How To Get A Florida Driver's License

In this article, we will discuss how to get your Florida driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license.

Continue reading to learn how to get your new Florida driver’s license!

Types of Florida Driver’s Licenses

There are different types of Florida driver’s licenses. Here’s what you need to know about the types of driver’s licenses that are available in the state of Florida.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issues different types of FL driver’s licenses. Teen drivers in Florida earn their learner’s license before obtaining a Class E driver’s license, which is for individuals who operate non-commercial vehicles.

Commercial drivers in Florida, such as bus and truck drivers, require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Motorcyclists are required to apply to have a motorcycle endorsement added to their Class E license, and other endorsements are available for specific types of vehicles.

Class E Driver’s License

The Class E Florida driver’s license is the standard driver’s license for Floridians who drive personal vehicles. This type of driver’s license allows you to drive a non-commercial vehicle that weighs less than 26,001 pounds. These vehicles can include:

Automobiles
Trucks
Vans that carry up to 15 persons (including the driver)
Recreational vehicles (RVs)
Mopeds, scooters, and other two-to-three wheeled vehicles that are NOT motorcycles

Class E Learner’s License

The Florida Class E learner’s license is often referred to as a Florida learner’s permit. Individuals with a FL learner’s permit:

Can ONLY operate a vehicle that does not exceed a weight limit of 8,000 pounds
CAN’T operate a motorcycle
Are required to drive ONLY during the day for the first three months of obtaining their permit
Can drive at night until 10:00 PM after the first three months

If you already obtained a FL learner’s permit, you already meet the drug and alcohol course requirements. You are also not required to take the course if you have a current or previous driver’s license from a different state, country, or jurisdiction.

Motorcycle Endorsement

If you obtain a Class E Florida driver’s license, you can get a motorcycle endorsement added to your license that allows you to operate a motorcycle. In order to earn your motorcycle endorsement, you must learn the basics of operating a motorcycle by completing the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or the Basic Rider Course (updated) BRCU from an authorized course provider. Within one year of completing this course, you need to go to your local FL driver’s license office with the proper identification and pay the necessary fees to receive your FL motorcycle endorsement.

Motorcycle-Only Driver’s License

If you prefer to drive a motor vehicle, it’s possible to obtain a motorcycle-only endorsement on your FL driver’s license. The requirements you must meet to obtain a motorcycle-only endorsement is as follows:

Pass the FL standard Class E knowledge test
If you are under the age of 18, but at least 16 years old, you are required to obtain a learner’s permit for one year with NO traffic convictions
Complete a BRC or BRCU motorcycle safety course from an authorized FL course provider
Visit your local FL driver’s license office with the proper identification and pay all applicable fees to receive your motorcycle-only endorsement

Commercial Driver’s Licenses

You are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to legally operate commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and buses.

CDLs are available in three classes:

Class A – you are allowed to operate a truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 26,001 pounds. If you want to tow a trailer or a vehicle that exceeds a weight of 10,000 pounds, and the total weight of your vehicle and trailer does not exceed 26,001 pounds, a Class A CDL is the proper license you need.
Class B – you are allowed to operate a straight truck with a GVWR of 26,0001 pounds or more
Class C – you are allowed to operate a vehicle that transports hazardous materials in amounts that require you to have a placard. With a Class C license, you are also allowed to drive a vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds that is used to transport more than 15 people.

There are some exceptions that allow you to operate a vehicle that would otherwise require a CDL, such as an emergency vehicle with a Class E license. Some vehicles will also require special endorsements to operate, such as school buses or tanker trucks.

Florida Driver’s License Requirements

If you are a new adult driver in the state of Florida, you are not required to have a learner’s permit. As an adult driver in Florida, you can apply for a FL driver’s license (non-commercial Class E license) by completing the following steps:

Complete the drug, alcohol, and traffic awareness (DATA) TLSAE exam
Pass the 50-question FL permit test
Pass the DMV (in-car/road) test
Provide personal documentation
Pay all applicable FL DMV fees

Once you complete the required tests and pay the necessary fees, you will receive your new Florida driver’s license. Be advised that Florida DATA test is four hours long and available through FL DMV-approved schools. This exam will help you understand the rules of the road and the legal requirements that are necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle.

The FL permit test consists of 50 questions that you can take online. Your test results will be forwarded to your local FL DMV office.

