What you need to get a Florida learner's permit

A Florida learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. To get one, you must be at least 15 years old, pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs, and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

The permit itself costs $6.25 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You cannot renew it — once it expires, you must pass the test again if you have not yet taken your road test for a full driver's license.

Florida does not require a vision test at the permit stage, but the DMV will ask about your vision and medical history. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you on test day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs to receive a learner's permit.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents showing your Florida address to your DMV visit.
  • The written test has 50 questions and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.
  • Your permit is valid for one year and cannot be renewed; if it expires before you pass your road test, you must retake the written test.
  • While holding a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you at all times.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring your original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card — one of these counts as your proof of identity. You also need proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work.

For Florida residency, bring two documents from different categories. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts. So does a property tax bill, homeowner's insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A school enrollment letter or transcript works if you are under 18. You cannot use two documents from the same source — for example, two utility bills from the same company do not count.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have your card, a W-2, 1099, or tax return with your number printed on it will work. The DMV will not accept a letter from the Social Security Administration.

How the written test works

The Florida learner's permit test has 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — that is 80 percent — to pass. The test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

You have one hour to finish the test. The DMV will give you a paper test or let you take it on a computer, depending on which office you visit. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DMV offices, though some offices may ask you to come back another day. Each test attempt costs $6.25. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before you can move on to your road test.

Preparing for the knowledge test

The Florida DMV publishes a free study guide called the Florida Driver License Handbook, available on the DMV website and in print at any DMV office. It covers every topic on the test and is the most reliable way to study.

The handbook covers road signs by shape and color, right-of-way rules at intersections, speed limits in different zones, parking rules, and what different traffic signals mean. It also explains the rules for driving with a learner's permit — for instance, you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car.

Many people study the handbook for one to two weeks before taking the test. Reading it once, then going back to review sections you found confusing, is more effective than cramming the night before.

Restrictions while you hold a learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license — a permit or suspended license does not count. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.

You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or legal guardian is in the car. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.

You also cannot tow a trailer or drive a motorcycle. If you are caught breaking any of these rules, the officer can take your permit and you will have to retake the written test to get a new one.

Moving from your learner's permit to your driver's license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least one month, you can schedule a road test. The road test costs $20 and tests your ability to start the car, drive in traffic, park, and follow traffic signs and signals. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving in.

If you pass the road test, you will receive a temporary driver's license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two weeks. If you fail, you can retake the road test after one week, and you can take it as many times as you need to.

Your learner's permit expires one year from the date you received it. If you have not passed your road test by then, you must retake the written knowledge test to get a new permit. There is no grace period — the permit is no longer valid after the expiration date.

Where to go and what it costs

Visit any Florida DMV office to take your written test and receive your permit. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Florida DMV website. Some offices are busier than others — early morning or mid-week visits usually have shorter waits.

The total cost is $6.25 for the permit itself. If you fail the test and retake it, each attempt costs $6.25. Bring cash or a debit card; not all offices accept credit cards.

You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page on the DMV website to see if you should reserve a time slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must take the test in person at a DMV office. The DMV does this to verify your identity and make sure you are not using outside help. Some offices let you take the test on a computer instead of paper, but you must be physically present at the office.

What happens if my learner's permit expires before I pass my road test?

Your permit becomes invalid and you cannot drive with it. You must retake the written knowledge test and pay the $6.25 fee to get a new permit. You can then hold the new permit for another year while you prepare for your road test.

Can someone else take the written test for me?

No. The DMV requires you to be present and will check your ID before you take the test. The test is designed to make sure you personally know Florida traffic laws before you drive.

Do I need to pass a vision test to get my learner's permit?

Florida does not require a formal vision test for the permit, but the DMV will ask about your vision and whether you wear glasses or contacts. If you do wear them, bring them to your test appointment. You will need a vision test when you take your road test.

What if I fail the written test — how soon can I retake it?

You can retake the test the same day at most DMV offices, though some offices may ask you to return another day. Each attempt costs $6.25. There is no waiting period between attempts and no limit to how many times you can retake it.