The documents and steps Florida requires for your first license

To get your first driver license in Florida, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof that you are a Florida resident. You will also need to pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road test. The whole process usually takes several visits — one to explore and get your learner's permit, and later visits to take the written and road tests before you receive your license.

Florida does not issue licenses to people under 16, so your age determines which type of license you can get and what restrictions explore. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. A Class D license is the standard license for drivers 16 and older. If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid ID, proof you live in Florida, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the Department of Motor Vehicles office.
  • Florida requires you to pass a vision screening, a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, and a practical road test before you receive your license.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months and one week before you can take the road test.
  • Minors under 18 face restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits even after they receive their full license.

Documents you must bring to the DMV office

Florida's Department of Motor Vehicles requires specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your age. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents — ask the DMV office what they will accept before you go.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and Florida address. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else, you can bring a notarized letter from the homeowner or landlord saying you live there, along with a utility bill in their name.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the document that shows your number — your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form.

The vision test and what it checks

At the DMV office, you will take a vision screening before anything else. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you — the test will be done with them on.

If you do not pass the vision screening, the DMV will not let you continue with the written test that day. You can return after you have seen an eye doctor and had your vision corrected. Bring a letter from the eye doctor confirming your new prescription if you get glasses or contacts.

The written knowledge test: what to study

The written test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DMV office. You need to get at least 40 questions right (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The DMV provides a free study guide called the Florida Driver License Handbook, available online and in print at any DMV office. It covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Read the handbook before you take the test. You can take the test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts.

If you are under 18, you must also watch a video about the dangers of impaired driving before you take the written test. The video is shown at the DMV office and takes about 20 minutes.

The learner's permit: how long you must hold it

After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit. This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. The adult must be in the front passenger seat and have a valid driver license.

If you are under 18, you must hold your learner's permit for at least three months and one week before you can take the road test. During this time, you cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you pass the written test, with no waiting period.

While you have your learner's permit, practice in different conditions: daytime and nighttime, light traffic and heavy traffic, highways and residential streets. The more experience you get, the better prepared you will be for the road test.

The road test: what the examiner checks

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The DMV examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner will also watch how you handle traffic, obey speed limits, and respond to road signs and traffic lights. You must demonstrate that you can drive safely and follow Florida traffic laws.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. All lights, brakes, and wipers must work. Bring someone who is at least 18 years old and has a valid driver license to sit in the front passenger seat during the test — this person cannot be the examiner.

You need to pass the road test to get your license. If you do not pass, you can take it again. You must wait one day before your next attempt, and you will pay the test fee again.

License restrictions for drivers under 18

If you are under 18 when you receive your license, your license will have restrictions that stay in place until you turn 18. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with hands-free technology.

For the first six months after you get your license, you cannot have passengers under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle. After six months, you can have one passenger under 20 without an adult present. After one year, the passenger restriction is lifted.

These restrictions are designed to reduce crash risk for young drivers. They stay on your license until you turn 18, at which point you can request that they be removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can take the road test again. You must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You will need to pay the road test fee again and bring the same documents and vehicle. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

Florida does not require a driver education course for adults. If you are under 18, you do not need a formal course, but taking one may help you prepare for the written and road tests. Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who complete an approved course.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Your first license must be obtained in person at a DMV office. Once you have your license, you can renew it online or by mail if you meet certain requirements — your license must not be expired by more than six months, and you cannot have any medical conditions that affect your driving.

What if I move to Florida from another state?

If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Florida license without taking the written and road tests again. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Florida, and your Social Security number to a DMV office. You will still need to pass the vision test.