What you need to do to get a Florida driver's license

To get a Florida driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your card to arrive in the mail.

Florida issues licenses to people aged 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for a set period and log supervised driving hours. If you are moving to Florida from another state or country, the steps are the same, but you may not need to retake the written test if you already hold a valid license from another U.S. state.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Florida DMV office in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, available free online.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before taking the road test.
  • The road test is conducted by a DMV examiner at your local office; you provide your own vehicle, which must pass a safety inspection first.
  • Your temporary license is valid when ready after you pass all tests, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Documents you must bring to the DMV office

Florida requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified English translation as well.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card and an unexpired foreign passport. If you are a temporary resident or visa holder, bring your visa and passport.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A bank or credit card statement does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions covering Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask your local DMV office which languages are available.

Study using the Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the Florida DMV website. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, what different road signs mean, and what to do in emergencies. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test.

You can take the written test at any Florida DMV office. There is no appointment needed for the written test alone, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

The vision test and what disqualifies you

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day, but you can return after getting new glasses or contacts and trying again.

Florida law requires you to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you cannot meet this standard even with glasses or contacts, you may still be able to get a license with restrictions—for example, you might be required to drive only during daylight hours or only on certain roads. The DMV will tell you if restrictions explore.

Other conditions that may disqualify you from getting a license include certain medical conditions, a suspended or revoked license in Florida or another state, or a court order prohibiting you from driving. If you have any of these, contact your local DMV office before visiting to find out whether you can proceed.

The road test: scheduling, what to bring, and what the examiner checks

The road test is a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws. You must schedule this test in advance at your local DMV office or online through the Florida DMV website. Wait times for road test appointments vary by location; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

For the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered in Florida and has passed a safety inspection within the past 12 months. The vehicle must have valid insurance, working brakes, working lights, a working horn, and a clean windshield. You must also bring your learner's permit (if you are under 18) or your current out-of-state license, and a valid photo ID.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will watch whether you check your mirrors, use your turn signals, maintain safe speed, and follow traffic signs. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a set period—usually a few days to a week.

Learner's permit requirements if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a road test. You must first get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat. To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and vision test at a DMV office, just as described above.

After you get your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least three months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. You must keep a log of your driving hours and bring it with you when you schedule your road test. The DMV will ask to see this log before the examiner takes you out.

Once you have held your permit for three months and logged your 50 hours, you can schedule your road test. After you pass the road test, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

What happens after you pass: your temporary and permanent license

When you pass your road test, the DMV issues you a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and allows you to drive anywhere in Florida. It is printed on paper and is valid for 30 days.

Your permanent license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office. It usually arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. The permanent card is valid for eight years (or six years if you are over 79). You do not need to do anything while you wait—just keep your temporary license with you while driving.

If your permanent card does not arrive after four weeks, contact your local DMV office. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address on the Florida DMV website or at an office, and your card will be resent to your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. Florida will not issue a license if you have an active suspension or revocation in Florida or any other state. You must clear the suspension or revocation in that state first. Contact the DMV in the state where the suspension was issued to find out how to reinstate your license.

Do I have to retake the written test if I already have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state?

No. If you hold a valid license from another U.S. state, you can skip the written test. You still must pass the vision test and road test. Bring your out-of-state license to your DMV appointment.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting a set period, usually three to seven days depending on your local office. You must pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment each time.

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test and vision test first, then schedule your road test for a later date. If you are under 18, you must also hold your learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the road test.

What if I move to Florida from another country?

You must follow the same steps as anyone else: bring proof of identity (your passport and visa), proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you do not have one). You will take the written test, vision test, and road test. If you already hold a valid driver's license from your home country, you do not need to retake the written test, but Florida still requires you to pass the vision and road tests.