The FL DMV road test verifies that as an adult driver, you can safely control the vehicle, obey traffic and stop signs, and using signaling appropriately. The Florida DMV test includes a vision and hearing exam. Both of these tests are performed at the DMV office. You need to obtain a minimum of 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses.

You need to make sure you take at least two forms of identification, such as your primary ID, social security number, or proof of address. Be advised that these documents will vary by citizenship. Upon paying the required FL DMV fees and passing the driving knowledge and safety tests, you will receive your Florida driver’s license. The $48 FL DMV fee includes testing and licensing. If you need to retake the road test, you will have to pay a $20 retake fee.

Florida Driver’s License Requirements for Out-of-State Drivers

If you have recently moved to Florida, and made the Sunshine state your home, you need to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Florida upon establishing residency in the state. Once you pass Florida’s driver’s license requirements, you must surrender your out-of-state driver’s license. You will also be required to provide proof of a valid FL vehicle insurance policy and ownership of the vehicle by providing the vehicle’s title.

Requirements for Teens to Obtain a Florida Learner’s License (Permit)

In order for a teenager to obtain a Florida learner’s license, they must:

Be at least 15 years old
If you’re under 18 years old, you must have a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form (Form 71142) (step-parents are not allowed to sign this form UNLESS they have legally adopted the minor child)
Proof of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course completion
Pass the Florida vision and hearing test (testing is conducted in a service center)
Pass the Class E Knowledge exam (the FL Class E knowledge test consist of 50 multiple-choice questions that pertain to the traffic laws and traffic signs in Florida. You must obtain a score of at least 80% to pass the Class E knowledge test, which means you must answer 40 out of the 50 questions correctly.)
Provide the necessary documents to establish proof of identity, proof of your social security number, and proof of your FL residential address.

Requirements for Teens Who Want to Obtain a Florida Driver’s License

In order for a teenager to obtain a driver’s license in the state of Florida, they must:

Be at least 16 years old
Hold a Florida learner’s license (permit) for at least one year OR reach the age of 18, whichever occurs first
Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over 21 years old complete the Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form (Form 71143), certifying the teen has had at least 50 hours of driving experience, 10 hours of driving which must be at night.
Not have ANY moving violation convictions for one year from the date they obtain their FL learner’s permit OR, they may have one moving violation as long as adjudication was withheld.
Pass the Class E driving skills test
The vehicle that will be used to complete the in-car (road test) is required to have valid registration, proof of a valid FL vehicle insurance policy, and pass a basic vehicle inspection that is conducted by the driver’s license examiner to determine that it is safe to use for a driving test.
Provide specific documentation that proves identity, social security number, and proof of a FL residential address (if you have not previously provided these verifying documents.)

Florida Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

This law allows teenage drivers to safely gain driving experience under low-risk conditions before obtaining their full driving privileges. The Florida graduated driver license laws outline the limits and restrictions for new drivers ages 15 through 17. Florida’s GDL laws are designed to help teens gradually and safely build their driving skills and experience behind the wheel. It is important for teenagers and their parents to understand the traffic laws in Florida and obey them.

LICENSE TYPE	HOURS	NOTE:
Learner’s License	Daylight hours for first three months after license issued – until 10 p.m. after three months	ALWAYS accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ Must hold for a minimum of 12 months or until 18th birthday, whichever comes first. Required 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night.
Driver’s License 16 years old	NOT between 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.	Unless driving to or from work OR accompanied by a licensed driver 21+
Driver’s License 17 years old	NOT between 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.	Unless driving to or from work OR accompanied by a licensed driver 21+

Applying for Your Florida Driver’s License

The state of Florida is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act, which means you will automatically receive REAL ID when you apply for a driver’s license in Florida. With a REAL ID, you can board domestic flights and enter federal facilities.

REAL ID Compliance in the State of Florida

REAL IDs are federally approved documents that enable you to use your driver’s license for domestic travel and entry into military and federal buildings. When you are ready to apply for your FL driver’s license, visit your local Florida Division of Driver’s Licenses office and present:

Documentation proving your:
- Identity
- Social security number
- Florida residential address (2 documents are required)
- Name change (if applicable)
- Completed Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (ONLY required if you’ve never obtained a driver’s license)
Pass the Florida DMV Tests:
- Hearing
- Vision
- Knowledge
- Driving
Pay the $48 FL driver’s license fee

Once you pass Florida’s driving exams, you will be issued your new Florida driver’s license. Be advised, that the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) provides a list of documents you need to bring for each requirement based on your current citizenship status:

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Florida

Are you considering becoming a truck driver for hire? Whether you’re considering being a truck driver as a career or a short-term opportunity, you must obtain a Florida commercial driver’s license (CDL). You must take certain steps to obtain a CDL that are required by the state and federal governments.

