State Guide
Florida DHSMV Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your Florida learner's license — from eligibility and the TLSAE course to the 50-question knowledge test and Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing program. Florida requires applicants to be at least 15 years old. Ready to start practicing? Take a free Florida permit practice test.
Who Can Get a Learner's License
To apply for a Florida learner's license (Class E Knowledge Test), you must be at least 15 years old. This is the first step in Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign your application. They take on responsibility for your driving conduct while you hold a learner's license.
Residency: You must be a Florida resident. You'll prove residency with documents showing your Florida address (utility bill, bank statement, or similar).
Adults 18+: If you're 18 or older and getting your first Florida license, driver education is not required. However, the TLSAE course (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) is still mandatory for all first-time applicants regardless of age.
The TLSAE Course (Drug & Alcohol)
Before you can get a Florida learner's license, you must complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course — commonly called the "Drug and Alcohol" course. This is required for all first-time Florida driver license applicants.
Course length
At least 4 hours of instruction covering Florida traffic laws, the dangers of alcohol and drugs, and their effects on driving.
Online or in person
The TLSAE can be completed online through an FLHSMV-approved provider. Many students complete it from home before their office visit.
Cost
Varies by provider, typically $20–$35 for the online course.
Certificate
After passing the TLSAE, you'll receive a completion certificate. Bring this (or your provider number) to your FLHSMV appointment.
Florida driver education programs (for teens) typically include the TLSAE as part of their curriculum. If you attended a Florida high school driver's ed program, check whether it's already covered.
Fees and What You Pay For
Here's a breakdown of the costs to get your Florida learner's license:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Learner's license (Class E) | $48 |
| Knowledge test retest fee | $10 |
| TLSAE/Drug & Alcohol course | $20–$35 |
Your learner's license is valid for 1 year. If you need more time, you can renew it.
Retakes: If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait at least 1 day before retaking. After 3 failed attempts, you must submit a new application. Each retest costs $10.
Documents You Need
When you visit the FLHSMV or tax collector's office, bring the following:
1. Proof of identity
An original U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. Photocopies are not accepted.
2. Proof of Social Security number
Your Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub showing your full SSN.
3. Two proofs of Florida residency
Two documents showing your Florida address: utility bill, rental agreement, bank statement, insurance document, etc.
4. TLSAE completion certificate
Your Drug & Alcohol course certificate or provider completion number.
5. Parental consent (if under 18)
A parent or legal guardian must co-sign your application in person at the FLHSMV office.
Florida participates in the REAL ID program. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal purposes like flying domestically after May 2025), you'll need additional documents. Check the FLHSMV REAL ID page for the full list.
The Knowledge Test
The Florida knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering:
Florida traffic laws and regulations
Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
Safe driving practices
Right-of-way rules
Florida-specific laws (Move Over Law, school bus laws)
Alcohol, drug, and DUI laws
You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 10 questions.
No time limit: Florida does not impose a time limit on the knowledge test. Read each question carefully.
The test is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. All questions are based on the Florida Driver Handbook.
Where to Take the Test
The Florida knowledge test must be taken in person. You have two location options:
Option 1: FLHSMV Driver License Office
Visit any Florida FLHSMV driver license service center. Most offices accept walk-ins, though appointments are recommended to reduce wait times.
Option 2: Tax Collector's Office
Many Florida counties allow you to obtain a learner's license through the local tax collector's office, which may have shorter wait times than FLHSMV offices.
Unlike some states, Florida does not currently offer online or home-proctored knowledge testing. You must appear in person.
Passing Score and Results
Florida Knowledge Test
50 questions
You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 10 questions.
You'll receive your score immediately after finishing. If you pass, you can proceed to complete the rest of your application and receive your learner's license.
Florida does not have a separate road signs test — sign questions are part of the main 50-question exam.
At the FLHSMV Office
Here's what to expect when you visit an FLHSMV office or tax collector's office:
1. Submit documents
Present your identity, residency, Social Security, and TLSAE completion documents. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be present to co-sign.
2. Vision screening
You'll take a quick vision test. Florida requires at least 20/40 vision in one eye and 20/70 in the other (with or without corrective lenses).
3. Knowledge test
Take the 50-question test on a computer terminal at the office. You'll receive your score immediately.
4. Pay fee
Pay the $48 learner's license fee.
5. Photo and thumbprint
Your photo and thumbprint will be taken for your license.
