What you need to do to get a Florida driver's license

To get a Florida driver's license, you must visit a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office if you have all required documents. You cannot renew or obtain a license online or by mail — you must appear in person.

Florida issues licenses to people aged 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must complete a traffic law and safety course before you can take the driving test. The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs. The driving test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner at the office or at a third-party testing location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DHSMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get a Florida driver's license.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a traffic law and safety course before taking the driving test.
  • The written test covers Florida traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DHSMV examiner.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, as it may reduce the documents you need to bring.
  • DHSMV offices accept appointments online, and booking ahead can shorten your wait time significantly.

Documents you must bring to the DHSMV office

You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a current out-of-state driver's license. If you bring a current out-of-state license, you may not need to bring other identity documents.

Proof of residency must show your current Florida address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement — all dated within 90 days of your visit. A piece of mail from a government agency with your name and address also works.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

How to schedule and prepare for your DHSMV visit

You can schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or by calling 1-844-DL-FLORIDA (1-844-353-5762). Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment holders are seen first. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait from several hours to 30 minutes or less.

Before your visit, study the Florida Driver Handbook, which is free on the DHSMV website. The written test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The handbook covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test.

Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Wear glasses or contacts if you normally use them — you will be tested on your vision at the office, and you must meet Florida's vision standards to pass.

The written test and what it covers

The written test is taken on a computer at the DHSMV office. You will answer 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test covers topics such as speed limits, parking rules, right-of-way, following distance, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

You must score at least 80 percent (40 out of 50 questions correct) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test, but you will need to pay the license fee again if you take it on a different day.

The test is offered in English and in other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, call the DHSMV office ahead of time to confirm that language is available at that location.

The driving test and what the examiner will check

After you pass the written test, you will take the driving test with a DHSMV examiner or at a third-party testing location. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. The examiner will also check that you use your turn signals, obey traffic signs, maintain safe speed, and follow proper lane discipline. You must pass the driving test to receive your license.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after three business days. You do not need to retake the written test. There is no additional fee to retake the driving test.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a traffic law and safety course before you can take the driving test. This course is called a Driver Improvement Course or DIC. You can take it online or in person at approved schools throughout Florida. The course takes about four to eight hours to complete.

After you finish the course, you will receive a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to your DHSMV appointment. You will still need to pass the written test and the driving test.

If you are 16 or 17, you will also receive a learner's permit first, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold the learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the driving test for a full license.

Fees and how long your license lasts

The fee for a Florida driver's license varies by age and license type. A standard license for someone aged 21 to 79 costs around $75 to $80 and is valid for eight years. Licenses for people aged 80 and older are valid for five years. Licenses for people under 21 are valid for four years. Fees change periodically, so check the DHSMV website for the current amount before your visit.

You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DHSMV office. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Florida license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. Bring your current out-of-state license to your DHSMV appointment. You will still need to pass the written and driving tests, but your out-of-state license may reduce the number of other documents you need to bring. You do not need to surrender your out-of-state license.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost, or you can schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the handbook more.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance must be current. If you do not have access to a vehicle, some third-party testing locations may provide one, but this varies by location — call ahead to ask.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DHSMV office on the day you pass both tests. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive when ready.

What if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with the DHSMV within 30 days of moving. You can change your address online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a DHSMV office. There is no fee to update your address.