DMV offices are busy so you need to know your requirements and be prepared before going into an office to save yourself time.
This section will address getting a Restricted License (also known as Learners Permit) and an Operators License for Florida Residents. We have provided shortcuts to other drivers license types offered in Florida including a motorcycle license and commercial drivers license. If you have a traffic ticket read our Traffic School Page and if your license has been suspended for to many points go to our Habitual Traffic Offenders page.
A Learners Permit, also called Restricted License, is issued to teenagers between ages 15 and 17 once they complete the required course and tests. A teenager must have a Learners Permit for one year while practicing their driving skills with an adult. After 12 months with Learners Permit, he/she can then take the behind-the-wheel driving test to obtain a full Florida operators license.
For more details on a restricted license read the Learners Permit page.
If you are 18 years or older, you are not required to retain a Learners License but you still must complete the required course and tests before going in for a behind-the-wheel driving test.
A learners permit is also known as a Restricted License because there are very specific rules you must follow when driving with a learners in Florida.
To get your Drivers License (if you are under 18) you must have your learners permit for 12 months or until your 18th birthday. You must also have 50 hours of driving experience (supervised) and 10 of those hours should be at night.
If you are getting a drivers license for the first time and are 18 years or older, you must complete the four-hour Drug and Alcohol Traffic Awareness (DATA) course and the Florida Permit Test on road signs and road rules. Both the DATA Course and the written Permit Test are available online from State of Florida authorized schools.
Once you complete the DATA Course and Permit Test you can then make an appointment with your local drivers license office to take the behind-the-wheel driving test.
You must bring two forms of identification to show proof of birth date and social security number to the drivers license office. The primary identification must be an original or certified birth certificate or social security card.
At the drivers license office you will also take a vision test, behind-the-wheel driving test, pay a driver license fee, and get your picture taken for an operator's license.
Class E (operators license) Age Restrictions
Drivers under 18 with a Class E (Operator) license have restrictions as follows:
16 year olds cannot drive from 11 pm to 6 am unless accompanied by a 21 year old licensed driver or driving to and from work.
17 year olds cannot drive from 1 am to 5 am unless accompanied by a 21 year old licensed driver or driving to and from work.
If you have had your drivers license suspended or revoked and have taken the necessary steps to get it reinstated you can confirm that your drivers license status is Valid with the DMV online drivers license check tool
