How to Get a Florida Driver's License
A simple guide for first-time drivers, both teens and adults.
Getting your Florida driver's license works differently depending on how old you are. If you are under 18, you go through the Graduated Driver License program, which includes a permit period and a waiting requirement. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit stage and go straight for a full Class E license. Pick the right section below and follow the steps.
Under 18: How to Get Your Florida License
Ages 15 to 17. Florida Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program.
1Take the DETS Course (6 Hours) 📚
Starting August 1, 2025, every first-time driver under 18 needs to finish the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for a permit. It is 6 hours long, fully online, and approved by the Florida FLHSMV. The course covers traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving, and how drugs and alcohol affect your driving. You can do it at home, at your own pace, on any device.
When you finish, your certificate goes straight to the FLHSMV database.
2Pass the Knowledge Exam (Class E Written Test) 📝
The Class E Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions on Florida traffic laws and road signs. You need at least 40 correct answers (80%) to pass. The best way to prepare is to read the official Florida Driver Handbook, which is free on flhsmv.gov.
You can take this exam in two ways:
💻 Option A: Online from Home
Your parent or guardian will need to fill out a notarized Parent Proctoring Form to confirm they supervised the exam.
Take Online Exam →🏢 Option B: In Person at FLHSMV
Book an appointment at your local Florida Driver License office and take the test there.
Schedule Appointment →3Get Your Documents Ready 📋
Before you go to the FLHSMV office, make sure you have everything with you. Missing one document means another trip.
Passport, birth certificate, or state ID
Your Social Security card or any document that shows your SSN
A utility bill or bank statement from the last 60 days
Signed and notarized by your parent or legal guardian
4Visit the FLHSMV Office and Get Your Learner's Permit 🏢
Go to your local Florida Driver License office with all your documents. They will run a quick vision and hearing test right there at the office. Once you pass, you walk out with your Florida Learner's Permit. You need to be at least 15 years old to apply.
Your parent or legal guardian must either come with you or give you a notarized Parental Consent Form to bring. Step-parents cannot sign unless they have legally adopted you.
5Practice Driving (50 Hours Required) 🚦
Once you have your permit, you need to log driving practice with a licensed adult who is 21 or older sitting in the front passenger seat.
50 Hours Total
Your parent or guardian certifies the hours on the Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form
10 Hours at Night
At least 10 of the 50 hours must be done after dark
Daytime Only at First
For the first 3 months after getting your permit, you can only drive during daylight hours
💡 Taking lessons with a driving instructor counts toward your practice hours. It also helps you build good habits from the beginning. We pick you up from home, school, or work anywhere in South Florida.
6Wait 12 Months with Your Permit ⏳
Florida law requires you to hold your Learner's Permit for at least 12 months before taking the road test. During that time, do not get any traffic tickets. If you do get a citation, you may be able to take a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to keep it off your record. If you turn 18 before the 12 months are up, you can go ahead and take the road test.
7Book and Pass Your Road Test 🎯
Once your 12 months are up and you have your 50 practice hours, schedule the Class E road test at an FLHSMV office. Your parent or guardian needs to be at the location, but they will wait outside during the test. If you do not have a car that meets inspection requirements, we can provide ours.
8🎉 You Get Your Florida Driver's License!
Pass the road test and you will receive your Class E Driver's License. Keep in mind that nighttime driving is still restricted for a while: if you are under 17, you cannot drive between 11 PM and 6 AM. From age 17 to 18, the restriction is between 1 AM and 5 AM.
18 and Older: How to Get Your Florida License
No waiting period. Go straight to a full Class E license.
1Take the TLSAE Course (4 Hours) 📚
Every first-time adult driver in Florida must complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before getting a license. It is also called the DATA course. It takes 4 hours and is fully online. The course goes over Florida traffic laws and explains the legal consequences of driving under the influence. You can do it from home on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Your certificate goes directly to the FLHSMV database when you finish.
2Get Your Documents Ready 📋
Adults do not need a parental consent form. Here is what you do need:
Valid ID, passport, or birth certificate
Your Social Security card or any document showing your SSN
Utility bills or bank statements from the last 60 days
3Book an Appointment at FLHSMV 📅
Adults have to take the written Knowledge Exam in person at an FLHSMV office. The online exam option is only available for people under 18. Book your appointment early because spots can fill up a few weeks out.
📅 Schedule Appointment (Free) →4Go to FLHSMV: Vision Test + Knowledge Exam 🏢
At the office, they will check your vision and hearing first. Then you take the Class E Knowledge Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions on traffic laws and road signs. You need at least 40 correct answers out of 50 to pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Read through the Florida Driver Handbook before your visit. It is free on flhsmv.gov and covers everything that shows up on the exam.
5Get Some Practice Behind the Wheel 🚦
After passing the knowledge exam, you get a Learner's Permit. For adults, there is no required waiting period and no minimum number of practice hours. You can schedule the road test whenever you feel comfortable. That said, most people benefit from a few lessons before test day.
💡 We offer driving lessons across South Florida with pickup from your home or workplace, including evenings and weekends. A few sessions before your test can make a real difference. View lesson packages →
6Book and Pass Your Road Test 🎯
Schedule your Class E road test at an FLHSMV office or an authorized third-party testing center. Third-party locations often have appointments available sooner. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can use your own car or rent ours for the day.
7🎉 You Get Your Florida Driver's License!
Pass the road test and you receive your full Florida Class E Driver's License. As an adult, there are no nighttime or passenger restrictions on your license. You are good to drive on your own from day one.
Under 18 vs. 18 and Older: Key Differences
| Requirement | 🎒 Under 18 | 🚗 Age 18+ |
|---|---|---|
| Required Course | DETS, 6 hours | TLSAE / DATA, 4 hours ($40) |
| Online Exam Option | ✅ Yes | ❌ In person only |
| Parental Consent Form | ✅ Required | ❌ Not needed |
| Permit Waiting Period | 12 months minimum | No waiting period |
| Practice Hours Required | 50 hours (10 at night) | Not required |
| Passing Score | 40 out of 50 (80%) | 40 out of 50 (80%) |
| License Type | Class E with GDL restrictions | Full Class E, no restrictions |
Need Help Along the Way?
We offer driving lessons, road test prep, and a car for your test day. We cover Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with pickup from your door.
Driving Lessons
From $80 per session. We pick you up.
Road Test Prep
We drive the actual test routes so you know exactly what to expect.
Car for Test Day
Fully insured dual-control vehicle.
Have questions? Call or text us and we will walk you through it.