In Florida you can start driving legally at 15, but only after you pass a short list of steps. The state calls the document a learner's driver license, though almost everyone says learner's permit.

The steps are the same for teens and adults, with a few differences: teens need a parent's signature and a driver education course, adults need a traffic law and substance abuse course unless they already hold a license from somewhere else.

Below you will find who can apply, which documents to bring, which tests you take, what it costs and what happens next. Every rule has a source at the bottom of the page.

In short

  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's license in Florida.1
  • You pass three tests: vision, hearing and the written Class E knowledge exam.1
  • The knowledge exam has 50 multiple-choice questions.2
  • You also need an approved course. Applicants 18 and older take a traffic law and substance abuse course of at least 4 hours, unless they already hold a license from another jurisdiction.3
  • Under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application.2
  • The handbook lists the original learner's license fee as $48.2
Contents
  1. Who can apply
  2. Documents to bring
  3. The required course
  4. The three tests
  5. Fees
  6. What comes after the permit
  7. Common questions
  8. Sources

Who can apply

The Florida Statutes allow the state to issue a learner's driver license to a person who is at least 15 years old and who has passed the written exam, the vision and hearing exam and the required driver education course.1

The FLHSMV handbook sums up the learner's license requirements in three lines: be at least 15, complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course (TLSAE), and pass the vision and Class E knowledge exams.2

If you are under 18 and not married, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application in front of the driver license agent or a notary public. You must also be in compliance with school attendance.2

Documents to bring

Florida follows the REAL ID rules, so you prove who you are, that you are in the country legally, your Social Security number (if you have one) and where you live. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector lists the learner's license paperwork as REAL ID identity documents, proof of legal presence, proof of Social Security number and two proofs of residential address.4

Teens under 18 also need the parental consent form signed by a parent or guardian.4 The handbook has the full list of accepted documents. Check it before you go, because a missing paper is the most common reason for a second trip.2

The required course

The course you need depends on your age.

Age 18 and older: traffic law and substance abuse course

Under section 322.095, every driver license applicant who is 18 or older must complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course. You are exempt if you have been licensed in another jurisdiction or if you passed a Department of Education driver education course. The course must run at least 4 hours of content.3

Under 18: driver education course

Section 322.1615 now lists a department-approved driver education course among the conditions for a learner's license.1 The Hillsborough County Tax Collector calls it the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course.4 Students who complete a driver education course at a certified DELAP school are exempt from the TLSAE requirement.2

Course rules have changed in recent years, so confirm the current version with FLHSMV or your county tax collector before you pay for a course.

The three tests

Vision

The handbook says 20/40 or better vision in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts, meets the state requirement without a referral to an eye specialist. The minimum field of vision is 130 degrees.2

Hearing

The statute lists a hearing exam alongside the vision exam as a condition of the learner's license.1

Class E knowledge exam

The written exam has 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, safe driving practices and identifying traffic controls.2 The pass mark is covered in our article on the number of questions and the passing score.

You can take the exam at a state driver license service center, through a Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) school, or with an authorized third party provider. Students of all ages may use a provider that tests in person. Students under 18 may take the knowledge exam online.2

Want to see how ready you are? Start a free practice test and find the topics that need work before exam day.

Fees

The 2023 edition of the handbook lists the original learner's license at $48. A written re-test costs $10, and tax collector offices add a $6.25 service fee for services they provide.2

The statute confirms the retest fee: an applicant who fails the initial knowledge test pays $10 for each subsequent test.5 Fees can change and course providers set their own prices, so check the current fee table on the FLHSMV website.

What comes after the permit

The permit is only the first stage. To move on to a driver license before 18, you must hold the learner's license for at least 12 months with no moving traffic convictions. A parent or other responsible adult must also certify at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, of which at least 10 hours were at night.6

Until then, you drive under restrictions: a licensed driver aged 21 or older beside you and daylight hours only at first. All the details are in our guide to Florida learner's permit rules and restrictions.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Florida?

At least 15 years old.1

Can adults get a learner's permit in Florida?

Yes. Section 322.1615 sets a minimum age of 15, and applicants 18 and older complete the traffic law and substance abuse course unless they are exempt.13

Do I need a parent with me?

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application in front of the agent or a notary.2

Can I take the knowledge test online?

Students under 18 may take the knowledge exam online through an approved third party provider. Students of all ages may take it in person with such a provider.2

Sources

Statutes were read in their current online version. The handbook is the 2023 edition (rev. 08/2023), so check the current FLHSMV pages for fees and course rules.

  1. Florida Statutes, s. 322.1615: Learner's driver license (leg.state.fl.us)
  2. FLHSMV: Official Florida Driver License Handbook (rev. 08/2023) (flhsmv.gov)
  3. Florida Statutes, s. 322.095: Traffic law and substance abuse education program (leg.state.fl.us)
  4. Hillsborough County Tax Collector: Class E learner driver license (hillstaxfl.gov)
  5. Florida Statutes, s. 322.12: Examination of applicants (leg.state.fl.us)
  6. Florida Statutes, s. 322.05: Persons not to be licensed (leg.state.fl.us)