A Comprehensive Guide in How To Get Your Florida Driver's License

Obtaining a driver's license is an essential component of modern life. Driving yourself makes life much easier, but there are some legal requirements to meet if you wish to take advantage of this privilege. You must understand the procedure of getting a Florida license, whether you're applying for your first license, have recently moved from out of state, or your old license has expired.

Where To Get Your Florida License

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues all driver licenses in the state (DHSMV). The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is headquartered in Tallahassee, but it has offices all around the state where drivers can receive their licenses. Many tax collector's offices are also able to issue driver licenses.

Florida Driver's License Step-by-step Guide

You're in luck if you're eager to get behind the wheel. Getting your Florida driver's license is a breeze if you know what you're doing. The following is a step-by-step approach to getting your driver's license in Florida. If you follow the instructions carefully, you'll soon have full driving privileges!

Step 1: TLSAE or DATA Course

Most Florida public schools and various third-party providers around the state provide Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education and Drugs Alcohol Traffic Awareness courses. After you've completed a TLSAE or DATA course, you'll need to visit a DHSMV location near you.

Step 2: Learner's License Application

You will be needed to pass a vision and written test provided by the DHSMV as part of the permit application procedure. This test is available at your local DHSMV or by registering online with one of the official exam providers.

Requirements

Getting your Florida driver's license takes roughly one hour on average. The Florida licensing examiner will require two valid forms of identification during this process. These types of identification might be either primary or secondary. Primary ID:
  • Birth certificate
  • Valid passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
Secondary ID:
  • Marriage certificate
  • Voter registration card (must be at least three years old)
  • Baptism certificate
  • Other public documents with your name on it
  • A driver's license issued in any of the following U.S. states Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington or Wisconsin.
For Non-U.S. Citizens:
  • Alien Registration Card
  • I-551 stamp on the passport
  • I-797 with customer alien number indicating that the individual has been granted asylum or has refugee status

Restrictions

The following restrictions apply if you are under the age of 18:
  • Hold your learner's permit for twelve months or until you turn eighteen (whichever comes first)
  • You haven't had any traffic violations in the last twelve months that you've had your learner's permit.
  • A total of 50 hours of driving experience is required, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Step 3: Pass All The Tests

To be eligible for a Florida driver's license, you must pass a series of physical, knowledge, and skill-based tests that indicate your ability to drive safely. If you are a first-time driver, you must take and pass all of the tests.

Road Signs and Road Rules

The Florida Learner's Permit Test is another name for this exam, or simply the written test. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that will test your understanding of the rules of the road and the meanings of the various traffic signs. You can prepare for the test by visiting our Florida Drivers Handbook page, which includes a link to the handbook in.pdf format provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You can also take the test online using Ticket School when you're ready!

Driving Test

The purpose of the driving test is to assess your ability behind the wheel to ensure that you are a safe driver. The examiner will accompany you on a predetermined driving route, observing your ability to operate the car as well as your compliance with traffic laws. You must furnish the vehicle utilized for the driving test, which must be in good working order and have a valid tag, inspection, and evidence of insurance.

Vision Test

You'll also have to pass a vision test to guarantee that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. An eye machine will be installed at the driver licensing office counter to conduct the vision exam. If your visual acuity measurements are less than 20/40, you will be directed to an eye doctor for treatment before being awarded a driver's license. Color blindness will not affect your ability to obtain a license.

Hearing Test

A hearing test will be performed as well. If you are deaf or unable to hear the dialogue in a normal tone of voice, you will be required to drive with an exterior rearview mirror fixed on the left side of your car or use a hearing aid.

Step 4: Get Your License

You've passed your examinations, so congratulations! Your road test administrator will direct you back to the service facility to complete extra paperwork and pay the expenses involved with acquiring your driver's license. You'll need the following items:
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address (two forms)
  • Proof of social security number
Additionally, if you are under the age of 18, you will need to provide: AFTER CHECKING ALL OF YOUR DOCUMENTS, your DHSMV employee will print you a temporary paper copy of your driver's license. Within five to ten business days, your permanent physical copy will arrive in your inbox.

Fees Needed

The state will charge a $48 cost to provide your Florida driver's license. There will also be a $48 fee each time your license needs to be renewed.

Congratulations!

Your Class E Driver's License will be valid for four years once all licensing requirements have been satisfied. Remember... Safe vehicle operating necessitates practiced skill, knowledge, and a grasp of the restrictions imposed by other drivers and the environment.