Learner's Permit

Florida Learner's Permit Requirements

Please note that these requirements apply to everyone; however, there are additional specific requirements based on age, which are outlined below.*

These requirements have been recently updated; please review all requirements to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

1. Be at least 15 years old
2. Pass a vision test
3. 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
• OR at any Pinellas County tax collector location (except the Courthouse in downtown Clearwater and the North County Road Range on US HWY 19 N in 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 once 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

Applicants Under Age 18*:

1. Complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course (eff. August 1, 2025, per the FLHSMV)
   • For the below situations, applicants under 18 do not need the DETS course, and a FLHSMV-approved Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course will suffice:
     • Applicants under 18 years who hold a valid out-of-state license
     • Individuals who have already obtained a Florida learner’s license (before August 1, 2025)
     • Individuals under 18 who have already completed the TLSAE course (before August 1, 2025)
       • May use their TLSAE course completion certificate for one year after the completion date
         • Those who do not obtain a Florida driver license within the year will be required to take the new DETS course to meet requirements for issuance
2. Have one parent or legal guardian present, or have their signature on a notarized Parental Consent Form
3. Have the signature of one parent or legal guardian on the Parent Proctoring Form (if the knowledge exam was taken online)
4. Be in good standing regarding school attendance policies

Applicants 18 and Over*:

1. Complete a FLHSMV-approved Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course (4-hour Drug and Alcohol Course)
• A list of FLHSMV-approved course providers can be found online

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). Residential address documents include:
        • • Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement
          • Florida voter registration card
          • VALID Florida vehicle/mobile home/vessel registration or title
          • FDLE registration form completed by local sheriff department (Must be dated within the last 30 days)
          • Additional acceptable documents listed below, but these MUST BE DATED within the LAST 60 DAYS
            • Utility bill - water, gas, electric, cell phone, cable
            • Automobile payment booklet 
            • Selective service card 
            • Medical or health card and/or medical bill 
            • Current homeowner's and or/ 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 
            • Financial statements - bank, credit cards, or investment accounts 
            • Mail/documents from federal, state, county, or city government agencies 
      • Customers who cannot provide two of the documents listed above MUST provide ALL of the following:
        • • Certification of Address form - the certifier must come with the customer to the office to allow our representative to witness the form being signed, or the certifier must bring a signed AND notarized form
          • Household information document in the name of the certifier - deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, or residential rental/lease agreement
          • One other document from the above list in the name of the certifier
      • IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF A MINOR
        • • Parents/guardians of a minor must provide two proofs of address in their name from the above list, along with documentation establishing a family or guardian relationship. Completion of the Certification of Address form is not required, but it may be used in certain special situations. 

Please note: Required documents may vary depending on citizenship and immigration status. For more information, visit our Real ID and Required Documents page.