Florida Learner Permit
A Florida learner permit — also called a learner's license — is the entry point into the state's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. A 15-year-old who completes the TLSAE course and passes the knowledge test can begin practicing on Florida roads, supervised by a licensed adult, on the path toward a full Class E license.
Who can apply
The minimum age for a Florida learner permit is 15. Both teens and adults can hold a learner permit if they've never held a U.S. driver license; an adult applicant 18+ can take the knowledge test and the road test on the same day at most Tax Collectors and skip the GDL stages, but only after completing TLSAE.
TLSAE 4-hour course
Every first-time Florida driver license applicant — learner or full — must complete Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) before applying. The course is 4 hours, available online through state-approved providers, and covers Florida traffic law, the no-fault insurance system, alcohol and drug impairment, and DUI consequences. The provider transmits the completion certificate electronically to FLHSMV; nothing prints to bring to the Tax Collector. TLSAE certificates are valid for 12 months.
Documents required
Both teen and parent or legal guardian appear at the Tax Collector office with:
- Primary identification — certified U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.
- Proof of Social Security number — SSA card, W-2, or pay stub.
- Two proofs of Florida residential address in the parent's name (the teen's school enrollment letter is also accepted as one document).
- Parental Consent Form (HSMV 71142) signed in person or notarized in advance — required for all applicants under 18.
- The TLSAE completion record (already on file electronically, but the teen should know the provider name and date).
The knowledge test
The Florida knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions split into 20 road rules and 20 road signs. The teen must score 80% on each (16/20) to pass. The test is administered at the Tax Collector office or — for first-time learner-license applicants under 18 — through an approved online provider with parent supervision. Pass it once and the result is good for 12 months.
Vision and hearing screening
The Tax Collector performs an in-office vision screening at issuance: 20/40 in each eye with corrective lenses if needed. A hearing screening is also performed; failure of either does not necessarily disqualify the applicant but may limit the license to a corrective lens or hearing aid restriction.
Fees
The standard fee for a Florida learner permit is $48, plus a $6.25 service fee at most Tax Collector offices. The card is printed and issued at the counter on the same visit.
Restrictions while holding a learner permit
A Florida learner permit holder must:
- Always drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- For the first 3 months, drive only between sunrise and sunset (daytime hours only).
- After 3 months, may drive until 10 p.m., still with the licensed adult passenger.
- Hold the permit for at least 12 months with no convictions for moving violations before becoming eligible for an operator license.
- Wear a seat belt and ensure all passengers do.
The 50 supervised hours
Florida requires the learner permit holder to complete 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving, including 10 hours at night. The parent or guardian certifies the hours on a form (HSMV 71142) signed when the teen applies for the operator license. Falsifying the form is a misdemeanor under Florida law. Once the 12 months and 50 hours are complete and the teen passes the road test, the permit converts to an operator license.
Conviction penalty during the permit period
If a Florida learner permit holder is convicted of a moving violation during the permit period, the 12-month clock resets to the date of the conviction. The teen must complete an additional 12 conviction-free months before becoming eligible for the next license stage.