Are you a first time driver? Then getting that learners permit can be exciting and daunting at the same time. This article will take you through the steps to get your Florida learners permit online with an extra emphasis on safety.
The Rules
Under Florida DMV guidelines, you must be 14 years old or older to sign up and complete the driver's ed learners permit course. You may not apply for your learners permit until your 15th Birthday.
When you turn 15, you are eligible to apply for a learners permit if you have completed the required driver's ed course mentioned above. You then must hold your learners permit license for at least twelve months before applying for a full license.
The Driver Ed Course
All first time drivers in the State of Florida are required to take a driver's ed class called the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse and Education course before applying for their learners permit. By taking this course, first time drivers learn how alcohol and other drugs affect their ability to drive, laws and responsibilities, about safe driving techniques, and how to increase their awareness on our roadways.
Luckily this course is offered 100% online, so you can take it using your home computer when it fits in your schedule! Once you complete this course you will be qualified to take the DMV Permit Exam which is also available online.
Prepare for the Written DMV Exam
The DMV Permit Exam consists of two written tests:
- 20 multiple choice questions regarding the rules of the road. (You must answer 15 correctly to pass)
- 20 multiple choice questions regarding road signs. (You must answer 15 correctly to pass)
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this written test so you don't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV Office only to go home empty-handed. The Florida DMV Handbook provides everything you need to know to pass the test. There are also practice permit tests available online where you can log on and test your knowledge with interactive DMV prep exams.
Take the DMV Permit Exam
The DMV exam includes the road rules and road signs written tests, a vision test and a hearing test. The written test is available online and once you pass, you can take your certificate to the DMV office where you will complete the vision / hearing tests and provide the documents required to obtain your learners permit. The written exam is also available at the DMV office, but many teens choose to take the exam online to save time.
Before you head to the DMV, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your learners permit:
- Proof that you completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course
- DMV Exam waiver number (if you elected to take the exam online)
- One primary and one secondary form of identification, which must be original or certified
- Social Security Number, if issued
- Parental Consent Form, which must be signed in the presence of a driver license examiner or notarized if parent or guardian will not be present.
Teen Driving Safety
Florida is dedicated to teaching first time drivers that safety comes first. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Certified Chief Instructors developed the Driver Education Guide for Parents that that is designed to be a teaching tool for parents who are concerned with their teen's driving safety and understand the value of quality instruction. It provides a practical, step-by-step approach to instructing your teen how to become a Safe Driver through behavior, attitude, skills, and experience.
On the Road
When you first receive your learners permit license, you are only permitted to drive from 6 am until 7 pm with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat closest to the right of you. After three months, you are permitted to drive until 10 pm with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older occupying the seat closest to the right of you.
Once you turn 16, you may apply for your driver's license providing that you have held a learners license for at least one year without any traffic convictions.
DRIVING RECORD
