Drivers Permits

If you're under 18, the road to obtaining your Florida driver's license begins with obtaining your learner's license, so we'll show you how to do it.

Steps to Take for a Learner's License

Your first step should be to enroll in a driver education class. (If you're under 18 and have a valid driver's license from another state or country, you can skip this step.)

You may take the class through your high school. Or, you may enroll in a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course offered by an approved provider.

You'll need to complete the course before applying for your learner's license.

While going through the class, you should be preparing for the written tests you'll need to pass to get your license. Studying the Florida Driver Handbook is an excellent idea. You'll face two multiple choice tests of 20 questions each. One concerns the color, shape, and meaning of road signs, while the other is about traffic laws. To pass each test, you must answer 15 questions correctly.

If you're at least 15 and decide it's time to apply for your license, it's recommended that you make an appointment with a driver's license office first.

Make sure to bring the following to the office:

• One primary and one secondary form of identification (certified copies are acceptable)

• Social Security card (if you have one)

• Completion certificate from your class (or a driver's license from another state or country)

• Parental consent form (if you're under 18)

Those under 18 will also need to be in compliance with their school's attendance requirements.

Applicants under 18 who aren't married must have a parent or legal guardian sign the form before a driver license examiner or a notary public. Proof of guardianship will be needed. Stepparents may sign the form if they've legally adopted you. Whoever signs the form is agreeing to be responsible for your driving conduct.

Besides the written test, you'll also need to pass a hearing and a vision test. All the tests are free to take, but if you fail a written test, it will cost $5 to take it again.

If you pass all the tests and your paperwork checks out, you'll be the proud owner of a learner's permit. After paying the $20 fee, of course.

Driving Privileges

With the learner's license, you may only drive during daylight for the first three months. After that, you may drive until 10 p.m.

You must always drive under the watchful eye of a licensed driver who is at least 21, sitting in the passenger seat next to you.

You must wait at least one year, or until you become 18, to apply for an official driver's license. You can't have any convictions within a year of being granted your learner's license. One traffic conviction is allowed, if judgment is withheld.

Before applying for your license, you'll need to accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of driving time, 10 of which occur at night. Your parent, legal guardian, or a responsible adult over 21 will need to vouch for your hours.

We cover the rest of the road to obtaining your driver's license in our Applying for a New License section.

Expiring or Lost Learner's Licenses

If you've misplaced your learner's license, you may receive a duplicate license at a driver's license office for $10. You'll be required to provide your Social Security number.

A learner's license may be renewed at a driver's license office for $15.