New Drivers Aged 18 or Older
If you are a first-time driver who is at least 18 years old, you are not required to obtain a learner’s license; however, you are required to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, vision test, Class E Knowledge written exam, and a driving skills exam.
During the driving skills exam, our examiner will observe your ability to control the vehicle and how well you obey traffic laws.
NEW DRIVERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18
New drivers under the age of 18 must safely gain driving experience in low-risk conditions before obtaining full driving privileges. Florida requires you to complete a three-step process, called Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), to obtain your first driver license. This process is designed to help you safety gain driving experience under low-risk conditions before obtaining full driving privileges. These laws outline limits and restrictions for new drivers aged 15 through 17. Florida’s GDL laws will help you gradually and safely build your skills and experience – from basic to advanced – in all kinds of road conditions. Teen drivers and their parents or guardians must fully understand and comply with these laws.
STEP 1: LEARNER’S LICENSE
Getting your Learner’s License is just the beginning of this fun and exciting process! Make sure you understand each requirement and Florida Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) laws for obtaining your Learner’s License.
Requirements:
- You must be at least 15 years old
- If you are under 18 years old, you must have a signed/notarized Parental Consent Form. Step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted the minor child.
- Provide proof that you passed the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
- Pass a vision test in one of our service centers
- Provide proof of your identity, your social security number and your residential address.
- Review this list of required documents
- Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam:
- Study the official Florida Driver License Handbook
- Take a practice exam
- Exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions about traffic laws and signs
- Passing score is 80 percent (40 out of 50 questions answered correctly)
- Obey all Florida GDL laws including:
- Must always have a licensed driver 21 years old or older in the closest seat to the right of the driver
- For the first three months, driving is limited to daylight hours only
- After three months, hours are extended to 10 p.m.
- Log 50 hours of driving experience.
STEP 2: INTERMEDIATE DRIVER LICENSE
At ages 16 and 17, you can obtain your restricted driver license if you have successfully completed the Learner’s License process. Driving is restricted to certain hours based on your age.
16 years old – driving is allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
17 years old – driving is allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
At any other time, 16 and 17 year-old drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the closest seat next to the driver, or be traveling to or from work.
STEP 3: UNRESTRICTED DRIVER LICENSE
At 18 years old, there are no restrictions on driving hours. You can obtain a full unrestricted driver license if you have had no major traffic convictions during the previous 12 months. Such violations include driving under the influence, drag racing, and reckless driving.
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