Florida Driver’s License Guide 2024

Table Of Content

Have you recently moved to the Sunshine State? Have you had a driver's license before? Well, you must get a FL driver's license immediately to drive here legally.

We’re here to make the license process easy for you! Here’s a complete guide for getting your license in Florida.

How Do I Get a Florida Driver’s Permit?

If you’re ready to become a driver in Florida, the process is pretty straightforward. You must complete a TLSAE course, gather the proper documentation, and pass your written and driving tests. Furthermore, you’ll have to go through three stages:

1. Get a learner's permit. This license allows you to practice driving while supervised.

2. Apply for a teen license. This lets you drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions.

3. Get an adult driver's license. You can drive freely with no restrictions!

Read on for details on obtaining your learner’s permit and full license.

Different Driver's License Classes in Florida

Here are the various classes of Florida driver’s licenses.

Class E

This standard driver's license allows you to operate any non-commercial vehicle. With this license, you can drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, station wagons, utility vehicles, and panel trucks. You’re also legally allowed to operate single-motor vehicles and trailers. However, the gross weight of the vehicle mustn’t be greater than 26,000 lbs. Check out the official Florida Driver’s Manual to pass your test with flying colors!

Class A and B

These classes are for operating commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and buses. Class A permits the operation of the heaviest vehicles, such as trucks or truck combinations. These vehicles are only allowed to have a maximum GVWR of 26,001 pounds. Class B allows the operation of straight trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

Class C

This class is for operating vehicles carrying hazardous materials or designed to transport more than 16 passengers.

Class M

Class M allows individuals to ride motorcycles legally.

How to Get Started?

You must fulfill several requirements to obtain a Class E driver’s license. First, complete a TLSAE course. Second, you must pass a written exam, vision test, hearing test, and driving test. Florida has Graduated Driving Licensing laws for teenagers. Under these laws, they can start driving under safer conditions. Eventually, they gain full driving privileges. Here is a roadmap to getting your driver’s license according to your age:

• If you’re between 15 and 18, apply for a learner’s permit. This is if you’re a first-timer.

• If you’re a learner’s permit holder between 16 and 18, apply for a teen license.

• If you’re over 18, apply directly for your adult license.

Note: TLSAE stands for Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education.

First-Timer’s Guide to Applying for a Learner's License

Those under 18 will first need to get a learner’s license before eventually getting complete driving privileges.

A learner’s permit is the first step of the GDL program. It allows teens to practice driving with a licensed driver no younger than 21. This individual must be seated in the passenger seat. Moreover, teens aren’t allowed to drive at night for the first three months after getting their learner’s permit. After the three-month period, they can drive until 10 pm.

Ready to get your learner’s permit? Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Complete the TLSAE or Another Similar Course

You must either finish the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course or an equivalent one provided by your local school board. Once you’ve completed the course, your details are automatically forwarded to the Florida DHSMV. Hence, you won’t need any paper certificates.

2. Apply at the License Service Center

You must visit a DHSMV service center to apply for your learner’s license in person. You must locate a nearby service center and contact them. Once you call, you’ll find out about their services and make an appointment in advance. You may also make an appointment online.

3. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)

• Social Security number

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in Florida

4. Complete and Bring the HSMV 71142 Form

You must bring a form of Parental Consent for a Minor Driver Application (HSMV 71142). This form needs to be signed by your parent or guardian in front of the service center employee or a Notary Public.

5. Pass Your Vision and Hearing Exams

If your vision is worse than 20/40, you'll need to see an eye specialist. Color blindness won't stop you from getting a license. If you're deaf or have trouble hearing normal conversation, you may need to put the rearview mirror on the left side of your car or wear a hearing aid.

6. Have Your Photograph Taken

Get your picture taken. Smile for a cute photograph!

7. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Test

To obtain a FL driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the DHSMV. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Luckily, the Florida Driver’s Handbook is available to help you prepare. Moreover, you can also take a free driver's license practice test here to get started.

8. Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $48. If you must incur an additional fee of $6.25 if your service center comes under a county tax collector’s office. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, credit or debit card, or money order. This fee will cover your driver’s license and permit for eight years.

Once you’ve passed your test and completed the rest of the process, prepare to receive your learner’s permit. You’ll have to practice driving for at least a year before taking the next step. Also, bear in mind that if you haven’t received your intermediate or adult license till your learner’s expires, you will have to get your learner’s permit renewed.

