A Class E license is Florida's standard driver's license for most adults
A Class E license is what you get when you pass the written and driving tests in Florida as a regular adult driver. It lets you drive a regular passenger car, van, or small truck on public roads. You cannot drive a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, or bus with a Class E license — those require different classes.
The Class E is the most common license type in Florida. If you learned to drive in Florida or moved there from another state, you almost certainly have or will get a Class E.
Key Takeaways
- A Class E license allows you to drive passenger vehicles and small trucks but not commercial vehicles, motorcycles, or buses.
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass both a written test and a road test to get a Class E in Florida.
- A Class E license costs $75 and is valid for eight years, or until age 80 if you are older when you renew.
- If you have a suspended or revoked license, you may need an SR22 form and a reinstatement fee before you can get a Class E again.
- You can renew a Class E online, by mail, or in person at a Florida DMV office, and renewal does not require a new road test.
What vehicles you can and cannot drive with a Class E
With a Class E license, you can drive any passenger car, pickup truck under 26,001 pounds, van, or SUV. You can also tow a trailer as long as the combined weight does not exceed certain limits — Florida allows you to tow a trailer weighing up to 10,000 pounds if your vehicle is rated for it.
You cannot drive a commercial vehicle, even if it is a truck or van used for business. You cannot drive a motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle. You cannot drive a bus or any vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers. If you need to drive any of these, you need a different license class — a Class A, B, or M — and those require additional testing and endorsements.
Age requirements and the graduated licensing system for teens
If you are under 18, Florida's graduated licensing system applies to you. You start with a learner's permit at age 15, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the car. After holding the permit for at least three months and staying violation-free, you can take the road test and get a Class E Restricted license.
A Class E Restricted license has limits: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21 or older is in the car. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or hold the license for one year, whichever comes first. Once you turn 18 or meet the time requirement, the restrictions lift and you have a standard Class E license.
If you are 18 or older and getting your first Florida license, you skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the road test for a standard Class E.
Cost and how long a Class E license lasts
A Class E license costs $75 in Florida. If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is the same. The license is valid for eight years from the date you receive it. If you are 80 or older when you renew, your license is valid for only four years, and you must renew in person at a DMV office rather than by mail or online.
You can renew your Class E up to 18 months before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than six months, you may need to retake the written test and road test, depending on how long it has been expired. The DMV will tell you what you need when you contact them or visit their website.
How suspension and revocation affect your Class E license
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. A suspension is usually temporary — it lasts for a set period, often 6 months to 1 year, depending on the reason. Common reasons for suspension in Florida include accumulating too many points from traffic violations, driving with a suspended license, failing to pay traffic fines, or failing to maintain insurance.
A revocation is more serious and longer-lasting. It means Florida has taken away your license, usually for reasons like multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or serious violations. A revocation can last several years.
To get your Class E license back after a suspension or revocation, you must pay a reinstatement fee (usually $150 to $500, depending on the reason) and sometimes provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR22 certificate. An SR22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum required coverage. You will also need to pass the written test and road test again. The DMV will tell you exactly what you need based on why your license was suspended or revoked.
How to get a Class E license for the first time
If you are 18 or older and have never had a Florida license, you need to visit a Florida DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), and proof of Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a road test where you drive with an examiner.
If you are moving to Florida from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for a Florida Class E license without retaking the tests. You still need to visit a DMV office and bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The fee is $75.
If you are under 18, you start with a learner's permit. You can get the permit at a DMV office by passing the written test. After three months with the permit and no violations, you can take the road test for a Class E Restricted license.
Renewing your Class E license
You can renew your Class E license online through the Florida DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewal do not require a new road test — you only need to update your information and pay the $75 fee. You can renew up to 18 months before your license expires.
If you are 80 or older, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to pass a vision test, but not a written or road test, unless the DMV has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.
If your license has been expired for more than six months, you cannot renew by mail or online. You will need to visit a DMV office and may need to retake the written and road tests.
Class E versus other Florida license types
Florida has several license classes for different types of driving. A Class D is for drivers 50 and older who want a license valid for longer — it lasts 12 years instead of 8. A Class A or B is a commercial license for drivers who operate trucks or buses for work. A Class M is for motorcycle riders. A Class E Restricted is what teen drivers get before they turn 18 or meet the time requirement.
Most adult drivers in Florida have a Class E. If you drive a regular car or small truck for personal use, a Class E is what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber or Lyft with a Class E license?
Yes, you can drive for rideshare services with a Class E license as long as your vehicle is a passenger car or van under 26,001 pounds. You will need to meet the rideshare company's insurance and background check requirements, but the license class itself is not a barrier.
What happens if I drive with a suspended Class E license?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Florida. You can be arrested, fined up to $500, and face jail time. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties. If you need to drive during a suspension, contact the DMV about whether a hardship license is available for your situation.
Do I need to retake the road test when I renew my Class E?
No, you do not need to retake the road test when you renew by mail or online. You only need to update your information and pay the fee. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you still do not need a road test unless the DMV has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.
Can I get a Class E license if I have an out-of-state DUI conviction?
Florida will consider your driving history, including out-of-state convictions. A DUI may result in a suspension or revocation, and you may need an SR22 form and reinstatement fee before you can get a Florida license. Contact the Florida DMV directly to find out what applies to your situation.
How long does it take to get a Class E license after I pass the road test?
Your Class E license is usually issued the same day you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you, which typically takes one to two weeks.