Where to go and what to bring for your St. Johns County license
The St. Johns County Tax Collector's office handles driver's licenses and ID cards in St. Johns County. You'll visit one of their locations to take your written test, road test, and pick up your license. The main office is at 4016 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine, but the county also has satellite locations in Ponte Vedra Beach and other areas — check the Tax Collector's website for hours and which location is closest to you.
Before you go, bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), and proof of your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate (marriage license or court order). If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person. You'll also need to pass a vision screening and pay the license fee, which varies depending on your age and license type.
The St. Johns County Tax Collector does not take road test appointments online. You'll schedule your road test in person at the office after you pass your written exam, or by calling ahead to ask about current wait times.
Key Takeaways
- The St. Johns County Tax Collector's office at 4016 Lewis Speedway in St. Augustine is where you take your written test, road test, and receive your license.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency dated within 90 days, proof of identity, and proof of your legal name if it has changed.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign your process in person.
- Road test scheduling happens in person at the office after you pass your written exam; call ahead to check current wait times.
- License fees depend on your age and the type of license you are getting; the Tax Collector's office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive.
What happens during your first visit to the Tax Collector's office
Your first trip is for the written test. Bring all your documents and arrive early — the office gets busy, especially on weekday mornings and Fridays. A staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and have you sign your process. You'll then take the written exam on a computer, which covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test right there. Road tests in St. Johns County typically have a wait of one to three weeks depending on the season and how busy the office is. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — there's no waiting period between attempts in Florida.
Preparing for your road test in St. Johns County
Your road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle and obey road signs. You must bring the same vehicle you plan to use for the test, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.
Practice on local roads before your test date. St. Johns County includes St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, and surrounding areas, so the examiner may take you on city streets, residential roads, or light traffic highways depending on which location you test at. Common reasons people fail include not checking mirrors, rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and not adjusting speed for conditions.
Bring your written test receipt, your valid ID, and proof of insurance when you return for your road test. If you fail, you can retake the road test after waiting one business day.
License types and what each one lets you drive
Florida offers several license types depending on what you plan to drive. A Class D license is the standard passenger vehicle license and covers cars, SUVs, and light trucks. A Class E license is for commercial vehicles and requires additional testing and medical certification. A motorcycle endorsement (M endorsement) requires a separate written test and road test on a motorcycle, and you must be at least 16 years old.
If you're under 18, you'll receive a learner's permit first, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. After holding your permit for a set time and meeting other requirements, you can take your road test for a full license. The St. Johns County Tax Collector's office can explain which license type matches your needs when you arrive.
Renewing or replacing your license in St. Johns County
If your license is expiring, you can renew it at the Tax Collector's office in person or online through the Florida DHSMV website, depending on your age and how long it's been since your last renewal. Renewals by mail are also available in some cases. Bring your current license and proof of residency if you're renewing in person.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to get a replacement. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The replacement fee is less than a new license, and you'll receive it on the spot or within a few days depending on the office's workload.
Fees and payment methods at the St. Johns County Tax Collector
Driver's license fees in Florida are set by state law and depend on your age and how long the license is valid. A standard Class D license for someone 21 or older costs one amount, while licenses for younger drivers or commercial licenses cost more. The Tax Collector's office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card — ask which methods they take when you call or visit.
If you're getting a learner's permit, the fee is different from a full license. The office staff will tell you the exact amount when you arrive with your documents. Some locations may have a small additional fee for services like duplicate licenses or address changes.
What to do if you fail your written or road test
Failing your written test in Florida means you can retake it the same day or return another time with no waiting period. Study the Florida Driver's Handbook (available free on the DHSMV website) and focus on the areas where you struggled. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online before their next attempt.
If you fail your road test, you must wait at least one business day before retaking it. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those specific skills. Common fixes include more practice with parking, smoother turns, and better mirror checking. You'll pay the road test fee again when you retake it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a borrowed car or my parent's car?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and it must be in safe working condition. The registration and insurance can belong to someone else, but the car itself must pass a basic safety check — working lights, brakes, wipers, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance when you test.
What if I move to a different county in Florida after I get my St. Johns license?
Your license is valid statewide and does not need to be reissued just because you moved. You can update your address online through the DHSMV website or at any Tax Collector's office in your new county. If you want a new license card with your updated address, there may be a small fee.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass my road test?
You receive your temporary license on the spot after passing your road test. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and is accepted as proof of licensure until the permanent card arrives.
Do I need an appointment to take my written test at the St. Johns County Tax Collector?
The office does not require appointments for written tests, but arriving early reduces your wait time. Call ahead to ask about busy times, or visit early in the morning or mid-week when the office is typically less crowded.
What if I fail the vision screening?
If you fail the vision test, you can get glasses or contacts and return to retake it. Some people pass with corrective lenses. If you have a medical condition affecting your vision, ask the Tax Collector's office whether you need a letter from your eye doctor before your next attempt.