Applying for Your Provisional License

A provisional license is the intermediate stage of the FL driver’s license program. This license allows you to drive unsupervised but with many restrictions. However, once you turn 18, you’ll be completely relieved of any limitations.

To obtain your provisional license, follow these steps:

1. Keep Your Learner’s Permit

Make sure to hold your learner’s permit for at least a year without violations, accidents, or convictions.

2. Practice Supervised Driving

You’ll have to complete about 50 hours of supervised driving. Ten hours of this must be at night.

3. Get Your Driving Experience Certification

You will need to get the HSMV 71142 form filled out by your driving supervisor. This can be done by your guardian, parent, or driving instructor. The form basically certifies your driving experience. They’ll also have to sign the form in the process of a Notary agent or driver’s license center employee.

4. Apply for Your Provisional License

You must apply for your intermediate license at the DHSMV service center. Locate a nearby service center and contact them. Once you call, you’ll find out about their services and make an appointment in advance. You may also make an appointment online.

5. Pass the Road Test

You’ll have to take your driving test at a license service center or a third-party service provider. Generally, you must bring your own registered, fully functional vehicle with proof of insurance. However, if you don’t have a car, a third-party provider may offer it to you.

6. Submit Your Learner’s Permit

You will have to surrender your learner’s permit in order to get your provisional license.

Note: You won’t have to pay any fee since you’ve already paid for your learner’s permit.

Here are some restrictions of a provisional license:

• Until you're 17, you can drive alone from 6 am to 11 pm

• From 17 until you turn 18, solo driving is allowed from 5 am to 1 am.

• Outside these hours, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting in the passenger seat when you drive.

Applying for the Florida Full License (18+)

If you’re over 18 and haven’t had any type of license, start with step 1.

If you’re a learner’s permit holder, move to step 7.

You can get a Florida class E driver’s license directly without needing a learner's license first. However, you have the option to apply for a learner's license if you want supervised driving practice.

Here's how to apply for a regular license:

1. Complete the TLSAE or Another Similar Course

You must either finish the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course or an equivalent one provided by your local school board. Once you’ve completed the course, your details are automatically forwarded to the Florida DHSMV. Hence, you won’t need any paper certificates.

2. Apply at the License Service Center

You must visit a DHSMV service center to apply for your adult license in person. You must locate a nearby service center and contact them. Once you call, you’ll find out about their services and make an appointment in advance. You may also make an appointment online.

3. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)

• Social Security number

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in Florida

4. Pass Your Vision and Hearing Exams

If your vision is worse than 20/40, you'll need to see an eye specialist. Color blindness won't stop you from getting a license. If you're deaf or have trouble hearing normal conversation, you may need to put the rearview mirror on the left side of your car or wear a hearing aid.

5. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Test

To obtain a FL driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the DHSMV. You can take it at any service center or a mandated third-party exam provider. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Luckily, the Florida Driver’s Handbook is available to help you prepare. Moreover, you can also take a free driver's license practice test here to get started.

6. Pass the Road Test

You will need to clear your driving test. You can take it at any driver’s license service center or an authorized third-party exam provider.

7. Have Your Photograph Taken

Get your picture taken. Smile for a cute photograph!

8. Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $48. If you must incur an additional fee of $6.25 if your service center comes under a county tax collector’s office. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, credit or debit card, or money order. This fee will cover your driver’s license and permit for eight years.

9. Submit Your Learner’s Permit

You will have to surrender your learner’s permit in order to get your adult license.

Note: If you’re a provisional license holder, please note the following:

• When you turn 18, all restrictions on your unsupervised driving will end.

• Your intermediate license will become an adult driver's license.

• You don't need to exchange it for a new one immediately.

• You can wait until it's time to renew your existing license. Then you'll get a new full driver's license.

Will You Have to Pay the Fee?

Not everyone has to pay the initial license fees.

You’re exempt from paying if:

• You have a valid ID card from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

• You possess a letter from the Veterans Administration confirming a service-connected disability that’s 100%.

How to Renew and Replace Your Florida Driver’s License

If your license is lost, damaged, or has expired, you’ll have to replace or renew it. You can renew your license at the DHSMV license service center in person. However, in some cases, you may be eligible to renew it online or by mail.

