First Time Drivers
Obtaining Your Learner's License
To obtain a learner's license, customers must be at least 15-years-old, complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course, pass the Road Signs and Road Rules Test (aka written test) and pass the Vision and Hearing Test. The Road Signs & Rules Test is available at the following office locations:
- Clarcona
- Sand Lake
- Lee Vista & 417
- University
- West Oaks Mall
Before You Visit Our Office
- Must be at least 15-years-old;
- Complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course;
- Study the Florida Driver’s Handbook (see below);
- Gather the required documents (see What to Bring); and
- If you haven't taken and passed the Road Signs & Rules Test, schedule an appointment to take the Written Test; or
- If you have taken and passed the Road Signs & Rules Test, schedule a Driver's License appointment.
When You Visit Our Office
- Present the required documents (see What to Bring);
- Pass the Road Signs & Rules, vision and hearing tests; and
- If under 18, must have the signature of one parent (or guardian), in-person or notarized, on the parent consent form and be in compliance with school attendance requirements.
After You’ve Obtained Your Learner’s License (Driving Restrictions)
- Have an accompanying licensed driver who is at least 21-years-old occupying the front passenger seat of the vehicle at all times;
- Only operate a vehicle during daylight hours for the first three months. After three months the licensee may operate a vehicle until 10:00 pm;
- Do not operate motorcycles, mopeds or go-peds; and
- Log your driving hours. You’ll need 50 hours behind the wheel in your first year, of which 10 hours must be at night.
Obtaining Your Intermediate License
To obtain an Intermediate Driver’s License, customers must be at least 16-years-old and have held their Learner’s License for at least one year or until their 18th birthday with no traffic convictions and pass the Road Test.
Road Tests are only available at the following offices:
- Clarcona
- Lee Vista & 417
- Sand Lake
- University
- West Oaks Mall
Before You Visit Our Office
- Must be at least 16-years-old;
- If under 18, complete the Certification of Driving Experience of a Minor with a parent, guardian or responsible driver;
- Gather the required documents (see What to Bring); and
- Schedule an appointment to take the Road Test.
When You Visit Our Office
- Present the required documents (see What to Bring);
- Bring a vehicle with valid registration for the Road Test;
- Provide proof of current Florida Personal Injury Property (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance; and
- If under 18, bring the completed Certification of Driving Experience of a Minor.
Road Test Vehicle Requirements
The vehicle used for a Road Test must have a valid registration, proof of insurance, and pass a basic vehicle inspection (conducted by the driver license examiner to determine that it is safe for a driving exam).
A Road Test will not be given if the examiner finds:
- Defective or inoperable horn, rear-view mirror, side-view mirrors, seat belts, directional signals, steering wheel, brakes, tires, brake lights, or tail lights.
- No windshield wipers on the driver’s side.
- No operable headlights.
- Cracked or broken glass that hinders visibility.
- Expired tag.
- The vehicle does not have doors.
- Front doors do not open from the inside and outside.
- Vehicle does not have stationary seats.
- Vehicle does not permit driver to give hand signals when required.
- Jeep-type vehicles without framed canvas or metal doors held by hinges and door latch.
- Does not meet bumper height requirements.
- A low-speed vehicle, which are vehicles with top speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour.
No other passengers are permitted during the exam, unless a language interpreter is necessary.
Road Test Maneuvers
Skills performed on a Road Test are the following maneuvers:
- Three Point Turn - Turn car around in a 20–40 foot space.
- Approach of Crossing - Get in the proper lane and look in each direction.
- Yield Right-of-Way - Allow pedestrians to cross, pull over and stop for emergency vehicles, and don’t enter an intersection where you will interfere with other traffic.
- Straight-In Parking - When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane.
- Parking on a Grade - Proper parking for uphill and downhill, with and without a curb.
- Stop Quickly - Make a quick, safe stop when the examiner/agent instructs you.
- Backing - Back a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed while looking to the rear. Do not use the rear-view mirror or rear-view camera monitor.
- Obey Stop Signs. Approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line or crosswalk, and remain stopped until you can move safely.
- Obey Traffic Signals - Get into the proper lane and approach the light at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light should change. When the light turns green, do not move forward until traffic has cleared the intersection.
- Signal and Turn - Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet. You may use either hand signals or mechanical signals.
- Passing - Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely.
- Stay in Proper Lane - Drive in the right lane except on a one-way street. Do not change lanes until you may do so safely.
- Follow at a Safe Distance - Do not follow too closely behind other cars. Keep a minimum following distance of four seconds.
- Use Proper Posture - Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.
What to Bring
The Federal REAL-ID Act requires original or certified copies of certain documents to renew or obtain a Driver’s License or State ID at our office, which include:
- Primary Identification (birth certificate or proof of legal presence);
- Proof of Social Security Number; and
- Two Proofs of Residential Address.
Driver's Handbook
The Official Florida Driver’s Handbook is produced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The guide has the information drivers need to prepare for the Florida Driver License Class E knowledge and skills exams and to help drive safely and lawfully.