Where to Get Your License in Kendall

Kendall is served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which issues all driver licenses in the state. You cannot get a Florida license from a local office in Kendall itself — the nearest DHSMV office is in Miami-Dade County, where Kendall is located. The main Miami-Dade office is at 11860 SW 26th Street in Miami, about 15 to 20 minutes from central Kendall depending on traffic.

You can also visit other DHSMV offices in Miami-Dade if the main location is inconvenient. The county has several satellite offices, and you can check the DHSMV website or call 1-844-435-7352 to find hours and current wait times before you go. Many offices now use an online appointment system, which can save you hours of waiting.

If you cannot reach an office in person, you can renew a license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — but you cannot get your first license that way. First-time applicants must appear in person with required documents.

Key Takeaways

  • The nearest DHSMV office to Kendall is in Miami-Dade County at 11860 SW 26th Street in Miami, and you must explore for your first license in person.
  • Florida requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive a full driver license.
  • You must bring a Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity to your appointment.
  • Kendall residents can take the road test at the same DHSMV office or at an approved third-party testing location in Miami-Dade County.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for a set number of hours before you can take the road test.

Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires specific documents before you can explore for a driver license. Bring your Social Security number (or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have one), a valid proof of identity such as a passport or birth certificate, and proof of residency in Florida. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your Kendall address.

If you are explore for your first license and you are under 18, you will also need a signed parental consent form. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

Before you take the road test, you must pass a written knowledge test at the DHSMV office. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website.

You will also have a vision screening at the office. This is a straightforward check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a medical certificate before you can proceed.

The Road Test in Miami-Dade County

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with an DHSMV examiner or an approved third-party testing location. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

You can take the road test at the main DHSMV office in Miami or at one of several third-party testing sites in Miami-Dade County. Third-party sites often have shorter wait times. You will need to schedule your test in advance — walk-ins are not accepted. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt.

Age Requirements and Learner's Permit Rules

If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a learner's permit for a minimum of three months and practice driving with a licensed adult before you can take the road test. The learner's permit allows you to drive only under supervision. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the road test after passing the written test.

To get a learner's permit, you explore at the DHSMV office, pass the vision screening and written test, and pay the permit fee. The permit is valid for two years. During those two years, you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. Keep a record of your practice hours — you may need to show it when you explore for your full license.

License Types and Restrictions

Florida offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older with no restrictions. If you are 16 or 17 and have completed the learner's permit requirements, you receive a restricted license that limits when and where you can drive — for example, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it is for school, work, or an emergency.

If you are a new resident of Florida and already hold a valid license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the road test. Bring your out-of-state license and the required documents to the DHSMV office. The office will tell you whether you need to take a test or if you can exchange your license directly.

Fees and Payment

Driver license fees in Florida vary by license type and how long the license is valid. A standard Class D license costs around $75 to $80 and is valid for eight years. A learner's permit costs less — typically $20 to $25 — and is valid for two years. Fees can change, so check the DHSMV website or call ahead to confirm the current cost before you go to your appointment.

The DHSMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Some offices may have payment options online if you renew by mail or internet, but first-time applicants must pay in person at the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a driver license in Kendall?

If you pass all tests on your first try, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days. However, if you are under 18 and need a learner's permit first, the whole process takes at least three months because you must hold the permit for that long before taking the road test. Retaking a failed test adds extra time.

Can I take the road test at a location other than the main Miami office?

Yes. Third-party testing sites in Miami-Dade County are authorized to give road tests. These sites often have shorter wait times than the main DHSMV office. You can find a list of approved third-party testers on the DHSMV website or by calling the office.

What happens if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake either test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but most people pass after one or two attempts if they study the handbook and practice driving.

Do I need to take a test if I already have a license from another state?

Not always. If you are a new Florida resident with a valid out-of-state license, you may be able to exchange it for a Florida license without taking a road test. Bring your current license and proof of residency to the DHSMV office, and they will tell you whether a test is required.

Where can I study for the written test?

The official Florida Driver Handbook is free on the DHSMV website and covers everything on the written test. You can also find practice tests online through the DHSMV site. Many people study the handbook for a few hours and pass the test on their first try.