If you want to get a driver's license in Florida before you turn 18, you're going to need a learner's license. But what exactly is it and how do you get one? A learner's license helps new teen drivers to learn the rules of the road and get some supervised practice before heading out alone. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is a Learner's License in Florida?
A learner's license is a permit you get before your regular license that allows you to practice driving. When you turn 14 1/2, you can start the process of getting your learner's license in the Sunshine State. You'll have to complete a few steps, but you could be driving (with supervision) as early as 15. After driving with a learner's license for at least twelve months, you can take the test for a driver's license. If you pass, you can be driving alone as early as 16.
Note, a learner's license is not required if you are 18 or older. Additionally, if you turn 18 before the twelve-month mark, you can also test for your driver's license at that point.
What Restrictions Apply to a Learner's License in Florida?
A learner's license comes with some rules. For example, you can only drive during the day for the first three months, after which you can drive between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Further, you must always have a person of at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license in the front passenger seat.
How Do You Get a Learner's License in Florida?
How do you get started with the learner's license? Here are the steps you'll need to take:
1. Complete the DATA Course
The first step is to take the four-hour, Florida state-authorized Drug, Alcohol, and Traffic Awareness (DATA) course. It contains twelve levels that teach you all of the safety requirements you need to know to get your permit.
2. Pass Your Permit Test
The second step is to take and pass your permit test. Once you complete the DATA course, you become eligible. You can take the test online if you are 15 to 17 years old. However, you will have to go to a Florida-authorized driving office to test in-person if you are 18 years of age or older.
3. Get Your Learner's License
Step three is getting your learner's license. Once you pass the test and are at least 15, you can go to a Florida- authorized driving office to apply. You will need to show proof of a completed DATA course, parental consent if under 18, proof of identity, a passed permit exam, and a passed hearing and vision test.
How Do I Get My Driver's License in Florida Before 18?
If you want to get your driver's license in Florida before your 18th birthday, you're going to need to get your learner's license. Once you have it, you gain limited driving privileges for one year. After that year, you can apply for your driver's license. To get your Class E driver's license, you must:
Be 16 years of age or older.
Have no moving violations in the 12 months you've had your permit.
Have no more than one traffic violation (where you are not convicted) in the 12 months you've had your permit.
Have a parent or legal guardian certify that you've completed 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving.
Pass the driving test.
Get the Wheels Turning on Your Florida Learner's License
Ready to get started but not sure where to start? Aceable can help you complete both your DATA course and permit online (at a discount). In four hours, you can complete the course and then you will qualify for your permit test.
Once you pass your permit test, the results will automatically be sent to a Florida-authorized driving office so you can go apply for your permit. Simple as that.
Get started with Aceable today!