State Driving Guide

Florida

Official permit & driving info · Last reviewed 2024-03-01

Official DMV Driver Handbook

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✓ Road signs
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15
Permit Age
⏱️
50
Practice Hours
🌙
10
Night Hours
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3
License Stages
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Getting Your Permit

Florida teens can apply for a Learner's License at age 15. You must pass a vision, hearing, and knowledge test. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application. Before receiving a full license, all teen drivers must complete the TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) 4-hour course.

Required Documents
  • ✓
    Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, passport, or other approved document)
    Source: FLHSMV
  • ✓
    Proof of Social Security Number
    Source: FLHSMV
  • ✓
    Proof of Florida residential address
    Source: FLHSMV
  • ✓
    Parent or guardian signature (applicants under 18)
    Source: FLHSMV
  • ✓
    Proof of completing the TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course before obtaining a full license
    Source: FLHSMV
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Graduated License Stages
Learner's License
Age 15+

Requirements: Pass vision, hearing, and knowledge test. Parent or guardian must sign application. Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21+ seated in the front passenger seat at all times.

Restrictions: Cannot drive between 11 PM and 6 AM. Must have a supervising licensed driver 21+ at all times.

Source: FLHSMV — Teen Driving
Restricted License (Class E)
Age 16+

Requirements: Must hold learner's license for at least 12 months. Must complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night). Must pass road test. Must complete TLSAE course.

Restrictions: Cannot drive between 11 PM and 6 AM during the first 12 months (ages 16-17). Cannot have more than 1 passenger under age 20 (excluding family members) during the first 12 months.

Source: FLHSMV
Full License
Age 18+

Requirements: Restrictions are lifted when the driver turns 18, or at 17 if they have held a restricted license for at least 12 months without certain violations.

Restrictions: No GDL restrictions.

Source: FLHSMV
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Required Practice Hours
50
Total Hours
10
Night Hours

All 50 hours must be logged with a supervising licensed driver age 21 or older. Parents must certify these hours. The log must be presented to the tax collector's office when applying for the restricted license.

Source: FLHSMV
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Florida-Specific Laws
TLSAE — Drug and Alcohol Course

All first-time Florida driver's license applicants must complete a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before receiving a license. This is also called the 'Drug and Alcohol' course.

Florida Statute §322.095 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Headlights Required in Rain

Florida law requires headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use due to rain. Headlights are also required from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is reduced to less than 1,000 feet.

Florida Statute §316.217 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Texting and Cell Phone Use

Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Florida. Handheld cell phone use is prohibited in school zones and work zones for all drivers. Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless communications device while driving (hands-free included).

Florida Statute §316.305 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Move Over Law

Florida drivers must move over one lane (or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if a lane change is not safely possible) when passing stopped emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks, and utility service vehicles with lights flashing.

Florida Statute §316.126 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat

All front seat occupants must wear a seat belt. All rear seat passengers under age 18 must be buckled. Children under age 5 must be in an approved child safety seat.

Florida Statute §316.614 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
School Zone Speed Limit

The speed limit in a school zone in Florida is 20 mph when children are present (before and after school). Always watch for posted school zone signs and flashing lights.

Florida Statute §316.1895 · Reviewed 2024-03-01
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Road Test Tips for Florida
  • Bring your learner's license, proof of 50 supervised hours, and proof of TLSAE completion.
  • Practice parking: parallel parking and angle parking may be tested.
  • Know how to make a proper left turn from a two-way road.
  • Come to a complete stop before the stop bar at all stop signs and red lights.
  • Check your mirrors and blind spots frequently — look over your shoulder, not just at the mirrors.
  • Use turn signals well in advance of all turns and lane changes.
  • Practice driving in the area where you will take the test.
  • Do not forget to buckle your seat belt before starting the vehicle.
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Source transparency: All rules on this page are sourced directly from official government publications. Laws may change — always verify with the Florida DMV before your test. Last reviewed: 2024-03-01.