How to Get Your Florida Drivers License

The Courses and Tests you must complete to get your drivers license in Florida as an adult.

Related Information: Learners Permit FAQs

A common question we are asked is "What are the steps to getting a drivers license in Florida".

Note that if you are under 18 and have never had a drivers license then you are required to have a learner permit for at least a year or until you are 18.

Lots of people get their first drivers license when they are 18 or older - an adult. There are two differences for adults getting their first drivers license - you must take the Permit Test in person at a DMV office (not online) and you are not required to hold a learners Permit. You can skip that step and get your drivers license. Here are the steps.

1. Take the DATA Course

The DATA course is an online class that must be completed by anyone getting their first drivers license in Florida - This applies to Teens getting their learners permit and adults getting their drivers license.

2. Study for the Permit Test (AKA DMV Test)

The Permit Test is the written knowledge exam that all new drivers must pass to get their Florida Drivers License. It's a 50 question test, you must get 40 correct to pass and the topics covered are rules and regulations of driving in Florida and Road Signs, Traffic Signals, and Pavement Markings.

We recommend you download a drivers handbook and review our Pass the Permit Test section, which is has videos, guides and practice tests.

3. Take the Permit Test at a local DMV office

The online version of the permit test is only available to those under 18.

4. Take the Road Test

To get your drivers license you have to take the road test (driving skills exam). To take the road test you will need to make an appointment at a local DMV office.

Identification and Proof of Residency

Don't forget to bring your Identification documents and proof of residency documents

Driving Test Skills

Provide a Car for the Driving Test

To take the Road Test you must provide a vehicle and it must be in working condition. Following are the items that will be inspected on your vehicle before you take the road test. If any of these features of your vehicle are not working you cannot take the test.

Vehicle Inspection Items for Road Test

• Horn
• Rear View Mirror
• Turn Signals
• Steering Wheel
• Brakes
• Tires
• Brake Lights
• Windshield Wipers

Note: Bring a vehicle for your road test that is in good working condition with no cracked or broken glass, a current license plate. See page 88 of the drivers handbook for details.