How to Get Your Florida Driving Permit for Minors (Learner's License)

To start driving in Florida, minors must first obtain a learner's permit, also known as a learner's license. The process begins at 15 years old by completing a required Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. This official state-mandated training is essential. Many providers offer the DETS course, along with the official DMV permit exam (Class E Knowledge Exam), completely online. Finishing the online course and passing the permit test is the crucial first step on the road to earning your full driver's license at age 16.

Key Steps to Get Your Learner's Permit

The minimum age to start driving with a Florida driving permit for minors is 15. Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system requires all applicants under 18 to follow these steps:

1. Complete the DETS Course: You must finish the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. This course covers important information on traffic laws and safe driving and has replaced the older TLSAE requirement for minors.
2. Pass the Knowledge Exam: You must pass the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam, which tests you on road signs and rules. You need a minimum score of 80% (40 correct answers) to pass, and you may be able to take this official exam online.
3. Required Documents & Appointment: After completing the DETS course and passing the exam, you must visit a Tax Collector's Office or DMV location to finalize your application. You will need:
   • To pass a vision and hearing test.
   • A signed and notarized Parental Consent Form (mandatory for all applicants under 18).
   • Required identification documents (e.g., birth certificate, proof of SSN, and proof of address).

Florida Driving Permit for Minors Rules: What a 15-Year-Old Can Do

When you have your learner's license, your driving privileges are strictly limited. These rules are non-negotiable and designed to keep you safe as you gain experience:

• Supervision is Mandatory: You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
• Time Restriction: For the first three months, you can only drive during daylight hours. After the first three months, you may drive until 10 p.m.
• Holding Period: You must hold the learner's license for a minimum of 12 months and remain free of any moving traffic violations. A traffic conviction will extend this 12-month period for another year from the conviction date. (If you get a traffic ticket, you may be able to attend a 4-hour Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course to avoid a conviction.)

Requirements to Upgrade Your License

To move from a learner's permit to a full Class E license, you must complete the following during your permit phase:

1. Log Your Practice: Complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This must be certified by a parent or guardian.
2. Stay Clean: Maintain a driving record that is free of moving violations for the entire 12-month holding period.
3. Pass the Driving Test: You must pass an official driving skills test, also known as the road test.

When Can Minors Drive Alone in Florida?

The earliest you can drive without supervision is when you turn 16 years old and have successfully met all the requirements to upgrade to a Class E operator's license.

• You must have held your learner's permit for the full 12-month, violation-free period and completed the 50 hours of supervised practice.
• 16-Year-Old Restrictions: Even with a Class E license, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless you are traveling to or from work, or accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
• 17-Year-Old Restrictions: The nighttime restriction eases slightly. You cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., with the same exceptions for work or a licensed 21+ driver.
• Full Privileges: All driving curfews and restrictions are removed once you turn 18 years old.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/traffic-law-substance-abuse-education-tlsae-find-approved-listing-tlsae-course-providers/
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/driver-education-traffic-safety-dets/
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive to school at 15 in Florida?

No, you cannot drive to school alone at age 15 in Florida. The florida driving permit for minors (learner's license) requires a licensed driver, 21 years or older, to be in the front passenger seat with you at all times, no matter where you are driving.

Can you drive alone at 16 in Florida?

Yes, a 16-year-old with a Class E license can drive alone, but there are nighttime curfew restrictions. Driving is generally restricted between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless you are driving to or from work or have a licensed adult (21 or older) accompanying you.

Can you get a license at 14 in Florida?

No. Florida law sets the minimum age for a learner's permit at 15. You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a Class E driver's license. However, 14-year-olds may take the DETS course online to prepare for applying for their permit when they turn 15.

What is the curfew in Florida for a 16 year old?

The curfew for a 16-year-old with a Class E license prohibits driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. However, you are legally permitted to drive during these hours if you are commuting to or from your job or if you are with a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older.