A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Full Florida Driver’s License
Thinking about getting your Florida driver’s license? Here’s the fast track to freedom—whether you’re 15 or 50.
Age 15? Start by earning your learner’s permit. That means passing a vision and hearing test, completing a state-approved drug and alcohol course, and acing the written knowledge exam.
Age 16? You’re eligible for your driver’s license—after logging 50 supervised driving hours, holding your permit for at least 12 months, and passing the road test.
Over 18? Skip the learner’s permit and behind-the-wheel hours. Just pass the required exams and you’re good to go.
Whether you're a first-time teen driver or an adult starting fresh, this step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to get your Florida license—no stress, no guesswork.
Step 1: Get Your Florida Learner’s Permit
Once you turn 15 years old, you can start the process of getting your Florida learner's permit. You'll need to start with the following:
Have your parents sign a parental consent form (your step-parents can't sign this unless they have legally adopted you).
Sign up for and complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) from a place like IDriveSafely.com. 🚨 Update for July 2025
Florida is replacing the TLSAE course with a new one called DETS (Drug and Alcohol Traffic Education) starting July 1, 2025. If you're under 18 and applying for your permit in July, you can take either TLSAE or DETS—just make sure to complete one by July 31. 👉 Full details on Florida’s DETS update- Pass the Class E Knowledge Test by correctly answering 40 out of 50 questions for a score of 80% or better.
Pass a vision and hearing test at a local service center.
Study the Official Florida Driver License Handbook to prepare for the knowledge test.
Provide documents for proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to the licensing office.
Step 2: Gain Experience Driving in Florida
Once you’ve earned your Florida learner's license, it’s time to get behind the wheel and practice. You must have your permit for at least a year or until you turn 18, whichever comes first, so you have plenty of time to practice. The most important thing is that you’ll need a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the passenger seat at all times. There are also a few other restrictions:
In the first three months that you have your learner’s permit, you can only drive during daytime hours.
After three months, you can drive between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Once you complete 50 hours of driving, 10 of which must be nighttime driving, have your 21+ instructor sign the Certification of Driving Experience of a Minor form. As long as you complete these hours without any traffic citations, you can start applying for your license.
Step 3: Take the Florida Road Test
Once you’ve turned 16 and have your required 50 hours of verifiable experience under your belt, it’s time to move forward with getting your license. Bring your Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form and the same proof of identity you needed for your learner's permit with you to take your road test. You can take this test with a driver's license exam provider or a third-party administrator. The test consists of some of the following maneuvers:
Three-point turn
Straight-in parking
Backing up
Following at a safe distance
Step 4: Get Your Florida Driver's License
If you pass your test, pay your $48 application fee to receive a Class E driver’s license. The license allows you to operate non-commercial vehicles that weigh less than 26,000 pounds. If you are between 16 and 18, your license is part of a graduated system in Florida. This means:
If you’re 16 years old: Unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a driver 21 or older, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
If you’re 17 years old: Unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a driver 21 or older, you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
The graduated license restrictions get lifted at 18, and you can drive at all hours of day or night.
What If You’re 18 Years or Older?
If you are over 18 and never held a license and would like to get one, you’ll still need to:
Take the four-hour TSLAE course, either online or in-person
Pass the hearing and vision exams
Pass the traffic rules and signs exam
Pass the driver's road test
Pay the driver’s license fee
Notably, you won't need to get a learner's license, so you can skip the 50 hours of practice driving that those under 18 require. Still, we recommend taking plenty of time to practice driving with an experienced driver so you can nail your driving test the first time.
If you are over 18 and have had a graduated or adult license in another state, fill out a driver’s license application for Florida. Applications must be in person and you must pass a vision test. You’ll also need proof of your identity, Social Security number, and residence to receive your Florida driver’s license.
Ready to Apply for Your Florida Driver’s License?
Now that you know how to apply for your Florida driver's license, no matter your age, start the process with IDriveSafely.com. We offer all of the Florida driver’s education courses you need. Get started today with online classes you can complete at your convenience from your home computer or smartphone.
Updated 07/02/2025
