As the age of being able to drive rounds the corner, the typical 15 year old is not thinking about all the steps it takes to become a responsible driver. Driving a car is a big responsibility and the state of Florida goes through great lengths to ensure that their young residents are prepared for that before handing over a full privileges that come with a driver’s license.
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First Comes the Learner’s Permit
The state of Florida has implanted a graduated driver licensing (GDL) guide for first time teen drivers. In order to proceed, the teenager must achieve certain goals set forth by the Florida DMV in each of the three stages within the program.
The process starts at the age of 15, with a Florida Learner’s permit or license. Applicants must complete a traffic law and substance abuse class (TLSAE) first and go to the DMV to provide:
- A filled out form providing parental consent for a driver application of a minor
- A birth certificate or other valid proof of identity.
- A social security card.
- Proof that the TLSAE class was completed.
- Proof of Florida residency.
If all the documents check out, the applicant is then going to take a vision and hearing test as well as the DMV’s driving test. If alll tests are passed after providing the necessary documentation, the minor will have the privelage to drive a vehicle until 10 pm at night so long as a licensed driver over the age of 21 is sitting in the front passenger seat.
Next, the Provisional License
The next step is getting the Florida Provisional license. The license holder will have to be at least 16, have had the learner’s permit for at least a year without incident and logged at least 50 hours of practice driving, with 10 of those hours being at night. The provisional license will be issued if:
- The learner’s permit is turned into the Florida DMV.
- The driver is able to pass a road test or submit a waiver from a DMV approved driver’s ed class.
- Certification that the 50 hour practice driving requirements have been met.
With the provisional license, there are still certain restrictions. A 16 year old may only drive between 6 am and 11 pm, while a 17 year old can drive from 5 am to 1 am. These time restrictions are overlooked if the driver is accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21, or is driving to and from work.
Then Comes the Full Privilege License
At the age of 18, a provisional license will turn into a full blown driver’s license if there have been no driving incidents with the minor driver. From this point forward, they are solely responsible for their actions on Florida roadways.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Florida Driver’s License?
An applicant is required to pay the standard $48 driver’s license fee when issued their learner’s permit. There may also be additional fees for driver’s classes. Additionally, insuring and registering the car that they will be driving should be taken into consideration.
Safety for Teens and Everyone on the Road
It is important to emphasize safety when driving. While the steps and requirements in the GLD program implemented by many states may seem a excessive to some, an older study showed an reduction in fatal crashes for teenagers with the use of these types of programs for new drivers. Florida has made it a 3 year process for teens to get a license with full, unrestricted privileges. With that, there is plenty of room to practice and hone the skills that are needed to be a responsible driver in every state.
eTags is a supporter of Distracted Driving Awareness month and we encourage all teens and adults to do their best to keep distractions while driving at a minimum all year long.
87 comments
Hello,
My son is 17 and has early morning sport practice, requiring him to leave home before 5AM.
Can I get a waiver so he can drive himself?
He can drive only between the hours of 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat. The one exception is if he’s traveling to or from work.
Question how long did your son had his learner’s and at what age he had had his driver’s license?
My child was 17 when he received his license, will the new license be mailed once he turns 18?
If your child has a learning permit, they will need to go into the DMV to get a driver’s license. If they have an unexpired driver’s license, it will only need to be changed when they turn 21.
My kid has held a permit for 9 months where we currently live, when we move to Fl.-will they have to start the entire year over or will the current time with their permit count towards the 12 months FL requires?
We are migrating from canada and my son who is 16 already has a class 5 license here. Meaning he has already passed all the exams here. Both written and road test. Will he still take the learners permit? Even though he he has done that already here ?
Hi Chad! In Florida, the age to obtain a class E driver’s license in Florida is 16. If he already has a license, he’ll only need to go over to DMV and switch his license over. Good luck!
