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):

• • • • 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 *
        • A utility hook-up or work order dated within 60 days of the application
        • Automobile payment booklet *
        • Selective service card *
        • Medical or health card with address listed *
        • Current homeowner insurance policy or bill *
        • Current automobile insurance policy or bill *
        • Educational institution transcript forms for the current school year
        • Unexpired professional license issued by a government agency in the U.S.
        • W-2 form or 1099 form *
        • Form DS2019, certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor (J-1) status
        • A letter from a homeless shelter or public assistance agency verifying they receive mail for the customer, 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 *
      • Customers who do not have the above documents in their name may provide two proofs of residential address from a parent, step-parent, legal guardian, or other person with whom they reside and a Certification of Address form.

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