How to Get Your Driver's License in Florida
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in Florida. Florida uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 18.
GDL Stages in Florida
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Complete Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Intermediate License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 12 months
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving including 10 at night
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- 16-year-olds: no driving between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- 17-year-olds: no driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- No passenger restrictions under state law
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Turn 18
Restricted License Rules
- Drivers age 16 may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers age 17 have a shorter curfew of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- Florida does not impose a GDL passenger restriction, which is uncommon among states with graduated licensing programs.
How restrictions lift: The nighttime curfew relaxes at age 17 and is fully removed at age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older skip the GDL process and are not subject to night driving restrictions. They must still pass knowledge and road tests.
Florida-Specific Information
Florida is one of the few states with no passenger restriction during the intermediate license phase. The state also has different nighttime curfew hours depending on whether the driver is 16 or 17, with 17-year-olds getting a later start time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 18 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Florida.
Florida uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.
- Drivers age 16 may not drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers age 17 have a shorter curfew of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- Florida does not impose a GDL passenger restriction, which is uncommon among states with graduated licensing programs.
Adults age 18 and older in Florida can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older skip the GDL process and are not subject to night driving restrictions. They must still pass knowledge and road tests.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
Florida learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in Florida.
Florida drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website for the most current information.