What you need to bring to the DMV
Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) requires you to bring specific documents when you explore for a learner's permit. You cannot complete the process without them, so gather everything before you go to a local office.
Bring a document that proves your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth. You also need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return). Bring two documents that show your current Florida address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you; they must sign your process in person.
If you were born outside the United States and are not a U.S. citizen, you will need an Unexpired Foreign Passport or an I-94 arrival/departure record. Lawful permanent residents should bring their green card. Check the DHSMV website for your specific situation if you hold a visa or other immigration status — requirements vary.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass the written knowledge test before you can receive a permit; the test covers Florida traffic laws and safe driving practices.
- Bring your identity document, Social Security proof, two address documents, and a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
- The permit fee is $7 and is valid for one year; you can renew it once without retaking the test.
- With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
- You can hold a permit for up to two years before you must take the road test and move toward a full license.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The DHSMV written test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have one hour to complete it.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DHSMV office ahead of time to arrange it. The test is given on a computer at the office, and you get your results when ready after you finish.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your permit.
Where to go and how to schedule
You take the written test at a DHSMV office in your county. Florida has offices in every county, and you can visit any office — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. Find the office nearest you and its hours on the DHSMV website.
Most DHSMV offices do not require an appointment for the written test. You can walk in during business hours and take the test the same day. However, some offices in busy areas do use an online appointment system. Check your local office's page before you go; if appointments are required, you can book one online or by phone.
Bring all your documents and arrive early. Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually less crowded than afternoons or weekends.
The permit fee and how long it lasts
The learner's permit costs $7 in Florida. You pay this fee when you pass the written test and submit your process. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. You can renew it once — meaning you can hold a permit for up to two years total — without retaking the written test. After two years, you must pass the test again if you want to keep a permit.
If your permit expires and you have not yet taken the road test, you will need to retake the written test to get a new one. This is why many people move forward to the road test before their permit expires, even if they are not ready to get their full license right away.
Restrictions that come with your permit
A learner's permit is not a license — it comes with strict rules about when and how you can drive. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. That person is responsible for supervising you, and they must be alert and able to take control of the car if needed.
You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip to the store or to school. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver. You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits — any violation while you hold a permit can delay your path to a full license.
You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. This rule applies to all new drivers in Florida, but it is enforced strictly for permit holders.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass the written test, the DHSMV office prints your permit on the spot. You receive a physical card that you must carry with you every time you drive. Your permit number, photo, and restrictions are printed on it.
You can start driving with your permit when ready, as long as you follow all the restrictions. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any DHSMV office for $7.
The next step is to prepare for the road test, which you can take anytime after you have held your permit for at least one day. Many people practice for several weeks or months before scheduling the road test. There is no minimum practice period required by law, but the DHSMV recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night.
If you fail the written test
Failing the written test does not prevent you from getting a permit. You can retake it when ready at the same office, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no fee for retakes, and you can take the test as many times as you need to pass.
If you fail multiple times, consider studying the Florida Driver's Handbook more carefully or taking a practice test online. The DHSMV website has free practice tests that show you the kinds of questions you will see. Many people find that working through practice tests helps them understand the material better than reading alone.
Some people also find it helpful to take a driver education course, which is required for drivers under 18 in Florida anyway. The course covers the same material as the written test and can help you understand why certain rules exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online instead of going to an office?
No. Florida requires you to take the written test in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any third-party service. You must go to an office, pass the test there, and receive your permit the same day.
Do I need a driver education course before I can get a permit?
If you are 18 or older, a driver education course is not required to take the written test or get a permit. If you are under 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education course before you can take the road test, but not before the written test. You can take the written test first, then enroll in the course.
What if I move to Florida from another state with a valid permit?
Florida will not recognize an out-of-state permit. You must take Florida's written test and get a Florida permit. You can do this at any DHSMV office. Your out-of-state permit becomes invalid once you become a Florida resident.
How much does the whole process cost, from permit to license?
The learner's permit costs $7. The road test costs $7. A five-year Class D driver's license costs $75. If you need a driver education course (required if you are under 18), that costs between $200 and $400 depending on the provider. Total cost ranges from $289 to $489 for drivers under 18, and $89 for drivers 18 and older.
Can I get a permit if I have a suspended license from another state?
No. If your license is suspended in any state, Florida will not issue you a permit. You must clear the suspension in that state first. Contact the motor vehicle department in the state where your license was suspended to find out what you need to do.