Obtaining a Learner's License is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Florida. You are eligible to apply for a Learner's License if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Florida who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S LICENSE

1. Download a copy of the Florida Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian who will sign the completed parental consent form.[http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/hsmv71022A.html ]. This consent form must be signed in the presence of the examiner
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. proof of legal presence (one primary and one secondary document) as specified by the DMV. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Proof of completion of a driver education course or a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course[http://www.dmv.com/redirect?url=http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/educate_sess.html ] if you are a first time license holder (and/or never been issued a license from any other state or jurisdiction).
6. Your Social Security card.
7. Cash, check or money order for the correct fee. Some offices may accept credit cards.
8. You will be given a written knowledge test, an eye screening and a hearing test at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a Learner's License.

When driving with a Learner's License you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. In the first three months you can only drive during daylight hours and after that only till 10 pm.

THE OPERATOR'S LICENSE (16 AND 17 YEAR OLD)

You are eligible for an Operator's License if you are at least 16 years of age and have held the Learner's license for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions. You should have completed a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience 10 of which must be at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver). You also need to pass a driving test. The Operator's license in Florida has the following restrictions depending on age:

1. 16 year old drivers are permitted to drive only between 6 am and 11 pm. At other times you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older.
2. 17 year old drivers are permitted to drive only between 5 am and 1am. At other times you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older.

If you are traveling for employment, there is no restriction on driving hours.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted Class E license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. A learner's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, if you meet the following requirements:

1. You have held a learner's license for at least one year without any traffic convictions.
2. You have completed a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience 10 of which must be at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver).
3. You have passed a driving test.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Learn more about Florida's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Florida, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.