What You Need to Do to Get a Florida Learner's Permit

To get a Florida learner's permit, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the permit fee. You cannot do this online or by mail. The permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car, but it is not a license to drive alone.

Florida issues learner's permits to people aged 15 and older. If you are under 18, you will also need to complete a traffic law and substance abuse course (often called the Drug and Alcohol course) before you can move to a full driver's license. The permit itself is valid for one year from the date you pass the test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency to take the written test.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The permit fee is $7.50 and is paid at the DHSMV office when you pass the test.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a four-hour Drug and Alcohol course before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for one year; if you do not pass the road test within that time, you must retake the written test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DHSMV Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card. This is your proof of identity. You cannot use a school ID, a work ID, or a copy of your birth certificate.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return also works.

For proof of Florida residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or an insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. Your name must be on the document. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of the DHSMV staff member. If your parent or guardian cannot come, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by them.

The Written Knowledge Test

The test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have one hour to finish. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass.

The test covers the Florida Driver Handbook, which DHSMV provides free at every office and online at the DHSMV website. The handbook explains right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, and what to do if you are stopped by police. Most of the test questions come directly from the handbook.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call your local DHSMV office ahead of time to ask if they can arrange it.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you must pay the $7.50 fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

How to Find Your Local DHSMV Office and Make an Appointment

DHSMV offices are located in every county in Florida. You can find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest office on the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. Search by county or city.

Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office's page on the DHSMV website to see if you need one. If appointments are required and the office is booked, you may have to wait days or weeks for an opening.

Bring all your documents with you. The office will not let you take the test without them. Arrive early; offices often close to new customers 30 minutes before their posted closing time.

What Happens After You Pass the Written Test

You will receive your learner's permit on the spot. It is a plastic card with your photo, name, date of birth, and permit number. Keep it with you every time you drive.

With your permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Your permit is valid for one year. If you do not pass the road test within that year, your permit expires and you must retake the written test to get a new one.

Before you can take the road test, you must complete the four-hour Drug and Alcohol course if you are under 18. This course can be taken online or in person at approved providers. Once you finish, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate when you schedule your road test.

The Road Test and Moving to a Full License

After you have held your learner's permit for at least one month and completed the Drug and Alcohol course (if you are under 18), you can schedule a road test. The road test costs $7.50 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving in.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. They will also watch how you handle traffic and whether you follow traffic laws. You must pass to move to a full driver's license.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting one week. Your learner's permit remains valid during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DHSMV office. You cannot do it online, by mail, or at a third-party location.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices, but you must pay the $7.50 fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts. Study the Florida Driver Handbook before you try again.

Do I need to take the Drug and Alcohol course if I am 18 or older?

No. The course is required only if you are under 18 when you get your learner's permit. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you have held your permit for one month.

How long does the permit stay valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you pass the written test. If you do not pass the road test within that year, your permit expires and you must retake the written test.

What if I move to Florida from another state?

If you already have a learner's permit from another state, you can use it to drive in Florida while you get a Florida permit. You still must visit a DHSMV office, pass the Florida written test, and pay the $7.50 fee to get a Florida permit.