Licensing Requirements for Teens, Graduated Driver License Laws and Driving Curfews

Requirements for Teens Obtaining a Florida Learner’s License

• Must be at least 15 years old;
• If under 18 years old, must have a signed/notarized Parental Consent Form (step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted the minor child);
• Proof of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course completion;
• Pass a vision and hearing test – testing is conducted in a service center;
• Pass Class E Knowledge Exam;
  • Prepare for the exam by studying the Official Florida Driver License Handbook
  • Testing options
  • The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws and traffic signs. The passing score is 80 percent or 40 out of 50 questions; and
• Must provide documents needed to establish proof of identity, proof of social security number and proof of residential address. Please visit flhsmv.gov/WhatToBring for a list of acceptable documents.

Requirements for Teens Obtaining a Florida Driver License

• Must be at least 16 years old;
• Must hold learner’s license for at least one year (12 months) OR reach age 18, whichever comes first;
• A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult over 21 years old must complete the  Certification of Minor Driving Experience Form, certifying the driver has 50 hours of driving experience, of which 10 hours must be at night. Use this Practice Log Sheet to track driving experience time;
• NO moving violation convictions for one year from learner’s license date of issuance (OR may have one moving violation as long as adjudication was withheld);
• Must pass Class E Driving Skills Test;
  • Testing options

• The vehicle used for the driving test must have a valid registration, proof of insurance and pass a basic vehicle inspection that is conducted by the driver license examiner to determine that it is safe for a driving test; and

• Must provide documents needed to establish proof of identity, proof of Social Security number and proof of residential address if you have not previously provided these documents. Please visit flhsmv.gov/whattobring for a list of acceptable documents.

GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING (GDL) LAWS ­allow teen drivers to safely gain driving experience under lower-risk conditions before obtaining full driving privileges. These laws outline limits and restrictions for new drivers ages 15 through 17. Florida’s GDL laws are designed to help teens gradually and safely build their skills and experience behind the wheel. It is important for teens and their parents to understand these laws and obey them.

322.1615(1) – Minimum age of 15 required for learner’s license

322.161(1)(a) – Minimum duration to hold a learner’s license

322.05(1) – Minimum age of 16 for Class E license

322.05(2)(a) – Learner license required for 12 months

322.05(3) – Required supervised driving for 50 hours, 10 at night

322.16(2) – Nighttime driving restrictions for 16

322.16(3) – Nighttime driving restrictions for 17