Top1) Choose Your License

Whether you’re a teen who wants to get a driver’s license or a new Florida resident, you’ll have to apply to get a driver’s license.

The state offers:

• Class E licenses (passenger cars, pickup trucks)

• Commercial Driver Licenses

• Motorcycle Licenses

NOTE: If you’re younger than 18, you must follow Florida’s driver’s license permit system. You’ll start with a restricted permit, take a course, and practice until you have enough experience to get an unrestricted license.

Moving from Another State

If you’re a new resident, take in your Social Security card (not a copy), a primary ID (a valid passport or Certificate of Naturalization) and a secondary ID (your driver's license from another state is considered secondary). Then take the vision and hearing tests, and pay the $20 fee. The state usually waives the written and road tests.

Top2) Take a Driver’s Education Course

You must take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Course if you’ve never had a license anywhere before.

If you’ve had a license already, it doesn’t hurt to take a supplemental course to familiarize yourself with Florida traffic laws.

Top3) Prepare for the Test

Study the Florida Driver’s Handbook before you go in. Don’t forget to get a few practice tests under your belt, too.

Top4) Locate a DMV Office

Make an appointment to take your written test. Call more than one office if you don’t find an appointment time that works for you.

Top5) Make Test-Day Preparations

Be prepared to:

• Have proof that you passed the drug and alcohol course.

• Bring the parental consent form, if you’re a minor.

• Take the vision and hearing tests.

• Show your Social Security card, if you have one.

• Provide one primary and one secondary form of identification (a passport would be primary, while a marriage certificate would be secondary), as well as proof of your date of birth and residential address. The state offers a list of acceptable forms.

Top6) Take the Written Test

After you’ve thoroughly studied the rules of the road and perhaps taken a Driver’s Ed course, you’re ready to take the test.

If you fail, you’ll be charged $5 to retake it.

Top7) Get a Car

If you’re going to be doing lots of driving, it’s only natural to shop for a car. A used car may be a great deal for you. Just be sure to get a Vehicle History Report before you buy. This report can reveal a multitude of problems, such as a salvaged title or flood damage, and is well worth the money.

Top8) Get Car Insurance

Insurance is the next step after you buy a car. Shop around for the best deal. Ask if the company offers a good driver or a good student discount.

Top9) Take the Driving Test

Make an appointment for a road test.

You’ll have to provide a car with adequate car insurance, and a valid registration. The car will be safety inspected, too.

Once You Pass

You’ll be issued your license right then and there.

If You Fail

You’ll be charged $10 to take the test again. Ask for another appointment; the representative will tell you when you can retake the test.

Top Non-Citizens

You’ll have to show identification, date of birth, and a Social Security number if you have one. Specific requirements for different situations are explained on the official Web site.

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