Where to Get Your License in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines does not have its own Department of Motor Vehicles office. To get your driver license, you will go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in Broward County. The closest full-service office is in Fort Lauderdale, about 15 minutes north of Pembroke Pines. This office handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance.

You can also visit other Broward County DHSMV locations if the Fort Lauderdale office has long wait times. Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach both have offices that serve the same area. Before you go, check the DHSMV website to see current wait times — they update throughout the day.

If you need to renew an existing license or handle paperwork-only tasks, some Pembroke Pines tax collector offices can help. However, they cannot administer tests or issue new licenses, so you will still need to visit a full DHSMV office for your first license or road test.

Key Takeaways

  • The nearest DHSMV office for testing and licensing is in Fort Lauderdale, about 15 minutes from Pembroke Pines.
  • You must pass a written test and a road test at a DHSMV office before you receive your license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the DHSMV website lists all required documents by license type.
  • Wait times vary by location and time of day; check the DHSMV website before you go to avoid unnecessary trips.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can take your road test.

Documents You Need to Bring

Florida requires specific documents before you can test for a driver license. You will need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of residency in Florida (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days).

If you are under 18, you also need a completed Parental Consent Form (DHSMV Form 71-507) signed by a parent or guardian. This form must be notarized or signed in front of a DHSMV employee. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Bring your learner's permit if you already have one. If you are renewing or replacing a license, bring your current or expired license. The DHSMV website has a full checklist organized by what type of license you are seeking — check it before you go so you do not make a wasted trip.

The Written Test in Pembroke Pines Area

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 out of 50 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at the DHSMV office which languages are available.

You can study using the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website. Many people also use practice tests online to get familiar with the question format. The handbook covers everything the test asks about, so studying it thoroughly is your best preparation.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second try if they study the handbook between attempts.

The Road Test and What to Expect

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test at the same DHSMV office. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers a route in the local area around the testing location.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you start. If anything is broken or missing, the test will not happen and you will need to reschedule.

Bring your learner's permit and a valid form of ID. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present in the vehicle during the test. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period — ask the examiner how long you must wait before scheduling your next attempt.

Fees and Payment Methods

Florida charges separate fees for the written test, the road test, and the license itself. The written test costs money, the road test costs money, and the license issuance costs money. The total varies depending on the type of license you are seeking and how long you want it to be valid.

The DHSMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have ATMs on-site, but do not count on it — bring cash or a card to be safe. If you are renewing or replacing a license, the fee structure is different; the DHSMV website breaks down costs by transaction type.

Getting Your License After You Pass

Once you pass both the written and road tests, the DHSMV office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. If they issue it when ready, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed. Keep this paper license with you until the plastic one arrives.

Your new license will show your photo, address, and driving privileges. Check all the information before you leave the office. If anything is wrong — your name is misspelled, your address is incorrect, or your restrictions are listed incorrectly — ask the clerk to fix it before you leave.

Your Florida driver license is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, it expires when you turn 18, and you will need to renew it then. Keep your license in a safe place and bring it with you whenever you drive.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you have a valid driver license from another state and you move to Florida, you can exchange it for a Florida license without retaking the written and road tests. You will need to visit a DHSMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of Florida residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The office will issue your Florida license after you pay the fee.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you will need to retake the written and road tests. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Florida that make the exchange faster, but the process is the same at the DHSMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in Pembroke Pines itself?

No. The DHSMV does not have a testing location in Pembroke Pines. You must go to Fort Lauderdale or another Broward County office. The Fort Lauderdale office is the closest and handles all road tests for the area.

How long does it take to get a license from start to finish?

If you already have a learner's permit and pass both tests on your first try, you can get your license the same day or within a few days by mail. If you need to get a learner's permit first, the timeline depends on your age and how long you must hold it before taking the road test.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after a waiting period set by Florida law. The examiner will tell you how long you must wait. You do not need to retake the written test, only the road test. You will pay the road test fee again.

Do I need an appointment to take the written or road test?

Appointments are not always required, but the DHSMV office may ask you to schedule one online or by phone. Check the DHSMV website for the Fort Lauderdale office to see if appointments are open. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but wait times can be long.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Pembroke Pines?

You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had certain violations, and you meet other requirements. The DHSMV website has a tool to check if you are may be able to access. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you must visit an office in person.