Most trips back to the driver license office are not because someone failed the exam. They are because a document was a photocopy, a name did not match, or a parent forgot to sign a form. This checklist covers who qualifies for a Florida learner's permit in 2026 and exactly what to put in the folder.
Who can apply
- You are at least 15 years old.
- You have completed the required course: DETS (6 hours) if you are under 18, TLSAE (4 hours) if you are 18 or older. Which course do I need?
- You pass the Class E Knowledge Exam: 50 questions, 40 correct.
- You pass a vision test (20/40 or better in each eye, with or without lenses) and a hearing check.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian consents in writing.
Documents to bring
Florida follows the federal REAL ID rules, so the office needs originals or certified copies. Photocopies, laminated Social Security cards and phone photos are rejected.
| Category | Accepted examples | How many |
|---|---|---|
| Primary identification | Certified U.S. birth certificate; valid U.S. passport or passport card; Certificate of Naturalization; for non-citizens, a valid foreign passport with the immigration document that shows your status | 1 |
| Social Security number | Social Security card; W-2; paystub or SSA-1099 showing the full number | 1 |
| Florida residential address | Utility bill, bank or credit card statement, lease or mortgage, Florida vehicle registration, school enrollment record, official government mail. A minor may use a parent's two proofs together with the parent's ID | 2 |
| Parental consent (under 18) | Form HSMV 71142, signed in front of the examiner or notarized | 1 |
| Online exam proof (under 18, if tested online) | Parent Proctoring Form HSMV 71144, notarized or signed before the examiner | 1 |
Common reasons people get sent home
- Hospital birth certificate. The decorative one with footprints is not a certified copy. You need the state-issued document with a raised or printed seal.
- Only one proof of address. Two are required, and they must show your name (or a parent's name for a minor). A phone bill on a screen does not count; print it.
- Unsigned consent form. Form 71142 must be signed in front of the examiner or notarized beforehand. A parent who cannot attend should get it notarized.
- Course not showing in the system. Providers report electronically, but allow a day or two. Keep your provider's completion email as a backup.
- Expired passport. An expired U.S. passport is not accepted as primary ID.
Vision and hearing
The vision screening is quick: read a line of letters through a machine. The standard is 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you need glasses or contacts to pass, your license will carry a corrective-lenses restriction. Fail the screening and you will be referred to an eye doctor before a license can be issued. A basic hearing check is done at the same time.
Fees
The state fee for an original Class E license is $48; tax collector offices may add $6.25. Knowledge retests are $10 each. Most offices accept cards and cash. The full breakdown, including course prices, is in how much a Florida permit costs.
The rules once you have it
- A licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat, always.
- Daylight only for the first 3 months, then until 10 p.m.
- Hold the permit 12 months or until age 18 before the road test.
- Under 18: log 50 supervised hours, 10 at night.
Read the full list in Florida learner's permit rules and restrictions. And if the only thing between you and the folder above is the exam, start a free practice test now.
Quick answers
What documents do I need for a Florida learner's permit?
One primary proof of identity (for example a certified U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport), proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your Florida residential address. Applicants under 18 also bring the Parental Consent Form HSMV 71142.
Do I need a Social Security card for a Florida permit?
You need proof of your Social Security number. The card is the simplest option, but a W-2, paystub or SSA-1099 showing your full number is also accepted.
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. Florida requires original or certified documents. Photocopies and phone photos are not accepted.
Ready to test yourself?
Take a free 50-question practice exam built from the Florida Driver License Handbook. No sign-up needed.
Start Free Practice TestFacts in this article follow the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) as of September 2026. Rules and fees can change; confirm details with your local driver license office before you go.