How to get a Florida Driver's License
Find out how to get a new FL driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Florida DMV guide.
The Rules
Under FL DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Florida driver's license.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Florida Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license you will need to apply for a Florida learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive a FL drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 12 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 50 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New FL Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Florida driver's license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in FL. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an FL driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision and hearing tests.
If your out-of-state driver's license has expired, you may be required to apply for an Florida learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
International Drivers
Florida honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit. Once your foreign license expires, you must apply for an FL learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license. (Some exceptions apply for Canada, France, Germany and Taiwan. See the Florida Driver Manual for details.)
Paperwork
Before you head to the DMV Office, make sure you have all of the documentation needed for proof of identity and residency. Click on a link below to see the list of acceptable documents for proof of identity and residency for U.S. and Non-U.S. Citizens.
- United States Citizen proof of identity and requirements.
- Non-United States Citizen proof of identity and requirements.
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class E Driver's License will be valid for 4 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
