Learner's Permit

Florida Learner’s Permit Requirements

1. Be at least 15 years old
2. Pass a vision test
3. Complete a DHSMV-approved Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (4hr Drug and Alcohol Course)
   • A list of FLHSMV-approved course providers can be found online
4. Pass the Class E knowledge exam either through:
   • Driver’s education
   • Online (only those under the age of 18 are eligible to take the knowledge exam online)
     • Find more info at the FLHSMV’s website
   • At any Pinellas County tax collector location except the Courthouse in downtown Clearwater
     • In-office knowledge exams have a 60-minute time limit and are limited to two attempts per day
       • In-office testing cuts off at 3:00 p.m. daily
     • The tax collector fee to set up each customer for a test is $6.25
       • This fee is collected before the test begins and is charged only one time per office visit
     • The State of Florida charges $10.00 per test
       • This fee is collected after the test is over
       • The state waives this fee on the first attempt
5. Have one parent or legal guardian present or have their signature on a notarized Parental Consent Form (if the applicant is under age 18)
6. Have the signature of one parent or legal guardian on the Parent Proctoring Form (if the knowledge exam was taken online)
7. Be in good standing regarding school attendance policies

What to Bring

• Customers who have never had a Florida ID or driver license MUST bring the following Real ID documents to be issued a learner's permit:

1. Proof of Identification (not a driver license or ID)

• • • • Valid U.S. Passport OR
      • Original or certified birth certificate

2. Proof of Social Security

3. TWO Proofs of Residential Address (not a driver license or ID):

• • • • Customers must submit TWO different documents with their residential address (printouts or faxes of these documents are acceptable).
      • IMPORTANT!
        • Customers may not use their current driver license or ID card as proof of residential address.
        • Customers who do not have the below documents in their name may provide two proofs of residential address in the name of the person with whom they reside (one form must establish if they own or lease the property)  and a Certification of Address form. Please review this form for specific instructions.
          • Parents/Guardians of a minor must provide two proofs of address in their name from the list below. The completion of the Certification of Address form is not required.
      • Residential address documents include, but are not limited to (documents with an asterisk (*) must be dated within the last 30 days):
        • Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement
        • Florida voter registration card
        • Florida vehicle registration or title
        • Utility bill *
        • Automobile payment booklet *
        • Selective service card *
        • Medical or health card and/or medical bill *
        • Current homeowner insurance policy or bill *
        • Current automobile insurance policy or bill *
        • Employer Documentation (W-2 form or 1099 form, paycheck stub) *
        • A letter from a homeless shelter or public assistance agency verifying that the customer resides at the shelter address, the letter must be accompanied by a Certification of Address form *
        • Mail from financial institutions including checking, savings, or investment account statements *
        • Mail from federal, state, county, or city government agencies *
        • FDLE registration form completed by local sheriff department, accompanied by Certification of Address, section A *

** Required documents may differ depending on citizenship and immigration status. For more information, visit our Real ID and Required Documents page