What You Need to Know About Florida Driver's Licenses
Florida issues three types of driver's licenses: a standard license for drivers 18 and older, a commercial license (CDL) for those operating heavy vehicles, and a motorcycle endorsement. Most people start with a learner's permit, pass a written test, then a road test, and receive their license. The whole process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) runs the licensing system. You cannot do this online — you must visit a driver's license office in person for your written test, road test, and to receive your license. The office will take your photograph and fingerprints on the day you pass your road test.
Key Takeaways
- Florida requires you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum of one month before you can take your road test.
- You must pass a written test covering traffic laws and road signs before you can get a learner's permit.
- Your road test includes a vehicle inspection, a driving portion, and a parking demonstration, and you must bring your own vehicle.
- A standard Florida driver's license is valid for eight years and costs $75 when you first receive it.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold your learner's permit for at least three months.
Getting Your Learner's Permit in Florida
Your first step is to visit a driver's license office and take the written test. You do not need a permit before taking this test — you can walk in and take it the same day. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 10 questions on road signs and 20 questions on traffic laws, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.
Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit costs $7.50 and is valid for one year. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
If you are under 18, you must also complete a driver education course before you can take your road test. This course is offered by private driving schools and some high schools. The course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. You must hold your learner's permit for at least three months before you can take your road test; adults 18 and older need to hold it for only one month.
Preparing for and Taking Your Road Test
You can schedule your road test online through the DHSMV website or by calling your local driver's license office. Road tests are offered Monday through Friday, and wait times vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID.
On the day of your test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and a current inspection sticker. The examiner will inspect the vehicle first, checking the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and mirrors. If anything fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
The driving portion of the test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: turning, lane changes, stopping, and parking. You will also drive on local streets and possibly a highway. The examiner is looking for smooth steering, proper use of mirrors, correct signaling, and safe speed control. At the end, you will perform a parking demonstration — usually parallel parking or backing into a space.
You must score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can schedule another test as soon as you are ready.
Receiving Your Florida Driver's License
Once you pass your road test, you receive your license the same day. The office will take your photograph and fingerprints. Your license is valid for eight years and costs $75. If you are under 21, your license will be a different color (gold instead of blue) and will have restrictions printed on it. These restrictions include the midnight-to-5 a.m. driving ban and the requirement that a licensed driver age 21 or older be in the front seat with you.
Your license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your test, and this is valid until your plastic card arrives. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive.
License Restrictions for Drivers Under 21
Florida has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. During the first three months after you receive your license, you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle. After three months, you can have one passenger under 21; after six months, you can have up to three passengers under 21.
You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, unless it is an emergency. This rule applies to all drivers under 18. Drivers 18 to 20 can use a hands-free device but cannot hold the phone.
The midnight-to-5 a.m. driving ban applies to all drivers under 18 unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 21 or older is in the vehicle. Exceptions exist for driving to work, school, or a medical appointment.
Renewing Your Florida Driver's License
Your license is valid for eight years. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You can renew online if you are not changing your address, your vision has not changed significantly, and your license is not suspended or revoked.
If you renew online, the fee is $47.50, and your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and use until your plastic card arrives. If you cannot renew online, you must visit an office in person. Renewal in person costs $75.
What Happens If You Fail Your Tests
If you fail your written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. If you fail your road test, you can schedule another test when ready. Many people pass on their second attempt after practicing the specific maneuvers the examiner marked as errors.
If you fail your road test three times, you must retake your written test before you can schedule another road test. This rule exists to may support you understand traffic laws before you drive. After you pass the written test again, you can schedule your road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?
Yes. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The owner does not need to be present during the test. Make sure the vehicle has a current inspection sticker and valid license plates.
What if I move to Florida from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Florida license without taking the written or road test. You must visit a driver's license office in person with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number. The new license costs $75. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take both tests.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?
You receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your test, and this is valid when ready. Your plastic license card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with the temporary license until your card arrives.
Can I take my written test online?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Florida driver's license office. You cannot take it online or at a third-party testing center. However, you can study for the test using the official DHSMV handbook, which is available free on the DHSMV website.
What is the difference between a standard license and a commercial license?
A commercial license (CDL) is required if you operate a vehicle over 26,000 pounds or carry hazardous materials. A standard license is for personal vehicles and light trucks. To get a CDL, you must pass additional written tests and a road test in a commercial vehicle. Most people do not need a CDL.