In Person

You can renew your license at a DMV service center. To do that, you must:

1. Provide verification for your age and identity. To do this, you must bring your ID card, birth certificate, and SSN. If you’ve changed your name, make sure you get Social Security to update your name. The DMV will verify this.

2. You must also verify your SSN or bring proof that you’re ineligible for one.

3. Pay a renewal fee of $48 and a late fee of $15.

Note: If it’s been over a year since your license has expired, you can renew it. However, you’ll have to incur a late fee of $15. The DHSMV might even ask you to retake the written test. You will have to apply for a new license if your license has expired over a year ago.

By Mail

If the DHSMV approves you for mail-in renewal, they'll send you an application and instructions about 45 days before your license expires. Abide by the instructions carefully. Renew as soon as possible to avoid driving without a valid license. You’ll have to incur a renewal fee of $48 and a late fee of $15 if you're renewing your expired license.

Online

You can renew your license online and get your new license mailed to you within ten days. For that, you’ll have to meet the following requirements:

• You must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

• Your license must meet the federal REAL ID requirements, which Florida started issuing on January 1, 2010.

• Your license must be currently valid or have expired no more than a year ago.

• Your last renewal must have been done in person at a Driver's License Service Center.

• You don't need to retake any tests (vision, hearing, written knowledge, or driving) at the Service Center.

• Your name and address must remain unchanged.

You’ll have to visit the Florida DMV website to renew your license online. Moreover, you’ll have to pay a $48 + $2 service fee and a $15 late fee.

Florida Driver’s License for New Residents

If you have a license from another state or jurisdiction, you must convert it to an FL driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

How to Know If You’re an FL Resident

According to the state, you’re a resident if you have a home there and live in it for over 183 days a year.

You aren’t classified as a resident if:

• Your principal place of domicile has been in the state for over six consecutive months.

• You’ve made a sworn statement in the state’s county to maintain your permanent home there.

• You’ve registered to vote in Florida.

• You’ve filed for a tax exemption on your property in Florida.

What If You Have an Out-of-State License?

Your out-of-state license can be transferred if you’re 16 years old. If your license is still valid, you’ll only have to pass vision and hearing tests. In case of expiry, you’ll also have to take knowledge and driving tests.

Here’s the process to follow to get your FL license:

1. Apply at the DMV

You must visit the local DHSMV service center to get your license transferred in person.

2. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card

• Social Security number

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in Florida

• Change of name (if required)

3. Pass Your Vision and Hearing Exams

If your vision is worse than 20/40, you'll need to see an eye specialist. Color blindness won't stop you from getting a license. If you're deaf or have trouble hearing normal conversation, you may need to put the rearview mirror on the left side of your car or wear a hearing aid.

4. Submit Your Out-of-State License

5. Have Your Photograph Taken

Get your picture taken. Smile for a cute photograph!

6. Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $48. You must incur an additional fee of $6.25 if your service center comes under a county tax collector’s office. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, credit or debit card, or money order. This fee will cover your driver’s license and permit for eight years.

What If You Have a Foreign License?

If you’re from any other country, transferring your foreign license to Florida will be like applying for a new license. You'll need to pass a vision exam, written knowledge test, and road test.

Fortunately, drivers from Canada, France, South Korea, Taiwan, and Germany don’t need to surrender their foreign license to receive an FL license. Those from Canada will need to take a road and knowledge test. Moreover, licensed drivers from Germany will have to take a driving test.

Here’s the process to follow to get your FL license:

1. Apply at the DMV

You must visit the local DHSMV service center to get your license transferred in person.

2. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card

• Social Security number

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in Florida

• Change of name (if required)

3. Pass Your Vision and Hearing Exams

If your vision is worse than 20/40, you'll need to see an eye specialist. Color blindness won't stop you from getting a license. If you're deaf or have trouble hearing normal conversation, you may need to put the rearview mirror on the left side of your car or wear a hearing aid.

4. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Exam

You must take the knowledge test to demonstrate your understanding of the various traffic rules and regulations. Check out the Florida Driver’s Manual, or take a knowledge practice test to pass the test!

5. Pass Your Driving Test

6. Submit Your Foreign License

7. Have Your Photograph Taken

Get your picture taken. Smile for a cute photograph!

8. Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $48. You must incur an additional fee of $6.25 if your service center comes under a county tax collector’s office. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, credit or debit card, or money order. This fee will cover your driver’s license and permit for eight years.