RoadVisa Beta

How to get a driving licence in Florida

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence, Class E

Getting your licence in Florida

Knowledge test questions50
Pass mark (80%)40 correct
Time for the knowledge testNo limit
Licence fee, includes the knowledge test$48
Driving test retest fee$20
Driving test length~15–20 min

The knowledge and driving tests are in English only.

Before you start driving

2
Learner licenceRequired under 18. Pass the TLSAE course, knowledge, vision and hearing tests.
Medical checkNo doctor's exam. Vision and hearing tests at the office.

Required lessons

2
Traffic law course (TLSAE)A 4-hour drug and alcohol course, required for every first-time Florida licence.
Supervised practice (under 18)50 hours, including 10 at night, with a licensed adult 21+. The learner licence must be held 12 months.

Good to know

8
Minimum ageLearner licence from 15. Restricted licence at 16. Full licence at 18.
Licence validity8 years.
Exam languagesEnglish only since February 2026. Interpreters aren't allowed.
If you failKnowledge test: retake for $10, no limit. Driving test: $20 per retest.
Automatic or manualNo restriction.
New driversAt 16: no driving 11 pm–6 am. At 17: 1–5 am. Unless driving to or from work, or with a licensed adult 21+.
Already have a licence from abroad?Canada, France, South Korea and Taiwan: no knowledge or driving test. Germany: no driving test. Everyone else takes the drug and alcohol course and all tests, like a new driver.
Also worth knowing
  • Since February 2026 there are no translated tests: practise the questions in English.
  • Many tax collector offices also do driving tests, often with shorter waits.

Step by step

  1. TLSAE courseThe 4-hour traffic law and substance abuse course, online.
  2. Knowledge test50 questions, 40 correct, in English.
  3. PractiseUnder 18: 50 hours over 12 months.
  4. Driving testThree-point turn, quick stop, straight-in parking and normal driving.

Tips From driving schools and examiners

  • Practise backing up 50 feet while looking out of the rear window. You can't use the mirror or a backup camera for this part.
  • Practise the three-point turn in a narrow space, about the width of a residential street.
  • Keep both hands on the wheel, and don't rest your elbow on the window. Examiners notice your posture.
  • Leave 3 to 4 seconds between you and the car in front.
  • Check the car before you go. Every light, the horn, wipers, mirrors, tyres and brakes must work, the doors must open from inside and out, and the fuel gauge mustn't read empty. Otherwise you'll be asked to come back another day.

Based on: Pinellas County Tax Collector: Driving skills road test checklist (Dec 2024) ↗

Official links

FLHSMV: Florida Driver's Handbook ↗Florida Statutes, Chapter 322 (driver licences) ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

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