Is it really true that an 18 year old can get their full blown unrestricted driver’s license even if they have had no previous driving experience? Because that is rediculous considering a 15 year old has to wait 3 years to get to that status. Correct me if I am wrong, but if that is the case I am just going to wait until I am 18 so I don’t have to go through all the trouble. Does an 18 year old not even have to take the road test?
Here are the requirements for teen drivers, including 18 and over in FL
Hi there
I would like to ask please, what are the sequence of 16 years old who’s been cached
driving between 11pm to 6am ?
Hey there, eTags doesn’t give out legal advice so perhaps you can seek legal counsel on your own. This online article may help.
Is there a law for 16 year olds driving their friends in Florida?
Yes, there are a few. This article about driving with a leaners permit will help
Hi, I’m 17 and I only have my drivers permit, I was wondering if there was any possible way I could drive to work without a guardian. My parents both work and I won’t have anyone to be in the car with me when I drive to work. Is there a type of permission I would be able to get from the Florida dmv? Or any type of way I could drive there legally without a guardian?
hi there, no you’ll. need at all times to be accompanied by a licensed driver in the front passenger seat. This driver must be 21 years of age or older.
Hi im 18 and still live in my parents house and we just moved. What documents can i use to change my address if my name is not on the house bills.
Hi there, here’s a list of approved docs you can bring with you for your REAL ID in FL to the DMV. (if you’re a u.s. citizen)
Hi, I’m 20 and I’ve had my learners permit for a while. There’s no whose car I can use to take the road test but I need to take my daughter places. Would it be illegal for me to drive alone.
eTags doesn’t handle driver’s licenses but this article should help. https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/
Ok so im 17 and i have my drivers license but my parents dont wanna put there name on the car or insurance. can i buy a car and get it under my name and my own insurance? aslong as there are no contracts? im from florida
You have to be 18 to have a car registered in your name in Florida. A minor cannot technically own any property in his/her own name. Anything “owned” by the minor is actually the property of the legal guardian until the child reaches 18. You can also get more info here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/
Hello, So I’m currently 18 with a learners permit in Florida and I want to know if I still need a parent to get my driver’s license? Also, would I automatically get my driver’s license or would I still need to take the Class E test ( behind the wheel test).
Hey there, etags doesn’t handle driver’s licenses, we offer registration and tiles. But this article will answer your questions
https://www.firsttimedriver.com/florida/learners-permit/#:~:text=To%20get%20your%20Learner's%20Permit,Complete%20your%20permit%20exam
So I’m 16 and I live in South Dakota and I have my unrestricted (full privilege license) and I’ve been driving for two years and I just got a manual car. So I might be moving to Florida. Will I still have to wait until I turn 18 to get my full privilege license? Because it would really suck if I had to go back to a restricted license.
eTags handles registration and titles, not driver’s licenses. However, this website to the FL DMV can help:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/general-information/
I’m 16 and I’m going to take my road test tomorrow, once I pass and get my real drivers license are there going to be any time restrictions on it, of so will I be getting another card without restrictions when I turn 18?
If you’re in FL, here are all the restrictions depending on your age and type of driver’s license.
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/
My grandson is 16 and has a drivers license in another state he lives in Florida part of the time will he be able to use that license in Florida or can he go in withe licenses and get a license in Florida without having to wait a year.
Hey there, etags doesn’t handle driver’s licenses but this website should help: https://www.stateofflorida.com/drivers-license-requirements/
“If you move to Florida and have a valid license from another state, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. “
My daughter, who has her learner’s permit now, will turn 18 before she will be ready to switch to a full license. How long after she turns 18 will her learner’s permit be valid ?
this article https://www.providencejournal.com/article/20141004/BUSINESS/310049952 states this answer:
From the information you have provided it appears your son’s permit can be renewed. The rules allow the renewal of an expired permit for up to two years after it was initially issued and it can be renewed for a maximum of one year. After that, he will have to start the process over again and retake the knowledge exam. The fee for a renewed learner’s permit is $6.50. A non-expired permit can be renewed 90 days before expiration; there is a maximum of two renewals.You can complete a permit renewal transaction at any DMV branch office.
