What you need to get a Florida driver's license
Florida issues driver's licenses through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You'll need to visit a DHSMV office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and pass a written knowledge test and driving test. The whole process takes at least two visits — one for the written test and one for the road test — and you cannot take both on the same day.
The state charges a fee for the license itself, which varies depending on the type of license you're getting and how long it's valid. A standard four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. If you're under 21, you'll get a different colored card and face some restrictions on when and how you can drive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DHSMV office twice: once to take the written test and once to take the road test, and these cannot happen on the same day.
- Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID, plus a document showing your current Florida address such as a utility bill or lease.
- You must pass a vision screening at the DHSMV office before you can take either test.
- The written test covers Florida traffic laws and safe driving practices; the road test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
- Fees range depending on license type and validity period, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office
Florida requires proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid foreign passport with an I-94 stamp, a valid Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a valid permanent resident card. If you're a Florida resident who is not a U.S. citizen, you can use a valid foreign passport plus an I-94 or I-94W.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Florida address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You cannot use a post office box as your address.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. If you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The written test has 50 questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, and rules for driving near pedestrians and bicycles. You can study using the official Florida Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DHSMV website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare.
When you pass the written test, you'll receive a permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold this permit for at least one day before you can take the road test, but most people wait longer to get more practice.
The road test and how it works
The road test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You can use your own vehicle, a rental car, or a vehicle borrowed from someone else — it must be registered and insured in Florida. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also observe how you handle traffic, follow traffic signals, and respond to other drivers.
You must bring your permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you're using, and the vehicle's registration. The examiner will check that the vehicle is safe to drive — the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn must all work. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is an additional fee for each retake. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Age-specific rules for drivers under 21
Florida issues a different type of license to drivers under 18. This license is valid for four years and has a gold or orange tint. Drivers under 18 face restrictions on when they can drive and who can be in the car with them.
A driver who is 15 or 16 years old must have a learner's permit and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car. A driver who is 17 cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21 or older is in the car. Drivers under 18 also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Once you turn 18, you can renew your license to a standard adult license without the restrictions, though you'll need to visit a DHSMV office to do so.
Finding a DHSMV office and scheduling your test
Florida has DHSMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the DHSMV website by entering your county or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
You do not need to schedule an appointment for the written test at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now use an online appointment system, so check your local office's website first. For the road test, you must schedule an appointment in advance. You can book a road test appointment on the DHSMV website or by calling the office directly.
Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Bring all required documents and arrive early, especially if you're not using an appointment system, because offices can reach capacity and turn people away.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year Florida driver's license costs one amount; an eight-year license costs more. There is also a separate fee for the road test. Fees can change, so check the DHSMV website or call your local office for current prices.
You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DHSMV office. If you fail the road test and need to retake it, you'll pay the road test fee again. If you fail the written test and retake it, there is no additional fee for the written test itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
No. Florida requires at least one day between passing the written test and taking the road test. You must pass the written test first, receive your permit, and then schedule your road test for a different day.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. You'll pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though some people choose to get more driving practice before their next attempt.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
No. You can use a rental car, a borrowed vehicle, or your own car. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Florida, and it must pass a safety inspection by the examiner before the test begins.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The written test is offered in English, Spanish, French, Creole, and several other languages. Tell the DHSMV office which language you need when you arrive.
What if I lose my permit before I take the road test?
You can get a replacement permit at any DHSMV office. Bring your identity and residency documents and pay a replacement fee. You do not need to retake the written test.