What are the age requirements to get a permit in Florida?

In Florida, individuals are eligible to apply for a learner's license, commonly known as a learner's permit, at the age of 15. Applicants under 18 must provide a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form, unless the minor has been legally adopted by a stepparent. Additionally, all applicants are required to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, pass vision and hearing tests, and successfully complete the Class E Knowledge Exam, which comprises 50 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and signs, requiring a minimum score of 80% to pass. Applicants must also present valid documents verifying their identity, Social Security number, and residential address.

How do you get your permit in Florida?

To obtain a learner's license, applicants should first complete the TLSAE course, which educates new drivers on Florida's traffic laws and the effects of substance abuse on driving. After completing this course, applicants must study the Official Florida Driver License Handbook to prepare for the Class E Knowledge Exam. Once ready, they can schedule an appointment at a local service center to take the vision, hearing, and knowledge tests. On the day of the appointment, applicants need to bring the Parental Consent Form (if under 18), proof of TLSAE course completion, and the necessary documents to establish identity, Social Security number, and residential address.

How long must you hold a permit in Florida?

After obtaining the learner's license, the holder must maintain it for a minimum of 12 months or until they turn 18, whichever comes first, before they are eligible to apply for an intermediate or full-privilege driver's license. During this period, the learner's license holder is required to accumulate at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience, with a minimum of 10 hours conducted at night. This supervised practice aims to equip new drivers with essential on-road experience under various conditions.

Who can you drive with when you hold a Florida permit?

While holding a learner's license, driving is permitted only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat. For the first three months after issuance, driving is restricted to daylight hours. After this initial period, driving is allowed until 10 p.m. These restrictions are designed to provide new drivers with a gradual introduction to driving under low-risk conditions.

When can a teen earn their license in Florida?

Teens can earn their intermediate driver's license at 16 years old, provided they have held their learner's license for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions and have completed the required supervised driving hours. At 16, driving is allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older, or when traveling to or from work. At 17, the driving hours extend from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. under the same conditions. Upon reaching 18, these driving hour restrictions are lifted, granting full driving privileges.