at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DHSMV offices, though you will pay the test fee again.

The official study material is the Florida Driver License Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DHSMV website. The handbook covers everything the test asks about. Many people also use practice tests available online through the DHSMV website or third-party sites. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some offices offer it in other languages as well — call ahead to confirm what is available at your location.

Supervised driving requirements before you can take the road test

Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least three months before you are allowed to take the road test for a full license. During those three months, you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours occurring at night (between sunset and sunrise). The supervising driver must be a licensed driver age 21 or older and must sit in the front passenger seat.

You are responsible for keeping a record of your driving hours. The DHSMV does not require you to submit this record, but you should keep it for your own reference and in case you are asked to show proof. Some driving schools offer to track hours for you as part of their instruction programs, but using a driving school is not required by Florida law. You can meet the hour requirement through practice with a parent, guardian, or any licensed adult.

Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner's permit

The most important restriction is that you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat at all times. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present. This restriction applies to all permit holders under 18 and to some adult permit holders depending on their circumstances.

You must obey all traffic laws and road signs just as a full-license holder would. Violations while driving on a permit can result in a ticket, a fine, and points on your driving record. If you accumulate too many points, your permit can be suspended. You are also not allowed to use a cell phone while driving, except in a genuine emergency, and you cannot drive with passengers under 20 years old unless a supervising driver age 21 or older is present.

Fees and how to schedule your test appointment

The cost of the written knowledge test and the learner's permit itself varies by county in Florida. Test fees typically range from $7 to $10, and the permit fee is usually $48 to $75, but you should check with your local DHSMV office for the exact amount in your area. All fees are non-refundable, even if you do not pass the test or do not use the permit. When you pass the test, you pay both fees at the same time and receive your permit when ready.

You do not need to schedule an appointment for the written test at most DHSMV offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices in high-traffic areas may require an appointment. Check the DHSMV website or call your local office to confirm their policy. You will need to schedule a separate appointment to take the road test once you have held your permit for the required three months and completed your supervised driving hours.

What happens if you fail the written test or your permit expires

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at most DHSMV offices on the same day, though you will pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most people who study the handbook pass on their second try if they did not pass the first time. You can retake the test as many times as you need until you pass.

If your three-year permit expires before you take and pass the road test, you will need to renew it. You can renew by returning to a DHSMV office, paying the renewal fee, and taking the written test again. You do not have to retake the test if you renew before the permit expires, but if it has already expired, you must pass the test again to get a new permit. The three-year clock restarts from the date of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school or work alone with a learner's permit?

No. Florida law requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the front passenger seat at all times while you hold a permit. This applies even if you are driving to school, work, or another essential place. The only exception is if you are driving to or from a DHSMV office to take your road test, in which case you may drive alone.

What if I get a traffic ticket while driving on my permit?

A traffic violation while on a permit is treated the same as a violation by a full-license holder. You will receive a ticket, may have to pay a fine, and points will be added to your driving record. Too many points can result in permit suspension. If you are under 18, your parents or guardians will likely be notified by the DHSMV.

Do I have to use a driving school to meet the 50-hour requirement?

No. You can meet the 50-hour supervised driving requirement by practicing with any licensed driver age 21 or older. A driving school is optional and not required by Florida law, though some people choose to use one for professional instruction.

Can I renew my permit before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your permit at any DHSMV office before it expires. If you renew before expiration, you do not have to retake the written test. If you wait until after it expires, you must pass the test again to get a new permit.

What if I move out of Florida while I hold a permit?

Your Florida learner's permit is only valid in Florida. If you move to another state, you will need to get a learner's permit from that state. If you move back to Florida, you can continue using your original permit if it has not expired, or you can renew it at a DHSMV office.