How to Get Your Florida Learner's Permit

If you're ready to start driving, the first thing you'll need to do is get your Florida learner's permit (also called a learner's license). This will allow you to get practice behind the wheel before you become a fully licensed driver.

The Requirements to Earn a Florida Learner's Permit

At age 15, you're able to apply for your permit, which is the first step toward getting on the road and gaining independence. In order to get your Florida learner's permit, you'll need to have a parent or guardian sign a parental consent form. You'll also need to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. Unlike the parental consent form, which you'll need to bring with you to Florida Driver & Vehicle Services , you won't need a paper certificate showing that you completed a TLSAE course. Instead, authorized course providers will notify Florida Driver & Vehicle Services

once you've completed your course requirements. Some comprehensive driver education courses, like this one offered by DriversEd.com and Florida Virtual School, allow you to waive your TLSAE requirement.

Preparing for Your Visit to the Florida Driver & Vehicle Services

Once you've completed a TLSAE course and collected your parental consent form, the next stop on the road to getting your learner's permit is

Florida Driver & Vehicle Services .It's recommended that you make an appointment in advance of your visit. You'll need to bring along a form of identification, proof of your social security number, and two proofs of your residential address. The state created a personalized online checklist that you can use to make sure you're prepared to get your permit.

Passing the Written Exam

Getting your learner's permit is more than just a matter of assembling the proper documents. You'll also need to pass a multiple-choice exam featuring 50 questions about traffic laws and signage. You'll need to answer at least 40 questions correctly in order to pass. Be sure to study the Florida Driver License Handbook before you take the test. It contains all the answers to the exam questions, in addition to plenty of other useful information about driving in Florida.

What Next?

Florida learner's permits come with several restrictions. Permit holders are only allowed to drive if accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21. During the first three months that you have your permit, you're not allowed to drive after dark. After three months, you're allowed to drive until 10:00 p.m. Be sure not to break these curfews as it can interfere with your ability to get your driver license once you turn 16.

If you're under 18, you're required to have your Florida learner's permit for one year; after that, you can get your intermediate driver license and hit the open road on your own.