How to Get a Driver's License in Florida [2025]

How Does It Work?

Are you a Florida driver or would like to become one? Getting behind the wheel in the Sunshine State is quite simple. All you have to do is complete a TLSAE course, put together the correct documentation and pass your knowledge and driving tests. This is a complete step-by-step guide that will lead you through all the stages of getting your driver's license in the State of Florida. Pro tip: If you're planning a road trip through Florida's picturesque landscapes and might be driving a manual transmission vehicle, make sure you're equipped with the right skills. Learn the essentials with our How to Drive a Stick Shift guide.

Get a Learner's License

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a Teen Driver License

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: Ready to explore Florida's sunny locales and scenic drives? Ensure your driving skills are up to par. Explore our instructional articles on stick shift mastery and parking techniques. Get to grips with parking in tight spaces and performing effective three-point turns. It's critical to have your mirrors adjusted for clear visibility. Practice driving virtually with our Online Driving Simulator, and for those from other nations, review the international driver's license requirements for Florida.

Types of Licenses

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Class E (Non-Commercial)

This is the usual kind of driver license. It allows you to operate any noncommercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 26,001 pounds, including a passenger car, a 15-passenger van, a truck, a recreational vehicle, or a two-or three-wheel motor vehicle, such as a moped. Valid for 8 years unless you are at least 80 years old, in which case it is valid for 6 years. Read the FL DMV Handbook or take a free FL DMV practice test.

Class A (Commercial)

Allows you to operate trucks or truck combinations with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more with the towed vehicle of more than 10,000 pounds. Read the FL CDL Manual or take a free CDL practice test.

Class B/C (Commercial)

Class B license allows you to operate any straight trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. Class C license allows you to transport hazardous materials, or more than 16 people (including the driver) with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds. Read the FL CDL Manual or take a free CDL practice test.

"Motorcycle Only" License

Allows you to operate two or three wheel motorcycles with the engine size of more than 50 cc. Alternatively, you can get a motorcycle endorsement which is added to your existing commercial or noncommercial driver license. Read the FL Motorcycle Manual or take a free motorcycle practice test.

Class E

To apply for a class E driver license you must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, pass a knowledge exam, a vision test, a hearing test, and a driving test. For teen drivers, Florida has established Graduated Driving Licensing ( GDL) laws that allow you to start driving safely under lower-risk conditions before obtaining full driving privileges. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age: