Applying for a New License

Obtaining a driver license from the State of Florida is an important procedure that many residents undertake at one point or another.

Because traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens, federal and state legislators have imposed regulations designed to give teens driving privileges a little at a time. The goal is to become an adult licensed driver with maximum experience and training. With 146 local offices to assist you, however, it doesn't have to be a painful process.

Because the wait times can vary greatly from day to day, it's highly recommended that you make an appointment for any required testing. You can also make appointments just to apply.

Learner's License

A learner's license allows you to practice driving while accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older. Learner's licenses do not entitle you to drive alone, and you will be restricted to driving during certain hours of the day.

If you're a teen younger than the age of 18, you'll need to have a restricted learner's license for at least a year before applying for a full Class E (unrestricted) driver license. There are no exceptions to this rule.

You must be at least 15 to apply. Provide the following:

• Two original or certified identification documents.

• Social Security card, if you have one.

• Proof that you've completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course. (If you have a license from another state or country, you can show it and this requirement will be waived.)

• Parental Consent Form, which must be signed in the presence of the driver license examiner or notarized. Step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted you.

• $20 fee.

Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to be tested. Check out the Florida Driver Handbook, available online, to study up on:

• Road rules: must get 15 out of 20 multiple-choice questions correct

• Road signs: must get 15 out of 20 multiple-choice questions correct

You must also pass a vision test on an eye machine, and a hearing test.

A learner's license allows you to drive during daylight hours only for the first three months, and then only until 10 p.m. You must always drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, and who must sit in the front passenger seat.

Teen Operator's License

To obtain an operator's license as a teen (16 or 17 years old), you must have had a learner's license for at least one year, and have no traffic convictions. To apply, bring the following into your local office:

• Learner's license, or license from another state or country.

• Parent certification that you have at least 50 hours of experience behind the wheel, including 10 night-driving hours.

• $20 fee.

You'll need to pass a driving test that covers basic skills like turning, intersections, signaling, parking, and passing. See the Florida Driver Handbook for specifics.

The Restrictions

An teen operator's license still comes with following age limitations for each driver:

• Age 16: Allowed to drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older, or unless you're driving to or from work.

• Age 17: Allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older, or unless you're driving to or from work.

Unrestricted Class E License

When you reach the age of 18, you can apply for a full Class E driver license. If you already have an operator's license, you won't need to take all the tests again. The age restrictions will merely no longer be in effect.

New Class E Applicants

If you are 18 or older and have never held a driver's license, you are considered a new applicant.

To apply for a new Class E license, bring the following to your local office:

• Two forms of identification, which must be original or certified.

• Social Security card, if you have one.

• Proof that you've completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course.

• $20 fee.

The Tests

You'll be tested on traffic laws and road signs with a 20-question multiple-choice test for each, as well as hearing and vision.

You'll also need to take a driving test. You are responsible for providing the vehicle for your test, and it must have valid registration, proof of insurance, and pass an inspection. See the Florida Driver Handbook for details about driving skills.

New Resident Who Already Has a License

If you're new to Florida, you're 18 or older, and already have a valid driver license from another state or country, getting your FL license can be really simple. You can use your current out-of-state license as your primary form of ID, so you'll only need a secondary form of identification. The $20 application fee will also apply.

In most cases you will be required to take the vision and hearing tests only. However, the DMV has the authority (and reserves the right) to require additional testing on a case-by-case basis.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

Currently licensed drivers from other countries who are visiting Florida may legally drive in the Sunshine State. However, drivers should be sure to have their license and passport with them whenever driving.

Non-citizens interested in obtaining a Florida license will need to show proper identification, proof of date of birth, and proof of Social Security number (if one has been issued).

However, the specifics of the licensing situation vary depending on if you're an immigrant or non-immigrant. Refer to the state's guide for detailed information on what's needed for your situation.

Other Fees

• Written re-test fee: $5

• Driving skill re-test fee: $10

• Tax collector service fee: $5.25 (Some counties' driver license business is carried out at the tax collector's office, so this service fee will apply.)