6. Receive your learner's license
If everything checks out, you'll receive your Florida learner's license (valid for 1 year).
After You Pass
Once you have your learner's license, you can start driving — but only under supervision. Here are the key rules:
Always drive with a licensed adult
You must be accompanied at all times by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
Log your supervised hours
Florida requires 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. Keep a driving log — your parent or guardian must sign it.
No cellphone use
Using a cellphone while driving with a learner's license is prohibited, even hands-free.
Night driving restrictions
During the first 12 months, driving is restricted from 11pm to 6am unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21+.
If You Don't Pass
Don't worry — many people need more than one attempt. Here's what happens if you fail the Florida knowledge test:
Use our Florida practice tests to identify which topics you missed, then focus your study there before retesting.
Learner's License Rules
Your Florida learner's license comes with specific restrictions. Violating these can result in citations and delay your path to a full license.
Supervision required: A licensed adult 21+ must be in the front passenger seat at all times.
No cellphone: No phone use of any kind while driving (no calls, texts, or even hands-free for learners).
Seatbelts: All occupants must wear seatbelts.
No alcohol: Zero tolerance — any detectable BAC results in license suspension.
Restricted License (Intermediate)
After holding your learner's license for at least 12 months and completing your supervised driving hours, you can apply for a Florida restricted (intermediate) license at age 16.
Requirements
Must be at least 16 years old, held learner's license for 12+ months, completed 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night), and have a clean driving record.
Skills test
You must pass a behind-the-wheel driving skills test at an FLHSMV office.
Restrictions during first year
No driving between 11pm and 6am (unless for work, school, or religious activities). No more than 1 non-family passenger under 18.
Restrictions during second year (ages 17+)
Nighttime restriction lifts to midnight–6am. Passenger restrictions remain the same.
Getting Your Full License
You can get an unrestricted Florida driver's license at age 18, or at age 17 if you:
Held a restricted license for 12 months
Have had no traffic convictions or at-fault accidents
Have a parent or guardian certify your readiness
Adults getting their first Florida license at 18+ go directly through the standard licensing process without GDL restrictions.
GDL Restrictions at a Glance
| Stage | Night Driving | Passengers |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's license | 11pm–6am with licensed adult 21+ | Licensed adult 21+ only |
| Restricted (year 1, age 16) | No driving 11pm–6am | Max 1 non-family passenger under 18 |
| Restricted (year 2, age 17) | No driving midnight–6am | Max 1 non-family passenger under 18 |
| Full license (18+) | No restrictions | No restrictions |
Nighttime driving restrictions have exceptions for work, school, religious activities, or emergencies. Keep documentation in your vehicle if you drive during restricted hours.
The Florida Driver's Handbook
The Florida Driver Handbook is the official study guide for the knowledge test. Published by FLHSMV, it covers everything that could appear on the exam.
Available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole
Free to download as a PDF from the FLHSMV website
Covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving, and Florida-specific rules
We recommend reading the handbook at least once, then using our practice questions to reinforce the material. Focus especially on chapters covering Florida-specific laws like the Move Over Law, school bus laws, and GDL restrictions.
How to Prepare with Practice Tests
The Florida knowledge test has 50 questions — more than most states. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence and improve your score.
Start with free questions
Take our free Florida practice test to assess your baseline knowledge and identify weak areas.
Practice with 500+ questions
Our premium question bank includes 500+ Florida-specific questions with detailed explanations, covering all exam topics.
Aim for 90%+ before test day
Since the passing score is 80%, consistently scoring 90%+ on practice tests gives you a comfortable buffer for the real exam.
Behind-the-Wheel Hours
Florida requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice before you can apply for a restricted license. This includes:
A parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult (at least 21 years old, with a valid license) must supervise all practice driving. Keep a driving log — it will be submitted when you apply for your restricted license.
Florida driving schools can also provide professional behind-the-wheel instruction. This can be especially helpful for building confidence before your skills test.
Quick Reference
| Minimum age | 15 years old |
| Knowledge test questions | 50 multiple choice |
| Questions to pass | 40 of 50 (80%) |
| Test languages | English, Spanish, Haitian Creole |
| Application fee | $48 |
| Retest fee | $10 |
| Max attempts per application | 3 |
| Wait between attempts | 1 day |
| Supervised hours required | 50 (10 at night) |
| Learner's license validity | 1 year |
| Min hold period | 12 months |
| Restricted license age | 16 |
| Full license age | 18 (or 17 with conditions) |