Table of Contents

2. The Florida Driver License

• 2.1. Definitions
• 2.2. Who Needs a Florida License?
• 2.3. Who Does Not Need a Florida License?
• 2.4. Florida Classified Driver Licenses
• 2.5. Identification Requirements
• 2.6. Parent's Consent for Minors
• 2.7. Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education
• 2.8. Testing
• 2.9. Physical and Mental Requirements
• 2.10. Restriction and Endorsement Codes on Florida Licenses
• 2.11. Selective Service
• 2.12. Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators
• 2.13. Career Offender
• 2.14. Voluntary Contributions

2.8.1 - Purpose of Driver License Examination

The purpose of the license examination is to determine several things:

1. Can you read and understand road signs, traffic signals and highway markings?
2. Do you know the Florida driving rules?
3. Can you see well enough to drive safely?
4. Do you have the skill and experience to drive safely?
5. Do you have any physical or mental handicaps that would affect your driving?

2.8.2 - Testing Methods

Driver license testing can be administered at State driver license office, tax collector licensing agents, Driver Education Licensing Assistance Programs (DELAP) and authorized third party vendors.

A list of driver license offices and tax collector licensing agents can be found on the DHSMV web site located at http://www.flhsmv.gov/locations/.

Driver Education

Many driver education teachers assist the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in licensing new drivers. Students who complete their driver license tests through DHSMV approved Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) courses in participating public or private schools will have the results entered into DHSMV's test records by their driver education teacher.

The test results will be used by the local driver license office for issuance of a learner's driver license or Class E license. DHSMV may, however, test any student on a random basis before issuing a driver license.

Third Party Testing

Driver license exams (road rules or road signs) are now available from providers approved by Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The on-line service is available to students under 18 years of age. Students of all ages may take the exams with a provider who offers the exams in an in-person setting. A list of approved third party testers providing this service can be found on our website at http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/TPDLTS_providers.html.

2.8.3 - Examination Requirements

Persons applying for an original Florida license are required to take the following tests:

Learner's Driver License

• Original - vision, hearing, and Class E knowledge test. (road rules & road signs)
• Renewal - vision and hearing Class E License
• Original - vision, hearing, and Class E knowledge test. (road rules & road signs)
• Renewal - vision and hearing

NOTE: Persons holding a valid license from other states, U.S. possessions, Canada, France, or Republic of Korea (South Korea) are only required to take a vision test unless their driving ability is questionable; the license from the other states or U.S. possessions must be surrendered at the time of issuance of the Florida driver license. Persons holding a license from Germany are required to take the vision, hearing and written exam. The driving test may be waived unless their driving ability is questionable.

Motorcycle Endorsement - In addition to the above tests, customers requesting motorcycle endorsements must complete a motorcycle rider course unless they have a motorcycle endorsement on a French, Canadian, or out-of-state license (except Alabama).

Commercial Driver Licenses - see Florida CDL handbook for required exams. A copy of the CDL Handbook can be obtained on the handbook page of the DHSMV website located at http://www.flhsmv.gov/resource-center/handbooks-manuals/.

2.8.4 - Examination Information

Vision Test - You will be restricted to wearing corrective lenses when you drive if you need to wear contact lenses or glasses to pass the test.

Your driving privilege will be revoked if you are unable to meet the minimum vision standards. To pass, you must meet the following vision standards with or without corrective lenses:

• 20/40 or better vision in each eye with or without corrective lenses meets state requirements without referral to an eye specialist.
• 20/50 or worse vision in either eye with or without corrective lenses are referred to an eye specialist for possible improvement.
• 20/70 vision in either eye, or both eyes together may pass with or without corrective lenses after referral to an eye specialist, providing the vision in the worst eye is better than 20/200.
• If one eye is blind or 20/200 or worse, the other eye must be 20/40 or better.
• The use of telescopic lenses to meet visual standards is not recognized in Florida.

Class E Knowledge Test

A multiple-choice test that consists of 10 road signs for you to identify by color, shape or meaning and 40 road rules regarding Florida traffic laws.

Vehicle Inspection for Driving Test

Your vehicle will be inspected to determine that it is safe for a driving test.

Driving Test

• You must provide a vehicle for the driving test. If you do not have a valid license, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
• An interpreter can be used during the driving test. No other passengers are permitted.

You are expected to perform the following maneuvers on the driving test:

• Turn About (Three Point Turn) - Turn your car around in a 30' to 40' space.
• Shift Gears - Change gears smoothly and correctly (if your car has a manual shift transmission).
• Approach of Crossing - Get in the proper lane and look in each direction. Change gears smoothly and correctly (if your car has a manual shift transmission).
• Observe Right-of-Way - Allow pedestrians to cross, pull over and stop for emergency vehicles and do not enter an intersection where you will interfere with other traffic.
• Straight-In Parking - Park your vehicle inside the parking space straight-in. When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane. This maneuver gives the examiner/agent the opportunity to observe your ability to: a. handle the vehicle in close quarters b. judge distance c. maintain control of the vehicle as you turn into a straight-in parking space
• Parking on a Grade - If there is no hill on your driving test, this maneuver is simulated when the car is in the straight-in parking space or when the car is pulled over to the side of the road before the turnabout maneuver. You will be instructed to show or tell the examiner/agent what you would do if you were going to leave the vehicle parked up or down a hill, with or without a curb.
• Stop Quickly - Drive at 20 miles per hour and make a quick, safe stop when the examiner/agent instructs you.
• Backing -Back for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed. Do not use the rear-view mirror or rear-view camera when backing. Look to the rear instead.
• Obey Stop Signs - Give the proper signal if turning, approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop before reaching the pedestrian crosswalk^* or stop line, and remain stopped until you can move safely without interfering with cross traffic or pedestrians.
• Obey Traffic Signals - Get into the proper lane and approach the light at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light should change. When you must stop, stop before the pedestrian crosswalk or stop line. When the light turns green, do not move forward until the other traffic has cleared the intersection. Give the correct signal for stopping and turning. Watch for "no turn" and "one way" signs.
• Signal and Turn - Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet. You may use either hand signals or mechanical signals. Slow before reaching the crosswalk and turn into the proper lane.
• Passing - Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely. Pass on the left, unless the car ahead is about to make a left turn or is in the left turn lane on a street with more than one lane in each direction. Do not pass on the shoulder (side of the road).
• Stay in Proper Lane - Drive in the right lane except on a one-way street. Do not change lanes until you may do so safely.
• Follow at a Safe Distance - Do not follow too closely behind other cars. Keep a minimum following distance of two seconds with an additional second for any unusual weather or traffic conditions.
• Use Proper Posture - Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

The examiner/agent will explain any mistakes you may have made after the test is completed. If you disqualify on the driving test, you will be asked to study or practice before returning for another test. You will be asked to return another day for additional tests.

If you pass the examination, the examiner/agent will collect the fee and issue your license. If you surrender a valid Florida learner's license and do not need to make changes, you are not charged additional fees for the replacement Class E.

^* Keep in mind that most intersections contain legal crosswalks; marked or unmarked. An unmarked crosswalk is the portion of the roadway at an intersection that would connect opposite sides of the street.

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