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Guide to Obtaining Your Florida Driver's License

Wondering how you actually get a Florida driver's license? No worries — you're not alone.

First, make sure to follow these requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Complete a driver's education course
  • Pass a vision and hearing screening
  • Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam
  • Take and pass the Class E Driving Skills Test
  • Bring proper ID and the right documents to the FLHSMV

Under 18? Here's What to Do:

If you're under 18, you need to complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety course and earn a learner's permit. You must keep that permit for 12 months or until you turn 18.

During that time, avoid traffic convictions at all costs. Good news, though: One violation can be forgiven if you finish a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course.

Don't forget, you also need 50 hours of practice behind the wheel with at least 10 hours at night. A parent or guardian must sign off on your driving log. Congrats! You're getting closer to driving by yourself.

18 and Older

Are you 18 or older? If so, the first step is taking a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. That is, unless you qualify for an exemption.

What counts as an exemption? If you've already had a license from another state, or you finished a driver's ed program through the Florida Department of Education, you don't need to complete the program again.

For everyone else, TLSAE (sometimes called the DATA course) is required. It covers drugs, alcohol and the legal risks of impaired driving. It's four hours long, and it's focused on safety and the consequences of breaking the law.

You can finish it online at your own pace. A computer works, but so does a phone or tablet. It's never been easier to get your FL driving credentials!

Complete a Drug and Alcohol Course

New drivers 18 and up in Florida must complete mandatory lessons that focus on the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and illicit drugs. These programs are also known as Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education or the Drug, Alcohol and Traffic Awareness (DATA) course. You can complete the four-hour DATA course online using your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pass Vision and Hearing Tests

You must pass vision and hearing tests to get your driver's license. The FLHSMV requires these before you can legally drive.

The Florida vision test for a driver's license checks that you can read road signs and see traffic clearly, while the Florida hearing exam tests that you can hear horns, sirens and other important sounds on the road.

If you need to wear corrective lenses (contacts or glasses) or a hearing aid to pass the test, a restriction will be added to your license that says you must always wear them while driving.

You can take the vision and hearing tests in person at a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) location.

Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam

If you're looking to take the Florida drivers license test, this is it: the Class E Knowledge Exam. The Class E Knowledge Exam is a big step in the journey to a Florida driver's license — it's also the same thing as the permit test.

Wondering what the exam covers? Expect questions about laws, road signs and safe habits. Don't worry, it's not an essay test. This exam is multiple-choice questions only. Out of 50 questions, you'll need to get at least 40 correct. So, score above an 80%.

Most people use the official Florida Driver Handbook when they study. You'll find the same checklist at the FLHSMV, which helps make sure you have everything ready before your appointment.

Drivers with valid licenses from the following are exempt:

  • Other states (including territories and military members)
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China)
  • South Korea

There's one catch with Canada. If you'd rather keep your Canadian license, you'll have to take the Class E Exam anyway. And once Florida issues you a license, they'll ask you to give up any others from U.S. states or territories.

Pass the FL Driving Skills Exam

The Florida driving test, also known as the Class E Driving Skills Test, is a behind-the-wheel driving test that must be supervised by a driving examiner, normally at a FLHSMV location.

You must schedule an appointment for your test using the FLHSMV Online Appointment Service and Information System (OASIS). Arrive for your test in a fully insured vehicle with valid plates. If the vehicle passes a quick safety inspection, you can proceed with the driving test.

The driving test covers the following skills:

  • Using proper driving posture
  • Backing up
  • Signaling and turning
  • Approaching a crossing
  • Staying in the proper lane
  • Following at a safe distance
  • Passing
  • Obeying traffic signals and stop signs
  • Stopping quickly
  • Observing the right-of-way
  • Performing a three-point turn
  • Straight-in parking
  • Parking on a grade

Refer to the official Florida Driver License Handbook for more details on each driving maneuver.

Provide the Required Documents

You must bring the following documents to the FLHSMV location when you obtain your driver's license:

  • Proof of identification
  • Two proofs of residential address
  • Proof of Social Security number

To prove your identity, present an original birth certificate from the Bureau of Vital Statistics/state-issued copy or a U.S. Passport. Hospital birth certificates and photocopies of your birth certificate are not valid forms of identification.

For your proof of residential address, you can provide a bill with your address or a school transcript from the current school year that lists your address. If you do not have these documents, you can submit a Certification of Address Form and provide two proofs of address for a parent, step parent, legal guardian or a person you live with.

Your proof of Social Security number can be your original Social Security card or a W-2 tax form with your Social Security number.

For a complete list of documents that you can use to prove your identity, visit the What to Bring page on the FLHSMV website. There, you can find detailed information on the required documents for U.S. citizens, immigrants, nonimmigrants and Canadians.

Extra Documents for Minors

Under 18? You may need a few more documents. These may include:

  • Parental Consent Form
  • Parent Proctoring Form
  • Certification of Minor Driving Experience

Unmarried minors have to show a signed Parental Consent Form. If you also took the Class E Knowledge Exam online, a parent or guardian must also sign the Parent Proctoring Form.

If you currently have a Florida learner's permit, you must present a Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form. This form confirms that you have at least 50 hours of required driving experience.

All the forms listed above must be signed in the presence of an FLHSMV driver's license examiner or a notary public. This step is essential for new drivers preparing to earn a valid license in Florida.

Let's Drive!

Prepare to pass the Florida driver's license test, including the Class E knowledge exam. Ask questions, practice your driving skills and study the handbook. Don't forget to stop at stop signs, stay in your lane and follow traffic rules.

When you pass the test, you'll obtain your valid Florida license and get to drive without supervision. Not a bad deal for the effort. Start today!