Florida Learner’s Permit: A Complete Guide

Are you looking to get your Florida learner’s permit? Then you’ve come to the right place. You can start the process of applying for your permit after you’ve turned 15 years old. If you are 18 years old or older, you are not required to obtain a learner’s permit and can apply directly for a Class E driver license.

In this guide, we’ll go through each step of the process so you know exactly what to expect.

How to Get a Florida Learner’s Permit (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Complete a TLSAE Course

Before you can apply for your learner’s permit, you’ll need to complete a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. TLSAE courses are offered in most Florida public schools, as well as from several third-party providers throughout the state. Once you complete a TLSAE course through a registered provider, your completion information is automatically submitted to the FLHSMV and is available at all Driver License Offices.

Approved TLSAE course providers can be found on the FLHSMV website. The TLSAE couse can be taken as early as 14 years old. This allows students to complete the course in advance so they can apply for the permit without delays.

Step 2. Visit Your Local DMV With Proper Documentation

When you go to the DMV to apply for your permit, you’ll need to bring the following documents. These documents must be originals — photocopied versions or originals altered in any way may be rejected.

• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of social security number (such as a social security card or W-2 form)
• Proof of residency (such as a home utility bill or telephone bill)
• Proof of name change, if applicable.
• Parent/Guardian Online Test Proctoring Form if you took the written test at home.
• Proof of written test completion, if applicable.
• Parental Consent Form

Step 3. Complete Vision and Hearing Tests

After your documents are approved, you’ll be required to pass a simple vision and hearing test. If you need a hearing aid, glasses, or contact lenses, you may use them during the screening. If you cannot hear and respond to a conversational tone of voice, you will be required to wear a hearing aid while driving. Additionally, if vision is determined to be under 20/40, you may not be able to receive your license.

Step 4. Pass the Written Knowledge Test

The next step in getting your Florida learner’s permit is passing the Class E Knowledge Exam. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover traffic laws, traffic control identification, and safe driving practices. To pass, you must answer 40 questions correctly (80%). The best way to study for the permit test is with our up-to-date Florida practice tests.

Florida offers both in-person and online testing options for the written test.

• If you choose to take the test at the driver licensing office, you’ll simply take the test during the application process.
• If you choose the online option, find a third-party location that offers online testing. You’ll take the test under parental supervision and the driver licensing office will automatically submit your results to the DMV.
• You may be able to take the test as part of the driver’s education program at your local high school. Contact your school to find out if this is an option.

The Florida driver’s handbook is a great place to start, as it contains everything, you’ll need to know for both the permit test, as well as the road exam later on. However, studying solely from a textbook can get mundane and uninspiring quickly. Zutobi features a summarized handbook to help you quickly learn all you need in an easy-to-understand format.

Step 5. Pay Fee and Receive Your Permit

The learner’s permit fee is currently $48.00. If you fail the knowledge test, a retesting fee may be required. Payment options include cash, check, and credit/debit cards.

Once you’ve completed all steps and paid the required fees, you will receive your Florida learner’s permit.

Florida Driver’s Permit Restrictions

While driving with a permit, you must follow these restrictions:

• You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old who is seated in the front passenger seat.
• For the first three months, you may only drive during daylight hours.
• After three months, you may drive until 10:00 PM.
• You must always carry your learner’s permit while driving.
• You are not allowed to use a mobile device while driving.
• All passengers must wear seat belts.

How to Progress to Restricted License

To progress to a restricted license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold the learner’s license for at least 12 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.
• Log a total of 50 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.
• During this time, you can not have moving violations.
• You will also need to pass a road skills test.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about getting your learner’s permit in Florida. We hope this guide has helped you out. If you need any help studying for your upcoming knowledge or driving exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized easy-to-read handbook, practice tests, video lessons, and a gamified experience.