How to book your Florida learner's permit appointment

You book a Florida learner's permit appointment through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website or by calling their appointment line. You cannot walk in without a reservation — all permit tests require an appointment at a licensed testing facility.

The DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) has an online appointment scheduler where you enter your zip code, choose a testing location near you, and pick an available date and time. The phone number for scheduling is 1-844-356-4374. Most facilities have appointments available within one to three weeks, though this varies by location and season.

Before you book, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You will also need to know which testing location you prefer — the scheduler shows you all facilities within your area and their current availability.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your appointment through flhsmv.gov or by calling 1-844-356-4374; walk-ins are not accepted for learner's permit tests.
  • You need your Social Security number, date of birth, and address to complete the booking.
  • Most locations have openings within one to three weeks, but availability depends on your area and the time of year.
  • Bring your completed process (Form HSMV 80028), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to your appointment.
  • If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel at least 24 hours in advance through the website or phone line to avoid losing your slot.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your completed learner's permit process (Form HSMV 80028) signed and dated. You can fill this out at home before your appointment or at the testing facility, but having it done ahead of time speeds up the process.

You also need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida residency. Acceptable documents for identity include a passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a school ID with a photo. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at your appointment. They will need to sign your process in front of the examiner.

Testing facility locations and hours

Florida has over 50 DHSMV-licensed testing facilities across the state, run by private testing centers under contract with the state. The major chains are Eckerd and Sunoco, but independent facilities also operate in many counties.

Each location has its own hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering Saturday appointments. The online scheduler shows the exact hours for each facility. If you live in a rural area, the nearest facility may be 30 to 45 minutes away, so plan travel time when you book.

Some facilities are busier than others. If your preferred location has no openings for several weeks, check facilities in neighboring counties — you can test anywhere in Florida, not just in your home county.

What happens during your appointment

Your appointment typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. You will first check in and have your documents reviewed. The examiner will verify your identity, Social Security number, and residency, and confirm that you meet the age and vision requirements.

Next, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit on the spot — it is valid for five years.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test at the same facility. Most locations allow you to schedule a retest when ready or within a few days. There is no additional fee for retesting.

Fees and payment methods

The learner's permit fee is $7.50 for a five-year permit. Some testing facilities charge an additional service fee of $5 to $10 for administering the test, depending on the location. You will pay both fees at your appointment.

Testing facilities accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A few locations accept checks, but this is less common — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. The DHSMV does not charge a separate fee; the service fee goes to the testing facility.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-356-4374. You must cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you may lose your appointment slot and have to wait for the next available opening.

Rescheduling is free and can be done online or by phone. The system will show you available times at your chosen facility or at other locations if you are flexible about where you test.

Common reasons appointments are delayed or canceled

Testing facilities sometimes close temporarily due to weather, staffing issues, or system outages. If your appointment is canceled by the facility, you will receive a notification by email or phone, and the system will offer you alternative dates and locations.

During peak times — summer months and the weeks before school starts — appointments fill up quickly. If you are flexible about when you test, booking for a weekday morning or a location outside your when ready area often shows more availability.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. There is no penalty, but you will go to the back of the queue and may wait longer for your next opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment online if I do not have a computer?

Yes. Call 1-844-356-4374 and a representative will schedule your appointment over the phone. You will need the same information ready: your Social Security number, date of birth, and preferred location and dates.

What if I fail the written test at my appointment?

You can retake the test at the same facility, usually within a few days. There is no additional fee. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the Florida Driver Handbook between tests.

Do I have to test at the facility closest to my home?

No. You can test at any DHSMV-licensed facility in Florida. If your nearest location is fully booked, you can schedule at a facility in another county or city.

What if I cannot make my appointment and need to reschedule?

Reschedule through flhsmv.gov or by calling 1-844-356-4374 at least 24 hours before your appointment. Rescheduling is free, and you will see available times at your preferred location or others nearby.

Can my parent or guardian schedule the appointment for me?

Your parent or guardian can call to schedule on your behalf, but you will need to provide your own Social Security number and date of birth. They must be present at the appointment to sign your process if you are under 18.