So I am 17 now. If I get my permit now and turn 18 before it has reached a full year of having my permit, would I be able to just apply for my license?
This link would give you the details you need, make sure you scroll through
https://www.stateofflorida.com/drivers-license/
I am a 16 year old with a learner’s license in Florida, USA. If I am driving a car with my dad (who is a licensed Florida driver), can I carry 3 kids in the back seat ? All the kids are under 10 years old.
This link would give you details on driving with a learner’s permit
https://www.stateofflorida.com/drivers-license/
Hi. I’m 16 right now and just got my learners permit. My birthday is August 24th. Will I be able to get my license after having my permit for 6 months. I will be 17 by then. If not, is there any way that I can get permission to drive to and from school.
There are special requirements such as time of day and so on after getting a permit. Also you must hold learner’s license for at least one year (12 months) OR reach age 18, whichever comes first. Check out this link for all info, scroll down the page:https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/
(we are assuming you are in FL)
Hi I’m 17 turning 18 but I live in MA and my concern is, an I able to have passengers in the car in Florida if I go out there for a trip?
eTags doesn’t handle driver’s licenses, but a quick search online for teen driving restrictions and curfews should do the trick.
If I get my permit at 15 1/2 do I still have to wait a full year or at 16 can I get my license?
To get an intermediate license in Florida you must be at least 16 years of age and have your learner’s permit for 1 year without any traffic convictions.
https://www.stateofflorida.com/drivers-license/
Can a parent rescind a 17.5 year olds license for no reason?
This link would help with your question: https://www.flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/teen-drivers/
“Parents can rescind a minor’s driver license.
The parent or guardian who signs the Parental Consent Form can rescind responsibility for their minor’s driving and cancel the minor’s license”
Hello, I’m 16 and have had my Driver’s license since November and at the time of this post, I’ve had my license for about 2 and a half months. I am wondering how many people can I drive in my car? I want to drive friends to events I am just wondering if I have to wait for a period of time till I can have a certain number of passengers.
https://www.etags.com/blog/drivers-licenses-florida-teens-parents/
You’ll find your answers in this blog…”At the age of 18, a provisional license will turn into a full blown driver’s license”
Can my father teaches me drive? I am 20. And my father just have license 2 months. Sure he overs 21.
If your father has a permanent driver’s license, he can teach you how to drive. If he only has a learner’s permit, then no.
My 15 year old daughter is getting DL restricts on Monday. She has taken a DL course online in public school. I was told that there is a course that she can take to reduce insurance rates, is this true?
the driver’s license course we’re familiar with are the ones for mature/senior drivers, not sure there are any for a new driver you may want to research that online.
Found this link that may be able to help: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/top-auto-insurance-tips-for-new-drivers/
but etags doesn’t handle driver’s licenses, we do registration renewals and title transfers. good luck!
Thanks for your response. This was helpful.
I am 19 years old in Florida do I have a curfew I have my license
Here are the requirements about curfew…just scroll down to find info
https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/
My daughter is 14 today, she will be turning 15 next month. Can she take all the courses now & then on her birthday get her permit?
Here are the rules and requirements regarding driver’s license https://www.stateofflorida.com/drivers-license/
I am 17 and I’ve had my permit since July of this year when I was 16. Do I still have to wait a year to do my drivers license ? Am I able to drive by myself to school?
No, with just a Florida learner’s permit you cannot drive alone anywhere, including to school or work. … You can only drive during daylight hours during the first three months and until 10 p.m. thereafter, ALWAYS with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat
Im 17 1/2 and i was wondering if my 19 year old boyfriend is aloud to teach me how to drive sinse my folks arent able to teach me. im scared to drive and get pulled over even though i drove an hour yesterday haha, just want to know if its okay cuz he is 19
If you’re the one driving you have to have a permit. If you do, you still cannot drive alone anywhere, including to school or work. You can only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat at all times.
