Florida FLHSMV · Learner's License 2026

How to Get Your Florida Learner's License

A step-by-step guide to getting your Florida Learner's License at 15 and advancing through the GDL program to a full Class E driver license at 18.

📋 Florida GDL Program Overview

Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages: the Learner's License at age 15, a restricted Class E license at age 16 (with an 11 PM – 6 AM curfew), a slightly less restricted Class E at age 17 (with a 1 AM – 5 AM curfew), and an unrestricted Class E license at age 18.

Phase 1 — Learner's License

Minimum age: 15. Hold for at least 12 months (or until 18). Fee: $48. Must complete TLSAE course.

Phase 2 — Class E at 16/17

Age 16: no driving 11 PM – 6 AM. Age 17: no driving 1 AM – 5 AM. Fee: $48.

Full License

Unrestricted at age 18. Valid for 6 to 8 years. Renewal fee: $48.

🪪 Phase 1 — Getting Your Florida Learner's License

Complete the TLSAE Course

Before applying for a learner's license, you must complete the Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course (also called the "4-hour drug and alcohol course"). This is required if you've never held a driver license in any state, country, or jurisdiction. Approved providers are listed at flhsmv.gov. Some county school boards' driver-ed courses may substitute.

Schedule or Visit a Service Center

Find your nearest driver license service center at flhsmv.gov/locations. The Class E Knowledge Exam is also available through approved DELAP (Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program) schools and authorized third-party providers. Applicants under 18 may take the knowledge exam online through an approved third-party provider.

Gather Your Documents

You must present original or certified documents — photocopies and notarized copies will not be accepted:

Primary identification — certified US birth certificate, valid US passport/passport card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Immigrants/non-immigrants must provide valid USCIS documents
Proof of Social Security number (or approved secondary ID if you've never been issued an SSN)
Two documents showing your Florida residential address
Parental consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian (if under 18)
TLSAE certificate (if required)
Glasses or contacts if needed for the vision exam

Pass the Vision Screening & Class E Knowledge Exam

The Vision screening requires 20/40 or better vision in each eye (with or without corrective lenses). The Class E Knowledge Exam is 50 multiple-choice questions; you need 80% (40 of 50 correct) to pass. Written re-test fee is $10.

Pay the $48 Fee

The original learner's license fee is $48. Using a tax collector office adds a $6.25 service fee. You will receive your Florida Learner's License on the spot.

📜 Phase 1 Driving Rules (Learner's License)

While Holding a Florida Learner's License

Always drive accompanied by a licensed driver age 21+, who rides in the closest seat to the right of the driver
First 3 months: drive during daylight hours only
After 3 months: may drive until 10 PM
Must have at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night) before the Class E driver license
Must hold the Learner's License at least 12 months or until the 18th birthday (whichever comes first), with no moving-violation convictions — one moving violation within 12 months of issue is allowed if adjudication is withheld
A parent or legal guardian may write FLHSMV to revoke the minor's license at any time before age 18 (non-refundable $10 fee)
Handheld wireless device prohibited in school zones/crossings and work zones; no texting while driving

🚗 Phase 2 — Getting Your Class E Driver License

Meet Phase 1 Requirements

Be at least 16. Have held the Learner's License at least 12 months (or until 18) with no moving-violation convictions. Have at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) logged.

Be in Compliance with School Attendance

You must be in compliance with Florida's school-attendance requirements. Under 18: proof of school enrollment and parental-consent form.

Pass the Driving Skills Test

Provide a vehicle with a valid plate and insurance (it will be inspected). The driving skills test evaluates: approach of crossing, backing up (50 ft at slow speed, no mirrors), following at a safe distance, stop signs and traffic signals, right-of-way, parking on a grade, passing, signaling and turning, staying in the proper lane, straight-in parking, three-point turn (20–40 ft), and posture. The driving-skills re-test fee is $20.

📋 Phase 2 Restrictions (Class E Driver License, Age 16–17)

While Holding a Florida Class E Driver License Under 18

Age 16: may NOT drive between 11 PM and 6 AM
Age 17: may NOT drive between 1 AM and 5 AM
Curfew exceptions: driving to/from work, OR accompanied by a licensed driver age 21+
Any driver under 18 who accumulates 6 or more points within a 12-month period is automatically restricted to driving for "Business Purposes ONLY" for one year. Each additional point extends the restriction by 90 days
No texting while driving; no handheld device use in school zones/crossings or work zones
Safety belts required for all occupants; children under 4 must use a safety seat, ages 4–5 a safety seat or booster

🗓️ Age 18 — Unrestricted Class E License

Full Driver License — Unrestricted

All GDL age/curfew restrictions are lifted at age 18
Class E license fee: $48, valid for 6 to 8 years
Adult applicants who have never held a license must also complete the TLSAE course
Renew online at MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov (US citizens and immigrants; not eligible if your previous renewal was by phone/mail/online)
Notify FLHSMV of an address change within 30 days and a name change within 48 hours
A $15 delinquent fee applies to renewal after the expiration date (midnight of your birthday)
Drivers 80+ must pass a vision exam at every renewal

Pass Your Class E Knowledge Test First Try

Practice with questions based on the Official Florida Driver License Handbook (rev. 08/2023). Free, no signup required.

Start Practice Test →