How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Florida
Learners permits are available to new drivers in Florida who adhere to the eligibility standards. These guidelines determine whether residents are qualified to hold licenses for operating motor vehicles in the state. In addition to meeting drivers permit eligibility rules, applicants must complete a series of steps to be awarded restricted privileges.
This procedure involves presenting personal information and documents, passing tests and paying fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When licenses are granted to FL residents, drivers can use vehicles only under proper supervision.
Minors with DMV learners permits under age 18 are faced with additional state requirements and restrictions. The extra rules are designed to ensure young, inexperienced applicants are safely learning how to drive. Parents and legal guardians also play a big role in supervising minor drivers and providing permission for license use.
The upcoming sections cover more info on the Florida permit application process.
NOTE: Be prepared for the DMV written exam. You are 5x more likely to pass by taking one of our DMV practice tests.
Florida Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines
Residents who meet drivers permit requirements in Florida can apply to receive instructional vehicle permits. State-specific eligibility standards are in place to certify that only qualified applicants receive licenses.
FL drivers can only obtain permits if they meet the age requirements for this type of license. Learner license applicants age 15 and above are eligible to begin driving using basic permits.
In addition to age standards, residents are required to prove eligibility based on personal information. Verification documents and specific details are necessary when submitting license applications. Only official forms should be used for verification.
New driver permit applicants must provide the following details, documents and certificates:
- Full legal name
- Completion certificate for a traffic law and substance abuse class
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN), such as:
- Social Security card.
- 1099.
- W-2.
- Pay stub.
- Proof of identity, such as:
- Birth Certificate.
- Work authorization form.
- Certificate of Citizenship.
- Military ID.
- Valid U.S. passport or foreign passport.
- Alien or temporary resident form.
- Certificate of Naturalization.
- Certificate of Birth Abroad.
- Proof of state residency, such as:
- Utility bills.
- Property tax documents.
- Lease agreement forms.
- Pay stubs.
- Mortgage documents.
- Official letter.
Applicants can only establish proof of Florida residency by providing documents with physical addresses listed. Addresses containing P.O. Boxes are rejected.
Lastly, minors may need DMV learner license approval and/or supervision from parents or legal guardians during the application process.
How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Florida
Understanding the procedure for getting a learners permit in Florida is an important step toward obtaining driving privileges. Completing prior research and preparation is beneficial for residents to easily navigate the application process.
For drivers wondering how to get a driving permit online, only certain requirements can be completed electronically. While the availability of online features is convenient for many applicants, DMV visits are ultimately required. The following steps outline the procedure of obtaining restricted FL permits.
- Complete the required Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE) if you have never held a license in the state.
- Take the online knowledge examination to speed up your future DMV application visit. Completion notifications are automatically sent to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
- You may also take written tests in person at DMV offices and third-party locations, if preferred.
- Prepare all documents, certificates and fees needed to verify eligibility standards. For example, TLSAE, identity, residency and parental consent documents may be required.
- Search for where to get a learners permit by researching local DMV offices in your area via Internet, phone or word of mouth.
- Officially apply for a learners permit by going to the nearest licensing office. Submit all required documents and provide accurate personal information during the visit.
- Take the vision test and hearing exam. Also complete an in-person written knowledge assessment, if necessary. All of these tests must be passed for licenses to be granted by the DMV.
- Pay all required permit costs in full using acceptable forms of payment.
FL learners permit cards are sent via mail to applicants who are verified and approved by the state.
The Florida Driver Permit Test
DMV permit tests are important indicators of whether new drivers are ready to be on the road. In Florida, vision, hearing, medical, knowledge and road skills assessments are used for granting various types of licenses. To receive restricted driving privileges, vision, hearing and knowledge tests are required.
An online drivers permit test is available for applicants younger than 18 years of age to easily take the written knowledge examination. Parents or guardians must supervise minors taking electronic exams. For verification, Parent Proctoring Forms are filled out by legal guardians, notarized and presented when drivers apply for permits.
Drivers may also complete written knowledge assessments in person at license service centers and verified third-party agencies.
Residents should remember what to bring to permit tests such as vision, hearing and knowledge exams. For all assessments, drivers are required to present personal identification for DMV verification. Additionally, applicants can bring their prescription glasses and/or contact lenses to take vision tests.
The written knowledge test asks multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and road signs. Out of 50 provided questions, applicants must receive a minimum score of 40, or 80 percent.
To get ready for the exam, residents can take DMV practice permit tests offered by the state. Studying the newest license handbook is another important way to prepare for the assessment. All of the information covered in knowledge tests is found in the official driver handbook.
Drivers permit practice tests are accessible to residents online at any time. They cover the same general content as regular written tests, although the questions provided are different. Furthermore, learners permit practice tests are structured in the same format as normal examinations. This is another way applicants can prepare for the real assessment.
Third-party agencies also offer practice content and study guides for permit tests. However, these companies are not validated by the state and may be providing false or irrelevant information to drivers.
Alternatively, when going over official DMV permit practice tests, residents remain assured that the information provided is relevant and helpful.
Florida Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions
Florida learners permit rules must be closely followed by residents in the state. Specific restrictions are enforced to maintain the safety of new drivers on the road. These laws are also established to help inexperienced permit holders develop safe and effective driving practices.
Can you drive with a permit alone throughout the state? While operating vehicles using restricted licenses, drivers must have a supervising adult in the passenger seat. These adults should be licensed Florida drivers who are at least 21 years of age.
Additionally, all learners license holders are required to log 50 hours of on-road driving practice within a year. At least 10 of those hours need to be completed at night.
Drivers who commit traffic violations during the restricted permit period may face a variety of consequences. Depending on the severity of driver infractions, licenses could even be suspended or revoked.
Permit driving hours are enforced for all residents with restricted vehicle privileges. For the first 3 months after permits are granted, drivers cannot be on the road past dark. After this period, drivers cannot be on the road after 10 p.m.
How long does a learners permit last for Florida residents? This type of license must be utilized for either 12 months or until the applicant turns 18. When either of those situations arises, drivers can apply for unrestricted permits.
Florida Learners Permit Fees
How much does it cost to get your permit as a new driver living in Florida? Residents should calculate the total price of obtaining permits before starting the application process. Applicable fees could include application, examination, processing and/or retesting costs. All possible charges are listed below.
- Knowledge examination retest: $10
- DMV permit cost: $48
There is also a $6.25 convenience fee applied for permits issued at tax collector offices.
When DMV offices approve license requests, drivers must pay all necessary fees. Failing to do this could result in the denial of permits. Getting payments ready in advance is helpful to avoid transaction issues during the application process.
Overall, checking on DMV permit prices is a quick way to make the entire licensing procedure a little bit easier.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Licensing Requirements for Teens from FLHSMV.gov
- What to Bring from FLHSMV.gov
- Knowledge Exam and Driving Skills Test from FLHSMV.gov