Florida's learner's permit has specific age requirements and restrictions you must follow

In Florida, you can get a learner's permit at age 15, but the rules about who can supervise you and where you can drive are strict. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. — even with a supervisor present. These rules exist for the full six months you hold the permit, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

The state also restricts how many passengers under 20 you can have in the car. With a learner's permit, you can have no more than one passenger under 20 years old (unless they are a family member). This rule is designed to reduce distractions while you are still learning.

Florida does not allow you to use a cell phone while driving with a learner's permit — not even hands-free. This is a zero-tolerance rule, meaning any use is a violation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Florida, and you must hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test.
  • A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front passenger seat with you at all times while you are driving.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use any cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device.
  • You can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car (family members do not count toward this limit), and you must follow all traffic laws exactly as a fully licensed driver would.

Age and the six-month waiting period

Florida requires you to be 15 years old to get a learner's permit. When you receive your permit, you must keep it for a minimum of six months before you are allowed to take the road test for a regular driver's license. This six-month period cannot be shortened, even if you pass a driver education course or demonstrate advanced skills.

If you turn 18 while holding a learner's permit, the permit expires on your 18th birthday. At that point, you must take the road test to get a regular license — you cannot continue driving with an expired learner's permit. If you have not yet completed the six-month requirement by your 18th birthday, you will need to retake the written test and pay the permit fee again.

Supervision requirements and who can sit with you

Every time you drive with a learner's permit, a licensed driver must be in the front passenger seat next to you. That person must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license from any state or country. They cannot be a learner's permit holder or a driver with a suspended or revoked license.

The supervising driver is responsible for helping you learn and for making sure you follow all traffic laws. They should be alert and able to give you feedback. Sitting in the back seat does not count — the supervisor must be in the front passenger seat where they can see the road and react quickly if needed.

Driving hours and time restrictions

Florida's learner's permit comes with a hard curfew: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., regardless of who is supervising you or where you are going. This rule applies every single day, including weekends and holidays. If you are caught driving during these hours, you will be cited for a violation.

Outside of those hours, you can drive during the day and evening as long as your supervisor is with you. There is no limit on how many hours you can drive during permitted times, but it is a good idea to build your experience gradually and practice in different conditions — rain, traffic, highway driving — before you take your road test.

Passenger restrictions and cell phone rules

You can have passengers in the car, but only one of them can be under 20 years old (not counting family members). This means if you have a sibling who is 19, they count as your one allowed young passenger. If you have two siblings under 20, only one can ride with you at a time. Adults 20 and older can ride with you without limit.

Florida's cell phone rule for learner's permit holders is absolute: you cannot use a cell phone while driving for any reason. This includes texting, calling, using GPS, checking social media, or using hands-free features. The only exception is to call 911 in an emergency. If you need directions, have your supervisor handle the GPS or plan your route before you start driving.

What happens if you break the rules

Violating learner's permit restrictions can result in a traffic citation, a fine, and points on your driving record. Points stay on your record and can affect your insurance rates. If you accumulate too many violations, your permit can be suspended or revoked, which means you will have to start the process over.

Some violations are more serious than others. Driving without a supervisor, driving during restricted hours, or using a cell phone are all common violations that law enforcement actively enforces. Even minor violations can delay your path to a regular license because they create a record that the road test examiner may review.

Moving from learner's permit to road test

After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months, you can schedule your road test with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You will need to bring your permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Your supervisor must drive you to the test location, but they will not be in the car during the actual test — a DHSMV examiner will ride with you.

The road test covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking to see that you can control the vehicle safely and make good decisions on the road. If you pass, you will receive your regular driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period (usually a few days to a week).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent or guardian supervise me if they have a suspended license?

No. Your supervisor must have a valid, active driver's license. A suspended, revoked, or expired license does not count. If your parent's license is suspended, another licensed adult who is at least 21 must supervise you instead.

What if I need to drive to school before 5 a.m.?

Florida's midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew has no exceptions for school or work. You cannot drive during those hours with a learner's permit. You will need to arrange a ride with someone else or wait until after 5 a.m. to leave.

Do I have to take a driver education course to get my learner's permit?

No. You can get a learner's permit by passing the written test at the DHSMV office without taking a course. However, taking a driver education course can help you prepare for the written test and the road test, and some insurance companies offer discounts for completing one.

Can I drive my own car with a learner's permit?

Yes, as long as you follow all the rules: a licensed supervisor at least 21 years old must be in the front passenger seat, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone. The car itself does not matter — only your behavior and who is with you.

What if I get a ticket while driving with my learner's permit?

A ticket creates a violation record that stays on your driving history. Too many violations can result in your permit being suspended or revoked. You may also have to pay a fine and attend traffic school. It is important to follow all traffic laws and learner's permit rules to avoid delays in getting your regular license.