CDLs and CMVs in the State of Florida

Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) give you the opportunity to legally operate a commercial vehicle. If you’re interested in obtaining a Florida commercial driver’s license, you must pass a written and road exam to qualify. The Federal Motor Carriere Safety Administration regulates CDLs for all states in the United States.

Commercial Vehicles

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (FL DMV) defines a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) as one that is hired for transporting goods or people. Other specifics that identify a commercial motor vehicle include:

Weight: a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that exceeds 26,000 pounds
Towing ability: a combination vehicle with a GVWR that exceeds 26,000 pounds, towing a unit over 10,000 pounds GVWR
Size: a passenger vehicle that is designed to carry 16 or more persons, including the driver
Materials hauled: any size vehicle that requires hazardous material (Hazmat) placards, or carrying a select agent or toxin listed here

Florida CDL Eligibility Requirements

In order to obtain a valid Florida CDL, you must meet a variety of requirements and take different steps. Be advised that there are medical and residency requirements. You will also be required to pass a knowledge and skills test. The standard requirements for obtaining a Florida CDL are that you must:

Be at least 18 years old to obtain a FL CDL and operate a commercial vehicle within the state of Florida
Be at least 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle across Florida state lines, haul hazardous materials, or transport passengers
NOT have more than one driver’s license AND your driving privileges must not include the following status in Florida or any other state:
- Revoked
- Suspended
- Canceled
- Disqualified
Meet the medical requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Pass a set of written exams to obtain your Florida Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Prove citizenship in the state of Florida and have permission to work in the United States, providing legitimate personal identification, which can include a:
- Birth certificate
- Social security card
- Green card
Certify that you are NOT subject to any of the CDL qualifications for drivers
Be able to speak and read the English language

Applying for a CDL in Florida

When you’re applying for a CDL in the state of Florida, you will be required to take different steps. All individuals who are applying for a commercial driver’s license in Florida must have an operator’s license and pass the vision requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants who are younger than 21 years old will be restricted to intrastate operations only.

Conditional Learner’s Permit

Before obtaining an official CDL, all individuals who wish to obtain a CDL must attain a conditional learner’s permit (CLP). Having a CLP allows you to practice your driving skills on public roads with a qualified CDL holder riding with you. To obtain a CLP, you must:

Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
Pass the appropriate knowledge exams
Pass a vision test
Provide proof of identity and residency (this proof will likely be your FL driver’s license, but make sure you meet the requirements by checking with a Division of Driver Licenses office to review the requirements.
Pass the Division of Driver Licenses medical exam
Submit to a driving record review (your driving record for the past 10 years will be under review)
Pay the necessary fees

Upon completion of the CLP requirements and a 14-day waiting period, you can obtain your CDL by taking a commercial vehicle driving test, which includes:

Basic controls testing
Vehicle inspections test
A commercial driving road test

You can find a list of Florida testing sites here.

Classifications and Exam Requirements in Florida

There are different CDL classifications and exam requirements for each classification.

Class A Exam Requirements

A Class A CDL allows you to operate trucks or truck combinations that weigh or exceed a weight of 26,001pounds. You are also able to tow a vehicle or unit that exceeds a weight of 10,000 pounds. The following tests are required to attain a Class A CDL:

General knowledge test
Combinations vehicle test
Air brakes
Pre-trip
Basic skills
CDL road test
Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Class B Exam Requirements

A Class B CDL allows you to operate straight buses and trucks that weigh or exceed a weight of 26,001 pounds. The following tests are required to attain a Class B CDL:

General knowledge test
Air brakes (if applicable)
Pre-trip
Basic skills
CDL road test
Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Class C Exam Requirements

A Class CDL allows you to operate vehicles that are transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials. You are also allowed to operate vehicles that have a GVWR or 26,000 pounds or less and are designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver.

