Obtaining a Driver's License in Florida

Follow these steps to apply for an intermediate Florida driver's license:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Maintain your learner's license for at least one year without any traffic convictions
• Schedule an appointment at a state driver's license office using the DHSMV's Online Appointment Service and Information System or by contacting your local tax collector's office.
• Provide parent or guardian certification of at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including 10 hours at night
• Present proof of current registration and insurance for the vehicle used during the test
• Take the driving test and perform specific driving maneuvers, or submit a waiver from an approved behind-the-wheel driver education course

Florida Driver's License Restrictions

Intermediate Class E licenses have age-based restrictions:

• At 16 years old, driving is allowed between 6 AM and 11 PM
• At 17 years old, driving is permitted between 5 AM and 1 AM

Outside these hours, a licensed driver aged 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat, or you must be traveling to or from work. Restrictions are lifted at age 18.

Maintaining Your Driving Privilege

The Florida DHSMV tracks traffic convictions and collisions by assigning a point value to each moving violation. Accumulating 6 points within 12 months restricts driving privileges to business purposes only for 12 months or until turning 18. Each additional point during this period extends the restriction by 90 days.

Young drivers can also face restrictions for other reasons:

• Under 21, licenses can be suspended for drinking alcohol. A blood alcohol level of .02% or higher results in a six-month suspension
• Under 18, licenses can be suspended for:
  • Truancy in school attendance. With 15 unexcused absences in 90 calendar days, driving privileges are suspended until 30 consecutive days of school attendance are proven
  • Convictions for possession of tobacco or nicotine products