Florida driver license guide

The basics for Florida, in plain English. Every fact links to the official page it came from, so you can confirm it yourself. Because flhsmv.gov blocks automated access, most facts come from the Florida Statutes (flsenate.gov); a few general items come from the Hillsborough and Palm Beach County Tax Collectors, which issue licenses as FLHSMV agents. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

Getting a Florida learner’s licenseSteps and official links →Getting your first Florida driver licenseSteps and official links →Renewing a Florida driver licenseSteps and official links →Getting a REAL ID in FloridaSteps and official links →Moving to Florida: transferring your licenseSteps and official links →Replacing a lost Florida driver licenseSteps and official links →

Facts

Florida at a glance

Rules and fees change. Use the source link to confirm before you go.

Minimum age for a learner's license: 15 years oldSource: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Parental consent: Under 18, a parent or guardian (or another responsible adult) must sign the application before a notary or other person who can give oaths.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Course for a learner's license: You must finish a department-approved driver education course that meets the Department of Education Driver Education/Traffic Safety standard.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Course for new drivers 18 and older: First-time applicants 18 or older must take the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, unless they were licensed elsewhere or took a DOE driver education course.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
School attendance: Applicants under 18 must be enrolled in school (or have a diploma or exemption) and meet attendance rules.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Learner's license driving rules: Always drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat; daylight only for the first three months, then until 10 p.m.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Before a license at 16 or 17: Hold the learner's license for at least 12 months with no moving traffic convictions.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Supervised driving: 50 hours with a licensed driver age 21 or older, at least 10 of them at night, certified by a parent or guardian.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Knowledge test: 50 multiple-choice questions on Florida traffic laws, safe driving and traffic controls.Source: pbctax.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Passing score: 40 of 50 correct (80%).Source: pbctax.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Vision and hearing tests: The Class E exam includes an eyesight test and a hearing test.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Retest fee after failing: Under state law, $10 for each extra knowledge test and $20 for each extra driving test.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Documents to bring: Proof of identity (for example a certified U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or green card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your residential address.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Curfew for 16 and 17: At 16, no driving 11 p.m.–6 a.m. and at 17, no driving 1 a.m.–5 a.m., unless with a licensed driver 21 or older or going to or from work.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Class E license fee: $48 for an original Class E license under state law (local offices may add a service fee).Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
How long a license lasts: 8 years; 6 years if you are 80 or older.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
When you can renew: U.S. citizens can renew up to 18 months before the expiration date.Source: pbctax.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Online renewal: Florida allows renewal online (a convenience service) without retesting, but not twice in a row; the next renewal is in person. Drivers 80 and older must have a vision test result sent in first.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal fee: $48 under state law, plus a $15 late fee if you renew within 12 months after it expired.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Drivers 80 and older: You must pass a vision test to renew, at an office or by a doctor or optometrist if renewing online.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID: A REAL ID card has a star in the upper right corner; since May 7, 2025 one is needed to board commercial flights or enter federal buildings.Source: pbctax.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
New resident deadline: 30 days after starting work in Florida or enrolling children in public school.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Tests for new residents: Knowledge and road tests may be waived when you surrender a valid license from another U.S. state, a Canadian province or the U.S. Armed Forces.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Replacement fee: $25 under state law; free if the license was stolen and you show proof of the theft.Source: flsenate.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Official links

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)

Permit and first licenseflsenate.gov ↗New residentsflsenate.gov ↗Replace a licenseflsenate.gov ↗Feesflsenate.gov ↗

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