Florida License Restrictions by Type

Every Florida driver's license comes with restrictions tied to your license type and age. A restriction is a rule printed on your license that limits how or when you can drive. Some restrictions are temporary — they expire when you turn a certain age or meet a requirement. Others stay on your license for as long as you hold that type of license.

The restrictions you see depend on three things: whether you have a learner's permit, a regular license, or a commercial license; how old you are; and whether you have any medical or vision conditions. Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) assigns these restrictions automatically based on your process and test results.

Understanding your restrictions matters because violating them can result in a ticket, points on your record, or license suspension. The restriction code appears as a letter on the front or back of your physical license card.

Key Takeaways

  • Learner's permit holders must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat and cannot drive alone, at night (between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.), or on limited-access highways.
  • Drivers under 18 with a regular license face nighttime driving restrictions and passenger limits that lift at age 18 or after holding the license for a set period.
  • Restriction codes appear as letters on your license card and tell law enforcement what rules explore to your driving.
  • Medical or vision conditions can result in restrictions such as corrective lenses, hearing aids, or hand controls that remain until your condition improves or you renew your license.
  • Violating a restriction on your license counts as a separate offense and can lead to points, fines, or suspension.

Learner's Permit Restrictions in Florida

If you hold a learner's permit (also called a learner's license), you cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. That person must hold a valid Florida license, out-of-state license, or commercial license.

Learner's permit holders also face a nighttime driving ban. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., except when driving to or from work, school, or a court-ordered program. If you are stopped during those hours, you must show proof of where you were going — a work schedule, school ID, or court document.

You also cannot drive on limited-access highways (Interstate highways and toll roads like the Florida Turnpike). This restriction exists because these roads require higher speeds and more complex merging. Once you pass your road test and receive a regular license, all learner's permit restrictions end when ready.

Restrictions for Drivers Under 18

When you turn 16 and pass your road test, you receive a regular license — but it comes with restrictions that do not explore to drivers 18 and older. These restrictions are designed to reduce crash risk for new teenage drivers.

The first restriction is a passenger limit. For the first three months after you receive your license, you can have no passengers under 20 years old in your car, except family members. After three months, you can have one passenger under 20 (still excluding family). This rule stays in place until you turn 18.

The second restriction is a nighttime driving ban. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a court-ordered program. Like learner's permit holders, you must carry proof of your destination. This restriction also ends when you turn 18.

If you hold your license for one year without a crash or traffic violation, you may be able to request early removal of the nighttime restriction. You would need to contact your local DHSMV office to ask about this option, as it is not automatic.

Medical and Vision Restrictions

If you have a vision problem, hearing loss, or a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, DHSMV may place a restriction on your license. These restrictions require you to use a device or follow a rule to stay safe on the road.

Common medical restrictions include: corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contacts while driving); hearing aid (you must wear it while driving); hand controls (if you cannot use your feet to operate pedals); left foot accelerator (if you cannot use your right foot); or automatic transmission only (if you cannot operate a manual clutch).

Medical restrictions appear on your license and stay in place until you renew your license and pass a new medical exam, or until your condition improves and a doctor confirms it. If you are stopped and do not have the required device or are not following the restriction, you can receive a ticket.

Restriction Codes on Your License Card

Your Florida license card displays restriction codes as letters in a specific box. Each letter stands for a different rule. Knowing your code helps you understand what you can and cannot do, and it helps law enforcement know what to look for if you are stopped.

Common restriction codes include: B (corrective lenses required); D (daylight driving only); E (automatic transmission only); F (outside mirror required); H (hearing aid required); K (intrastate only — cannot leave Florida); L (limited to daylight hours); and V (medical variance). Your license may show one code or several, depending on your situation.

If you are unsure what your restriction code means, you can look it up on the DHSMV website or call your local DHSMV office. You can also ask at the office when you renew your license.

What Happens If You Violate a Restriction

Driving in violation of a restriction on your license is a separate traffic offense. It is not the same as a regular speeding ticket or stop sign violation — it is a violation of the terms of your license itself.

If you are caught violating a restriction, you can receive a ticket, points added to your driving record, and a fine. For example, if you are a learner's permit holder driving alone, you can be cited for "driving without required supervision." If you are under 18 and driving with too many passengers, you can be cited for "violation of passenger restriction."

Repeated violations or serious violations can lead to license suspension. A suspension means you cannot drive legally until DHSMV reinstates your license, which usually requires paying a reinstatement fee and meeting other conditions.

Removing or Modifying Restrictions

Some restrictions are automatic — they expire on their own when you reach a certain age or meet a requirement. For example, all learner's permit restrictions end when you pass your road test. Nighttime and passenger restrictions for drivers under 18 end when you turn 18.

Other restrictions require action on your part. If you have a medical restriction and your condition improves, you can visit a DHSMV office with a letter from your doctor stating that you no longer need the restriction. DHSMV will review the letter and may remove the restriction from your license.

If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or was placed in error, you can contact your local DHSMV office to request a review. Bring any documents that support your request — a current eye exam, a medical clearance, or proof that you meet the requirement to have the restriction removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a learner's permit if I have an adult in the car who is not 21?

No. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. A 20-year-old or an unlicensed adult cannot supervise a learner's permit holder. If you are stopped with a younger or unlicensed supervisor, you can be cited for violating your permit restrictions.

What counts as proof that I am driving to work or school during restricted hours?

You should carry a work schedule with your employer's name and contact information, a school ID, or a letter from your school showing your class schedule. Some law enforcement officers also accept a pay stub or recent school report card. Ask your employer or school what document they recommend before you drive during restricted hours.

If I turn 18, do my restrictions end when ready?

Yes. Nighttime driving and passenger restrictions for drivers under 18 end on your 18th birthday. You do not need to visit DHSMV or explore for anything — the restrictions are no longer in effect. However, if you have a medical or vision restriction, that stays on your license until it is removed by DHSMV.

Can I get a restriction removed early if I have a clean driving record?

It depends on the restriction. Nighttime restrictions for drivers under 18 may be removed early if you have held your license for one year without a crash or violation, but you must request this at a DHSMV office — it is not automatic. Medical and vision restrictions require a doctor's letter confirming your condition has improved. Learner's permit restrictions cannot be removed early; they end when you pass your road test.

What is the difference between a restriction and a suspension?

A restriction limits how you can drive — it stays on your license and you can still drive within those limits. A suspension means you cannot drive at all until DHSMV reinstates your license. Violating a restriction can eventually lead to a suspension if you accumulate enough violations or points.