Florida does not issue an EDL — it issues a learner's permit instead

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not use the term "EDL" or issue a document called an Instructional Permit (the formal name for what some states call an EDL). Instead, Florida issues a learner's permit, which serves the same purpose: it lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take your road test for a full driver's license.

The learner's permit is a separate document from a regular Florida driver's license. It has its own restrictions, expiration date, and rules about who can be in the car with you. If you are looking for a way to drive legally while learning, the learner's permit is what Florida offers.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida issues a learner's permit, not an EDL, and it is the document you need to practice driving before taking your road test.
  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get a learner's permit in Florida.
  • A licensed adult at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you whenever you drive on a learner's permit.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for up to three years, but you must pass your road test and pay the license fee to move to a full driver's license.

Who can get a Florida learner's permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Florida. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a learner's permit if they are learning to drive for the first time or if their license has been suspended or revoked and they need to relearn the rules.

You do not need to have held a permit before. You can go directly from no license to a learner's permit by passing the written test at your local Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement).

What the learner's permit lets you do

With a Florida learner's permit, you can drive a regular passenger vehicle on public roads during daylight and early evening hours. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.

Your permit does not let you drive a commercial vehicle, tow a trailer, or operate a motorcycle. If you want to drive any of those, you will need a different type of license or endorsement after you pass your road test.

Learner's permit holders under 18 also face restrictions on when they can drive. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone or wireless device while driving — not even hands-free — except in a genuine emergency.

How to get a Florida learner's permit

Start by visiting your local Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office. Bring your proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Florida residency. If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.

At the office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.

Once you pass the test, you will pay the permit fee (the cost varies but is typically under $100) and receive your learner's permit. You can usually start driving the same day.

How long your learner's permit lasts

A Florida learner's permit is valid for up to three years from the date it is issued. You do not have to renew it during that time, but you do have to pass your road test and get a full driver's license before the three years are up, or you will have to take the written test again.

If your permit expires and you have not yet passed your road test, you can retake the written test and get a new permit. You do not lose any practice time you have already completed — the three-year clock straightforward restarts.

Moving from a learner's permit to a full driver's license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least one month (or three months if you are under 18), you can schedule a road test at your local Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office. The road test checks your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions.

Once you pass the road test, you will pay the driver's license fee and receive your full Florida driver's license. Your learner's permit will no longer be valid. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one week before scheduling another test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on a learner's permit at night?

If you are under 18, no — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. on a learner's permit. If you are 18 or older, you can drive at any time as long as a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you.

What happens if I get pulled over while driving on a learner's permit?

You must have your learner's permit and proof of insurance in the vehicle. If the licensed adult in the front seat does not meet Florida's requirements (at least 21 years old and holding a valid driver's license), you can be cited. The adult driver can also be cited for allowing you to drive without proper supervision.

Do I have to take the written test again if my permit expires?

Yes. If your learner's permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to retake the written knowledge test to get a new permit. You do not lose any of your practice driving time — you straightforward need to pass the test again to continue legally.

Can I get a learner's permit if I am an adult?

Yes. Adults can get a learner's permit in Florida if they are learning to drive for the first time or if their license has been suspended or revoked. You must be at least 15 years old and pass the written knowledge test, just like younger drivers.