How to get your
Learner's Permit!
Florida DMV Learners Permit - Frequently Asked Questions
- How old do I need to be before I can sign up for the learner's permit course?
- How do I apply for a Florida learner's permit / driving permit?
- Is the Drug and Alcohol Course / Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE course) authorized?
- What does the Florida DMV written exams cover?
- What are the required documents to receive my learners permit?
- What are my driving privileges when I turn 15?
- What does my school attendance record have to do with my driving?
- Is automobile insurance required when I register my vehicle?
How old do I need to be before I can sign up for the learner's permit course?
Under Florida DMV guidelines, you must be 14 years old or older to sign up and complete a driver ed learner permit course. You may not apply for your learner's permit until your 15th birthday.
How do I apply for a Florida learners permit / driving permit?
To receive your FL driving permit you must:
- be at least 15 years old,
- successfully pass your Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education / Drug and Alcohol course,
- complete a minimum of 50 hours behind the wheel driving, of which 10 hours must be at night.
Is the Drug and Alcohol Course (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course) authorized?
Yes, our Drug and Alcohol Course (also known as Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education, or TLSAE course) is authorized by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV, also known as DMV).
What do the Florida DMV written exams cover?
The written tests consist of the following:
1. 20 multiple choice questions regarding the Rules of the Road. You must have at least 15 correct answers in order to pass and receive a learner permit.
2. 20 multiple choice questions regarding Road Signs. You must have at least 15 correct answers in order to pass and receive a learner permit.
You also must pass a vision test using an eye machine with 20/40 or better in both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
What are the required documents to receive my learners permit?
You must provide the following documents:
- One primary form of identification, proof of date of birth, and one secondary form of identification
- Proof of social security number if issued Chapter 322, Florida Statutes, requires the Department see proof of social security number for the issuance of driver license and identification cards.
- Two proofs of residential address,
- Proof that you completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course or a license from any state, country, or jurisdiction
- Parental Consent Form, which must be signed in the presence of a driver license examiner or notarized if parent or guardian will not be present (form is located at http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/forms.html). If you are under 18 and are not married one parent or legal guardian must sign your license application. Step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted you.
What are my driving privileges when I turn 15?
When you turn 15, you are eligible to earn a learner permit license if you have completed a driver ed four hour Drug and Alcohol or TLSAE course. You must hold your learner permit license for at least twelve months (or until you turn 18) before applying for a full license. Your learner license is valid for six years and is renewable. When you first receive your learner permit license, you are only permitted to drive from 6 am until 7 pm with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat closest to the right of you. After three months, you are permitted to drive until 10 pm with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat closest to the right of you. A learner permit does not give you the right to operate a motorcycle.
What does my school attendance record have to do with my driving?
According to the Florida Statutes, a student who accumulates 15 or more unexcused absences in a period of 90 calendar days will be unable to receive or maintain driving privileges.
Is automobile insurance required when I register my vehicle?
Yes. If you own a vehicle with at least four wheels and are registering it, you must have insurance. The state of Florida has two motor vehicle insurance laws. The first is the Financial Responsibility Law which requires operators and owners of motor vehicles to be financially responsible for injuries and/or damages they may cause to others when a traffic crash occurs. The second is the No-Fault Law which requires anyone who owns or has registered a vehicle in their name to carry Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability insurance. You must maintain insurance coverage during the entire time that a vehicle with four or more wheels is registered in your name.
