How to get a Florida Driver's License
- Florida Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
FL Drivers License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your FL drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Florida Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your FL Driver's Permit
If this is your first driver's license you will need to apply for a Florida learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive a FL drivers license. Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 12 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 50 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
The Florida DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Florida practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Florida Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in FL. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a FL driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test.
If your out-of-state driver's license has expired, you may be required to apply for a Florida learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
International Drivers
Florida honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit. Once your foreign license expires, you must apply for a FL learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license. (Some exceptions apply for Canada, France, Germany and Taiwan. See the Florida Driver Manual for details.)
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Florida DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Restricted Driver's License (16 years to 18 years of age) valid for up to 8 years.
- Restricted Driver's License (16 years to 18 years of age) valid for up to 8 years.
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
