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Applying for a New License

Never had a FL drivers license? All first time drivers in the State of Florida are required by law to take a Florida drivers ed course prior to applying for a Florida drivers license. DMV.ORG recommends FloridaDrivingCourse.com as a good choice for Florida drivers ed.

First-Time Driver (D.A.T.A.) - FloridaDrivingCourse.com Enroll in the FloridaDrivingCourse.com four-hour class from the privacy of your own home and complete it at your convenience. This course will allow you to learn about how alcohol and other drugs affect your ability to drive, FL laws and responsibilities, safe driving techniques, and how to increase your awareness on Florida's roadways. You will also have the option of taking your FL drivers license written exam online after completing the course--as long as you are younger than 18 years old.
FloridaDrivingCourse.com also features driving courses for:- 1) Choose Your License
- 2) Take a Driver’s Education Course
- 3) Prepare for the Test
- 4) Locate a DMV Office
- 5) Make Test-Day Preparations
- 6) Take the Written Test
- 7) Get a Car
- 8) Get Car Insurance
- 9) Take the Driving Test
- Non-Citizens
Page OverviewTop1) Choose Your License
Whether you’re a teen who wants to get a driver’s license or a new Florida resident, you’ll have to apply to get a driver’s license.
The state offers:
- Class E licenses (passenger cars, pickup trucks)
NOTE: If you’re younger than 18, you must follow Florida’s driver’s license permit system. You’ll start with a restricted permit, take a course, and practice until you have enough experience to get an unrestricted license.
Moving from Another State
If you’re a new resident, take in your Social Security card (not a copy), a primary ID (a valid passport or Certificate of Naturalization) and a secondary ID (your driver's license from another state is considered secondary). Then take the vision and hearing tests, and pay the $25 fee. The state usually waives the written and road tests.
Top2) Take a Driver’s Education Course
You must take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course if you’ve never had a license anywhere before.
If you’ve had a license already, it doesn’t hurt to take a supplemental course to familiarize yourself with Florida traffic laws.
Top3) Prepare for the Test
Study the Florida Driver’s Handbook before you go in. Don’t forget to get a few practice tests under your belt, too.
Top4) Locate a DMV Office
Make an appointment to take your written test. Call more than one office if you don’t find an appointment time that works for you.
Top5) Make Test-Day Preparations
Be prepared to:
- Have proof that you passed the drug and alcohol course.
- Bring the parental consent form, if you’re a minor.
- Take the vision and hearing tests.
- Show your Social Security card, if you have one.
- Provide two items showing proof of your Florida address.
- Provide one primary and one secondary form of identification (a passport would be primary, while a marriage certificate would be secondary), as well as proof of your date of birth. The state offers a list of acceptable forms.
Top6) Take the Written Test
After you’ve thoroughly studied the rules of the road and perhaps taken a Driver’s Ed course, you’re ready to take the test.
If you fail, you’ll be charged $10 to retake it.
Top7) Get a Car
If you’re going to be doing lots of driving, it’s only natural to shop for a car. A used car may be a great deal for you. Just be sure to get a Vehicle History Report before you buy. This report can reveal a multitude of problems, such as a salvaged title or flood damage, and is well worth the money.
Top8) Get Car Insurance
Insurance is the next step after you buy a car. Shop around for the best deal. Ask if the company offers a good driver or a good student discount.
Top9) Take the Driving Test
Make an appointment for a road test.
You’ll have to provide a car with adequate car insurance, and a valid registration. The car will be safety inspected, too.
Once You Pass
You’ll be issued your license right then and there.
If You Fail
You’ll be charged $20 to take the test again. Ask for another appointment; the representative will tell you when you can retake the test.
Top Non-Citizens
You’ll have to show identification, date of birth, and a Social Security number if you have one. Specific requirements for different situations are explained on the official Web site.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?
Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
Read more >>If I have warrants, will my drivers license be suspended?
There are many different reasons a driver can have a drivers license suspended, such as failing to have adequate car insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol, or getting too many points on his or her driving record. One reason that many people are unaware of having a suspended license, however, is having a warrant issued for your arrest. An arrest warrant or bench warrant may be issued for: Failure to obey a court order Failure to pay a legally required fine Failure to complete community service Failure to follow terms of a probation agreement, such as completing a specified alcohol treatment program Failure to appear in court when required by law Keep in mind that warrants may not necessarily have anything to do with your driving record or your behavior on the road. For example, California is one of several states that will suspend your driver’s license if you have a warrant for unpaid child support. In many states, the courts will...
Read more >>How long must I hold a learners permit before I can apply for my license?
The time requirements vary from state to state; check the grid below.Before you commit the grid to memory (or, at least your state’s part of it), keep these factors in mind: States employ graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, and within these programs many states require more than one kind of learners permit. This grid deals mostly with each state’s first learners permit, but notes other kinds of drivers permits (like provisional licenses) when possible. The majority of states allow drivers 18 years old and older to apply for their drivers license the same day they pass their written exams – or, very soon after. This isn’t always the case, so be sure to get details from your examiner when you go in for the written test. This grid focuses on the amount of time you have to wait between obtaining your learners permit and obtaining your drivers license; it doesn’t focus on any other requirements, such as completing a drivers ed course. Be sure to che...
Read more >>How can I get a restricted license if I have a suspended license?
The grid below explains whether your state offers a restricted license (some states don’t) and how you need to begin the application process. The process varies from state to state. For some, it will be as simple as obtaining an application online, completing it and mailing it to the DMV, and awaiting further instructions. For others, it might require a court appearance, completion of a special class, and passing a written exam.Within some states the process varies depending on the reason your drivers license is suspended. For example, if your license is suspended due to driving under the influence, you might have to complete a drug and alcohol awareness course before you can get a restricted license. Or, you might have to forgo a restricted license altogether and apply for an ignition interlock device.Of course, some states base restricted license eligibility on the reason the original license was suspended. For example, your state might be one that doesn’t offer ...
Read more >>Do all DMV locations offer the road test?
While all DMV locations offer a basic menu of services, not all offices in all states will provide the road test. Some of the DMV locations that may not offer a road test include: Locations only open on a part-time basis Select offices located in shopping malls or other non-government locations Offices in very rural areas If you need to take a driving test to get your driver's license, the best course of action is to call the office you wish to visit to see if they offer the test and if you will need an appointment. If the road test is offered with no appointment necessary, the DMV representative may be able to recommend the best time to visit in order to reduce your wait. Drivers who live in states with adverse weather conditions should also ask about the DMV policy regarding testing during poor weather. You may need to take a road test if you meet any of the following criteria: You're applying for your first license You let your license expire You're trying to get your license ...
Read more >>
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