If I’m 17 1/2 in the state of Florida how long do I need to have my permit for ?
You would have to have your permit for at least six months, even if you’re 18 and over.
If moving to Florida with a Pennsylvania learners permit what do we have to do, will permit transfer?
Yes the permit would transfer and you would have to do your driver’s license exam in FL.
I finished the driver’s ed on FLVS and I’ve had my learners license for a year now and I’m 17 now, do I still need to take the road test at the DMV even though I finished it online including the drug and alcohol test? How will my parents certify that I’ve been on the road for more than 50hrs during the day and more than 10hrs during the night? And one last thing, what do I need to bring to the DMV other than identification and proof of residence?
eTags doesn’t provide driver’s licenses, so it’s best to contact FL DMV to have your questions answered. As far as ‘what to bring’ online info states these details:
The DMV needs Proof of identity.
Proof of Social Security number.
Proof of residential address.
Proof of completion of a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course or license from another state, country, or jurisdiction.
What does a 15 year old need to show for proof of residence to get a permit
A signed notarized parent consent form and your parent’s utility bills or rental lease agreement.
I am 17 1/2 and I am going to go take the drivers license road test, the car I am using is under my dads name and the insurance as well. I want my older sister to take me to the dmv but since the car is under my dads name, do I need him to take me? Since his name is under the car registration and stuff.
Hello Ruby.From the information you have provided your older sister may qualify as a legal guardian but it depends whether she is over 18 years old and holds a valid driver’s license. Refer to your driver’s license for further information about people who may join you on that day.
good morning
My son will be 18 on October 5 th. he doesn’t have a permit nor licenses. my question is how would he obtain a license? does he automatically get a driving license by just taking the written test?
Yes, after passing the test, he’ll automatically get his license.
If I did not get my license until 17 1/2, can I drive after 11:00 pm or do I need to wait longer? Also, how many passengers can I have in the car?
If you have your driver’s license, you can’t drive between the hours of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.unless driving to or from work OR accompanied by a licensed driver 21+
For passenger allowance, please check with your local DMV.
How much does it cost to switch from your learners permit to your drivers license in Florida
Hello DeAmber. Here is a link for detailed information about getting a driver’s license in FL.
Can a 16 year old have more than one family member under the age of 21 with them? For instance, siblings that are 12 and 11?
Hello Anna. Here are the restrictions for a 16-year-old driver in TX:
– Driving with more than one passenger who is under 21, excluding family members
– Driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless driving to or from a school-related activities or work
– Driving while using any type of mobile device, including those that are hands-free.
If you have any other question, please refer to your local DMV agency in TX.
Hi I was wondering if you use someone else’s car if you need to show proof that you have permission to use it.
Hello Shaleena. You may have permission to drive someone else’s vehicle, but what matters the most is whether you have a valid permit or license to do so.
Will a online waiver be accepted at the DMV
Hello Charles. You might only be able to submit the waiver in person but we cannot confirm that 100%. You are strongly advised to contact your local tax collector’s agency to find out about those instructions.
My daughter is able to get her license this month as she is 16 and has had her permit for the last year. Once she has her license is she able to drive other teens around on her own?
Hello Leanne. If your daughter gets a provisional driver’s license, she will able to drive without supervision but there are still some restrictions along with the new license.
Provisional driver’s license holders can’t drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
Provisional driver’s license holders can’t have more than 1 passenger under 21 years old who is not a family member.
Provisional driver’s license holders can have no wireless communication, hands-free or not, unless it is an emergency.
Hi if I have all of my forms and documents to get my driver’s license, does a parent or legal guardian need to be present with me at the dmv?
Hello Adira. If you are under 16 years old, you’ll need to go with your parents and a legal guardian to the local DMV to apply for a license. Yet, if you are 16 years old and older, you won’t need to go with your parents.
if im 17 1/2 do i still have to wait a year to get my Provisional License
Hello Karryes! To be eligible for a provisional license in FL you must have the following: