What you need to do to get a Florida learner's permit

A Florida learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for a full license. You get it from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) by passing a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The whole process takes one visit to a DMV office, though you should bring documents and be prepared to wait.

Florida has different rules depending on your age. If you are 15 or 16, you must hold a learner's permit for at least three months before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the road test, but many people get one anyway to practice first.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Florida residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to the DMV office.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs and you can take it on a computer at the DMV; you need to pass with a score of 80 percent or higher.
  • Vision screening happens at the DMV and you must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, to pass.
  • The fee for a learner's permit is $7.50, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DMV offices.
  • Your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it, and you can renew it once without retaking the test if it expires before you get your full license.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. If you do not have either, you can bring a combination of documents such as a school ID, a hospital record from your birth, or a baptism certificate. The DMV website lists all acceptable documents under "REAL ID Compliant Documents."

You also need proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not accepted.

For proof of Florida residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

How the written knowledge test works

The test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You take it on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready after you finish. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass.

The test covers material in the Florida Driver License Handbook, which you can read online at the DHSMV website for free. The handbook is also available in print at any DMV office. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

You can request the test in Spanish, Creole, or several other languages if English is not your first language. Tell the DMV staff when you arrive.

Vision screening at the DMV

The DMV will test your vision as part of the permit process. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. The vision test takes a few minutes and happens before or after your written test.

If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will not issue your permit that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a certificate of vision correction, and bring it back to the DMV. Some DMV offices have an eye doctor on site or can refer you to one nearby.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is a plastic card with your photo, name, date of birth, and permit number. It is valid for two years from the date you receive it.

With a learner's permit in Florida, you must follow these rules: you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free). If you are under 18, you also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 in the car, unless the passenger is a family member.

When you are ready to take the road test, you will schedule it through the DMV. The road test costs $7.50 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected.

Finding a DMV office and scheduling your visit

Florida has DMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the DHSMV website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go.

If you schedule an appointment, you can usually book one within a few days. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. Bring all your documents and arrive 15 minutes early.

Renewing your learner's permit if it expires

Your learner's permit is good for two years. If you have not taken your road test by the time it expires, you can renew it once without retaking the written test or vision screening. You just pay the $7.50 fee and get a new card with a new expiration date two years out.

If you renew and then let that second permit expire without getting your full license, you will have to start over: take the written test and vision screening again. So if you know you are not ready to test yet, renew before your first permit runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Florida law requires a Social Security number to get a learner's permit or driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period. You pay the $7.50 fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the handbook between tries.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No, you can go straight to the road test if you are 18 or older. However, many people get a permit first to practice driving with an experienced driver before taking the test, which can improve your chances of passing.

Can someone else take the written test for me?

No. You must be present and take the test yourself. The DMV staff will check your ID to confirm your identity before you start.

What if I move out of Florida before my permit expires?

Your Florida learner's permit is only valid in Florida. If you move to another state, you will need to get a learner's permit from that state. You can transfer some of your driving record, but the rules vary by state.