Keys2Drive The AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety
Licensing & State Laws

Licensing & State Laws

Are you legally allowed to drive without supervision now? Learn more about Florida's three-stage licensing process.

Learner’s Permit

At age 15 you can apply for a learner’s permit in the state of Florida. You must pass the written, and vision tests, and have a signed parent consent form.

  • DMV Practice Questions – Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.

With a learner’s permit, you may only drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older who has a valid driver’s license or older supervising and sitting in the front seat.

Intermediate License

When you turn 16 and have had a learner’s permit for at least 1 year without any traffic violations and have completed 50 hours of practice driving, (10 of which must be at night), passed a behind-the-wheel driving test, completed a vision test and provided proof of practice driving time, you can apply for this intermediate license. You must also have completed a driver education course approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. A legal guardian must accompany you to the DMV to sign the application form, or their signature must be notarized on the form.

When you have an intermediate license and you are 16 years old, you may only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. and if you are 17 years old, you may only drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sits in the front passenger seat, or if you are traveling to or from work.
 

Full License

At age 18, you can obtain a full unrestricted driver's license if you have had no major traffic convictions during the previous 12 months. Such violations include driving under the influence, drag racing, and reckless driving.

Now is a good time to set up a parent-teen driving agreement to help you and your parents establish expectations related to both their rules and those of the state.
 

For more information on the licensing process, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Additional resources:

  • Parent-Teen Driving Agreement – Signing a formal agreement with your parent helps in multiple ways. 
  • DMV Practice Questions – Take this sample test to determine if you’re ready to take the state driving test.
  • Driver-ZED – Offered by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Driver-ZED is a computer-based program to help you practice driving on your PC. 
  • State Laws

    State Laws

    What should I know about licensing and other rules and regulations? MORE