Live Oak has one main DMV office for driver licenses and vehicle registration
The Live Oak Driver License Office is located at 1075 White Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064. This is the Suwannee County office run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). It handles written tests, road tests, license renewals, replacements, and vehicle registration for the Live Oak area.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm, as hours can change seasonally or for holidays. The phone number is (386) 362-2638.
This is a walk-in office, meaning you do not need an appointment. However, wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.
Key Takeaways
- The Live Oak Driver License Office at 1075 White Avenue handles all written tests, road tests, and license transactions for Suwannee County.
- The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and operates on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any required documents for your specific transaction before you go.
- Road tests are scheduled on-site, but availability fills quickly — ask about scheduling when you arrive or call ahead to check wait times.
- If the Live Oak office is closed or has a long wait, the nearest alternative is the Lake City Driver License Office, about 30 minutes away.
What documents to bring for your first visit
The documents you need depend on what you are doing — taking a written test, taking a road test, or renewing an existing license. For a written test (the knowledge exam), bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a valid ID if you have one. You will also need to bring the completed process form DL 44, which you can fill out at the office or read from the DHSMV website before you go.
For a road test, bring the same documents plus proof that you have passed the written test (the office will have your record if you took it there). You will also need a vehicle to test in — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but the person whose name is on the registration must be present or must have signed a notarized consent form.
For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. If your address has changed, bring documents showing your new address. Renewals can often be done by mail or online through the DHSMV website, which is faster than visiting in person — check the website first to see if you are may be able to access to renew remotely.
How to schedule a road test at the Live Oak office
Road tests at the Live Oak office are scheduled the same day you arrive, on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot book a test in advance by phone or online. When you arrive at the office, tell the staff member at the front desk that you want to schedule a road test. They will give you a number and add you to the queue.
Tests are usually given in the afternoon, starting around 1:00 p.m. If you arrive in the morning, you may be able to test the same day. If you arrive in the afternoon or if the day's slots are full, you will be told to come back another day. This is why arriving early — ideally before 10:00 a.m. — gives you the best chance of testing on the day you visit.
Bring the vehicle you will be tested in when you come to schedule. The examiner will do a quick safety check (lights, brakes, wipers, horn) before the test begins. If anything is broken or unsafe, the test will be postponed and you will need to return with a different vehicle or after repairs are made.
What happens during the written and road tests
The written test (also called the knowledge test) has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the office and takes about 30 minutes. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Florida.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping at signs, and merging. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in an automatic fail. If you fail, you can retake the test after three business days have passed.
Nearby alternatives if Live Oak is not convenient
The nearest other driver license office is in Lake City, about 30 miles north of Live Oak. The Lake City Driver License Office is located at 175 S.W. Hernando Avenue, Lake City, FL 32055, and can be reached at (386) 758-1095. It has the same hours and services as the Live Oak office and may have shorter waits on some days.
You can also check the DHSMV website to see if any services are available online or by mail. License renewals, address changes, and some other transactions do not require a visit to the office. The website is at flhsmv.gov, and you can log in with your driver license number to see what you can do remotely.
If you need to register a vehicle or handle other motor vehicle matters, the Suwannee County Tax Collector's office also handles some transactions. However, for driver license tests and issuance, you must go to the Driver License Office.
Tips for a smooth visit to the Live Oak office
Bring all required documents in one trip — going back home to get a missing document wastes time and means starting over in the queue. Make a checklist before you leave: Social Security number, proof of residency, valid ID, completed form DL 44 (for a new license), and your vehicle keys (if you are taking a road test).
Arrive early in the day if possible. The office opens at 8:00 a.m., and the first hour is usually the quietest. Avoid Friday afternoons and the day after a holiday, when wait times are longest. If you are taking a road test, arriving before 11:00 a.m. gives you the best chance of testing the same day.
Bring cash or a debit card — the office accepts both for fees. License fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for, but a standard Class D license costs between $48 and $75. Ask the staff member what the fee will be before you pay, so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?
Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The person whose name is on the registration must be present at the office, or they must have signed a notarized consent form giving you permission to use the vehicle for the test.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake the test after three business days have passed. You do not have to retake the written test. Return to the Live Oak office, bring your vehicle, and schedule another road test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, though you will pay the fee each time.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Live Oak Driver License Office?
No. The office operates on a walk-in basis. However, you can call (386) 362-2638 to ask about current wait times before you go, which helps you decide whether to visit now or come back later.
Can I renew my license by mail or online instead of visiting in person?
Many renewals can be done online or by mail through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Check the website first to see if you are may be able to access — this is faster than visiting the office. You will only need to visit in person if your renewal is not available remotely.
What if I need to change my address on my license?
You can change your address online at flhsmv.gov if you have a valid Florida license. If you cannot do it online, visit the Live Oak office with proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). Address changes are usually processed quickly and do not require a new photo or test.