Back to listing
  • Behavior
  • Parenting
  • Safety

What's required to get learner's permit and license?

Posted
Driver license application

Florida's Graduated Drivers Licensing law

This measure, to keep teens safer during their first year of driving, has three stages:                 
1. Learner's license

Teens must be at least 15 years old to apply and must have completed the following, in addition to the signed parental consent form:

  • Traffic Law and Substance Abuse course
  • Written test
  • Vision test
  • Hearing test

A learner's license allows teens to drive during the day during the first three months and up until 10 p.m. thereafter, and always with a fully licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat.

2. Intermediate license

Teens must be at least 16 with a 1-year-old learner’s license and without any traffic convictions before taking the driving skills test. Parent/guardian must certify the teen has practiced at least 50 hours behind the wheel, 10 of which must be at night. Intermediate license privileges are age based:

  • At 16, independent driving is allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. At other times, they must be traveling to or from work or accompanied by a fully licensed driver at least 21 in the front seat.
  • At 17, independent driving is allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. At other times, they must be traveling to or from work or accompanied by a fully licensed driver at least 21 in the front seat.

3. Full privilege license

        • At 18, restrictions are removed and full privileges are granted.

Additional resources:

 
SOURCE:

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

 

You May Also Like

    • Other
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Here's how to help your teen hit the road to earn driver’s license

    Now that the shock of your teen starting to drive is behind you, it’s time to focus on the steps to get fully licensed. Read on for what to expect at the driving test and how car i …

    Read More
    • Other
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Here's how to steer your teen toward their learner's permit

    Parents often feel overwhelmed — and more than a little anxious — at the thought of their teen driving. The step-by-step process of becoming a driver is complex. Read on for guidan …

    Read More
    • Behavior
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Watch the road instead of your phone

    Distracted driving cuts across all age groups. In a recent national survey, 78 percent of moms with children younger than 2 said they have talked on the phone while driving. Read o …

    Read More

Related resources

    • Education
    • Other
    • Safety

    Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

    Palm Beach County locations

    850-617-2000 Website
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

    Online appointment services and information system

    850-617-3000 Website
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

    Resources for parents and teen drivers

    850-617-2000 Website
    • Safety

    Safety Council of Palm Beach County

    Behind the Wheel Driving School course for students

    561-845-8233 Website
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Doris Slosberg Foundation

    Teen driver information

    561-488-7900 Website
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Safe Kids Worldwide

    National resources to protect children from preventable injuries

    202-662-0600 Website

    Palm Beach County Library System

    17 locations offering entertainment, education and exploration through cultural events, computer classes, free online tutoring, musical performances and more

    561-233-2600 Website