Can You Get Your License at 16 in Florida?

Oct 4, 2025

Yes, you can get your driver's license at 16 in Florida. The state's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system requires you to progress through specific stages, meeting all requirements to earn a Class E license at 16. This process begins with a learner's permit at 15, which mandates completing the state-required 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. Providers like DetsCourse.com offer this course as well as the official DMV permit test online, allowing motivated teens to start as early as age 14 and be fully prepared to take their permit test the day they turn 15. Successfully navigating this path leads to the milestone of a restricted drivers license at 16, granting the freedom to drive alone for the first time.

What Are the Florida Age Requirements for a License?

Florida law establishes clear age benchmarks for driving privileges. You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit. After holding that permit for a minimum of 12 months without any traffic convictions, you become eligible for a Class E operator's license at age 16. This is a restricted license, not a full unrestricted one, which isn't available until age 18. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) states, "You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's license," making this the foundational first step toward driving at 16.

  • Practical Tip: Start the mandatory DETS course at 14 to complete it early. Your certificate of completion remains valid, allowing you to apply for your permit immediately on your 15th birthday.

What Steps Are Required to Get a License at 16?

To progress from a 15-year-old with a permit to a 16-year-old with a license, you must fulfill three core requirements under Florida's GDL laws.

  1. Complete the 6-Hour DETS Course: This state-mandated driver education course is your first official step. It replaces the old TLSAE requirement (which is now required for first time drivers 18 years old and older) and must be completed before you can take the permit written knowledge test. The course is available 100% online through authorized providers.
  2. Pass All Required Tests: You must pass the Class E knowledge exam (the written test) to get your permit. After holding the permit for a year and completing your practice hours, you must then pass the driving skills (road) test to earn your Class E license at 16.
  3. Log 50 Hours of Supervised Driving: While holding your learner's permit, you must complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed driver aged 21 or older. Of these 50 hours, 10 must be completed at night.

What Are the Restrictions on a 16-Year-Old's License?

A Class E license at 16 comes with significant restrictions designed to ensure safety during your first year of independent driving. The most critical rule is the nighttime driving curfew. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. There are exceptions for driving to or from work or if accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older. Furthermore, all drivers under 18 are subject to Florida's zero-tolerance policy for alcohol; any detectable blood alcohol content will result in a suspension for six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can 16 year olds drive?

Florida's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program limits 16-year-olds with a driving curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (except for work or if supervised by a licensed driver 21 year old or older).

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