How to Get Your Florida Permit License

Complete the Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course

A 6-hour course covering traffic laws, substance abuse awareness, and teen-specific crash risks. You can start it at 14, but must be at least 15 to apply for your permit.

• DETS course completion certificate

Get parental consent

A signed and notarized Parental Consent Form is required for applicants under 18 (a step-parent cannot sign unless they've legally adopted the minor).

• Notarized Parental Consent Form

Pass the vision/hearing test and the Class E Knowledge Exam

50 questions; at least 80% (40 correct) to pass. If you're 15-17, you can take the exam online from home with parental consent through an authorized provider instead of going in person.

Get your learner's permit

Once the knowledge exam and required documents are in, you receive your learner's permit. You must always have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat while driving on it.

Log 50 hours of supervised driving

10 of the 50 hours must be at night. A parent, guardian, or responsible adult 21 or older certifies the hours on the Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form.

• Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form

Hold the learner's permit at least 12 months

You must hold the learner's permit for at least a year, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first, before applying for your full license.

Apply for your Class E license

Once the holding period and supervised hours are complete, apply for your full Class E license.

Follow the graduated driving-time rules

At 16, you may drive unsupervised between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. At 17, that window extends to 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Outside those hours you need a licensed driver 21+ in the car.

Complete the Drug and Alcohol Course (TLSAE)

A 4-hour course required for new drivers 18 and up — a shorter, separate course from the DETS course required for minors.

• TLSAE course completion certificate

Provide documentation

Proof of identity, your Social Security number, and proof of Florida residency.

• Proof of identity
• Social Security number
• Proof of Florida residency

Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam and driving skills test

Adults must take the 50-question written knowledge exam in person at a Florida DHSMV or tax collector's office (at least 80%/40 correct to pass), plus the driving skills test.

Receive your full Class E license

There's no learner's-permit holding period for adults — you can receive a full, unrestricted license immediately after passing both tests.