In Florida, you must be at least 14 ½ years old to start the process of getting your Florida learner’s permit. There are specific steps you must follow to secure permission to drive with adult supervision in Florida. The steps are not complicated or difficult to complete.
Step 1: Take Your TLSAE Course Online
Florida requires all first-time drivers, regardless of age, to complete and pass the TLSAE course. This course is also called the Florida Drug and Alcohol Course or Florida Traffic Law Substance Education Course.
Step 2: Study the Florida Drivers Handbook
The Florida Drivers Handbook is the study guide for all drivers in Florida that need to learn the laws and rules of the road. The handbook will cover all of the road signs and road rules information that will be tested on the 50-question learner’s permit exam, which is also required.
Step 3: Take Your Florida Learner’s Permit Test Online
Now that you have completed your Florida TLSAE course and studied the Driver Handbook, it is time to take your Florida learner’s permit test online (also known as the Class E Knowledge Test). We recommend that you review the driver handbook immediately before taking the permit test so that the information is fresh on your mind. The online permit test is only available to new drivers under the age of 18. Prospective drivers 18 or over must take the exam in person at a DMV service center in your county.
For those eligible to take the test online, Florida will allow you a total of three attempts online to take and pass the test. If you do not pass it after the third attempt, you must take the test in person at the FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) Service Center.
Step 4: Gather the Required Documentation
After passing your TLSAE course and learner’s permit test, you are ready to head to the FLHSMV to get your learner’s permit. You will need to bring along specific documentation required by the state, including:
- Proof of Identify: You will need a birth certificate, state-issued photo ID card, or U.S. passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: You will need to bring your Social Security card or a W2 from your employer with your full Social Security number on it.
- Proof of Residency: Florida requires you to prove you are a resident of the state. You will need two acceptable documents. You can use a school transcript or grade report with your full name and address on it. For the second document, you can use a bill that is in your name.
Since most teens don’t have bills in their name, the state will allow your parent to fill out a Certification of Address Form and have your parent provide the second proof of residency—like a copy of the signed leased or utility bill in their name.
- Signed Parental Forms: Your parent will need to fill out the Florida Parenting Protecting Form since you completed your TLSAE and learner’s permit test online. They also need to fill out the Parental Consent Form stating they have given their permission for you to get your learner’s permit.
Both forms must either be notarized or not signed until in front of the FLHSMV representative.
What Can You Do with a Florida Learner’s Permit?
Initially, you are limited on where, when, and how you can drive. During the first three months, you can only drive during the daytime. At the start of the fourth month, you can drive at night, but not past 10 p.m.
You must be accompanied by someone who has a driver’s license and is 21 years of age or older. This person can be a parent, legal guardian, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc. You must drive with your learner’s permit for one year before you can apply to get your driver’s license.
Additionally, you must meet a minimum of 50 hours of driving time with at least 10 hours of nighttime driving. Furthermore, you cannot have any moving violations or traffic tickets issued during this time. If you do, may not be able to get your driver’s license until you are 18.
Getting your Florida learner’s permit is easy if you complete the necessary courses and tests online at Ticket School. To get started, enroll in our state-approved courses today! You may also call us at (800) 558-9887 if you have further questions or need assistance.