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

All Florida CDL holders are required to declare to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) that they are only operating or expect to operate commercially in one of four possible categories with their CDL. These four categories are:

Interstate non-excepted: you are an interstate non-excepted driver and are required to meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.
Interstate excepted: you are an interstate excepted driver and not required to meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.
Intrastate non-excepted: you are an intrastate non-excepted driver and are required to meet the medical requirements for the state of Florida.
Intrastate excepted: you are an intrastate excepted driver and not required to meet the medical requirements for the state of Florida.

Applying for a Florida Motorcycle License

The motorcycle licensing requirements in the state of Florida differ depending on whether you’re trying to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your existing Florida driver’s license or a motorcycle-only license. You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a Florida motorcycle license.

Florida Motorcycle Endorsement

A motorcycle endorsement is a kind of credential that is added to your current, valid FL driver’s license, and it authorizes you to operate a motorcycle. To apply for a Florida motorcycle endorsement, you’ll need to obtain:

A Class E Florida driver’s license
A certificate of completion of an MSF Basic Rider Course

You will need to visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FL DHSMV) or local Florida tax collector’s office with the above documentation as well as your required identification documents and payment for the endorsement and listing fees.

Once you complete the required steps, you will receive a motorcycle endorsement on your valid Florida driver’s license. This endorsement will remain valid as long as you attain a valid Florida Class E license in the state of Florida.

Be advised that in order for the MSF certificate to be deemed valid, you are required to apply for your Florida motorcycle endorsement within one year of completing the Basic Rider Couse.

Florida “Motorcycle Only” License

If you don’t already have a Florida Class E license, you can apply for a “Motorcycle Only” driver’s license. The requirements you must meet will differ depending on your age. If you’re:

Younger than 18 years old:
- Obtain a Class E learner’s license for 1 year, and
- Incur NO moving traffic violations
18 years old or older, either:
- Already hold a Class E learner’s license, or
- Pass the following tests:
Vision test
Written knowledge exams

Once you have completed the above-listed steps, you need to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. When you have completed the necessary requirements, you can visit your local Florida driver’s license office or tax collector office and submit:

Certificate of completion for the SMF Basic Rider Course
Learner’s license (if applicable)
Necessary identification documentation
Payment for the required Florida motorcycle licensing and endorsement fees

Upon completing the required steps, you will receive your “Motorcycle Only” Florida license. You will renew and update this Florida license like you would a regular Class E driver’s license.

Florida Motorcycle Education

Motorcycle education is an essential part of attaining your Florida motorcycle credentials. The FL DHSMV requires all applicants to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course prior to applying. During the Basic Rider Course, you will learn the foundations of proper motorcycle operation, such as how to:

Make safe, smooth turns
Deal with emergency situations
Communicate and share the road with other drivers and motorcycle riders

Motorcycle License Fees in Florida

Whether you are applying for a Florida motorcycle endorsement or a “Motorcycle Only” license, you must pay BOTH of the associated fees:

Licensing fee: $48 (if applicable, includes a learner’s license)
Motorcycle endorsement fee: $7

You are required to pay an additional fee of $6.25 if you decide to receive your endorsement or license at a FL DHSMV tax collector.

Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle License to Florida

As a new resident of Florida, in most instances, as long as your motorcycle license or endorsement is valid, you are not required to take a safety course or go through testing for your Florida motorcycle credentials.

When you’re ready to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle endorsement or license to the state of Florida, you need to visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles driver’s licensing office and present your:

Valid, out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement
Required identification and legal residency documentation
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course Completion card IF you’re from Alabama (for all other out-of-state licenses, the state of Florida will reciprocate your existing endorsement without requiring you to take, or re-take the course)
Payment for all applicable Florida license transfer fees

Florida DMV Locations

There are multiple Department of Motor Vehicle locations in the state of Florida where you can receive a valid Florida driver’s license and handle other motor vehicle transactions and tasks.

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles
501 S Congress Ave
Delray Beach, FL 33445
(561) 355-2264

Monday – Friday (8:15 AM – 3:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles
3200 Armsdale Rd Ste 13
Jacksonville, FL 32218
(904) 365 – 2681

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles
5701 E Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 612 – 7110

Monday – Friday (8 AM – 5PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Florida Department of Motor Vehicles
406 30^th Ste SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 635 – 5200

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (8 AM to 5 PM)
Wednesday (9 AM to 5 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

How To Get A Florida Driver’s License