What a Florida permit is and who needs one
A Florida permit is an official document that lets you drive on public roads before you have a full driver's license. It is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and comes in two types: a learner's permit for supervised driving, and a temporary permit that bridges the gap between your learner's permit and your permanent license.
You need a learner's permit if you are under 18 and want to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the written test for your license. A temporary permit is useful if you pass your written test but have not yet passed your road test, or if you are waiting for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- A learner's permit requires you to pass a written test at a DHSMV office and costs $7.50; it is valid for two years and requires a licensed adult in the car while you drive.
- You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Florida, and you cannot drive alone or between midnight and 5 a.m. during the first three months.
- A temporary permit costs $2 and is issued on the spot after you pass your written test; it lets you drive alone while you wait to take your road test.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number when you visit a DHSMV office to get a permit.
- The road test must be scheduled separately and taken at a DHSMV office; you cannot use a third-party testing location in Florida.
How to get a learner's permit in Florida
Start by visiting a DHSMV office in person. You cannot get a learner's permit by mail or online. Bring a valid form of identification (a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Florida residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
At the office, you will take a written test covering Florida traffic laws and road signs. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Once you pass, you pay $7.50 and receive your learner's permit on the spot.
Your learner's permit is valid for two years. During the first three months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive alone—a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you. After three months, the midnight-to-5 a.m. restriction lifts, but you still cannot drive alone.
Temporary permits and what they cover
A temporary permit is a short-term document issued after you pass your written test but before you take your road test. It costs $2 and is valid for 30 days. Unlike a learner's permit, a temporary permit lets you drive alone on public roads during daylight hours—but not at night, and not on limited-access highways like interstates.
You receive a temporary permit automatically when you pass your written test at a DHSMV office. You do not need to request it or pay extra if you already paid for your learner's permit. If you fail your road test, your temporary permit remains valid until it expires, so you can practice and retake the test without getting a new permit.
Documents you need to bring to a DHSMV office
Bring originals or certified copies of your identification, Social Security proof, and residency proof. Photocopies are not accepted. If your residency proof is in a different name—for example, a utility bill in a parent's name—bring a document showing the relationship, such as a birth certificate or lease.
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identification | Passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad | Must be valid and show your full legal name and date of birth |
| Social Security Proof | Social Security card, W-2, or tax return | Must show your full nine-digit number |
| Residency Proof | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement | Must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and Florida address |
| Parent/Guardian Signature | Signed process form (DL 44) | Required if you are under 18; parent or guardian must sign in person or via notarized consent |
If you do not have one of these documents, DHSMV has a list of acceptable alternatives on its website. The DHSMV office staff can tell you which documents will work for your situation before you make a second trip.
Scheduling and taking your road test
You cannot take your road test at the same time as your written test. You must schedule the road test separately through DHSMV, either online at the DHSMV website or by calling your local office. The road test costs $7.50 and tests your ability to start the car, back up, turn, park, and follow traffic laws on public roads. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
You must bring your learner's permit or temporary permit, a valid form of identification, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed adult must accompany you to the test location, but they will not be in the car during the test itself. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day before scheduling another appointment.
Costs and how long permits are valid
A learner's permit costs $7.50 and is valid for two years from the date of issue. A temporary permit costs $2 and is valid for 30 days. Your permanent driver's license, once issued, costs $75 for an eight-year license (or $48 for a four-year license if you are over 80). These fees are current as of 2024 and may change; check the DHSMV website for the most recent rates.
If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you will need to renew it. A learner's permit renewal costs $7.50. A temporary permit cannot be renewed—once it expires, you must retake your written test to get a new one. If you move out of Florida, your permit is no longer valid in Florida, though some other states honor Florida permits for a limited time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I am 18 or older?
No. If you are 18 or older, you skip the learner's permit and go straight to the written test for your full license. You will receive a temporary permit after passing the written test, which lets you drive alone while you wait to take your road test.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no extra cost. You have three chances to pass within a 12-month period. If you fail all three times, you must wait 12 months before trying again.
Can someone else take the road test in my vehicle?
No. The road test must be taken in a vehicle you will actually drive, and the examiner will watch you operate it. The vehicle must be registered and insured in someone's name—it does not have to be yours, but it must be legal to drive on public roads.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get a permit?
No, a driver's education course is not required to get a learner's permit or take the written test. However, completing an approved course may lower your car insurance rates and is required in some counties for certain violations.
What if I lose my permit before I pass the road test?
Visit a DHSMV office and request a replacement. Bring your identification and proof of residency. A replacement permit costs $7.50 for a learner's permit or $2 for a temporary permit.