Chapter 1: Your License

Florida Classified Driver Licenses

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues the following classes of licenses: Class A, B, C, D, and E.
Classes A, B, and C are for drivers of commercial motor vehicles such as large trucks and buses. Classes D and E are for drivers of non-commercial vehicles.
There is a separate manual entitled Commercial Driver License Manual for Truck and Bus Drivers. This manual is available at any driver license office. If you wish to drive a commercial motor vehicle as defined below, you must be properly tested and licensed to do so.

Who Needs One?

1. If you live in Florida and want to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways.
2. If you move to Florida and have a valid license from another state, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You are considered a resident of Florida if you:
   • enroll your children in public school, or
   • register to vote, or
   • file for a homestead exemption, or
   • accept employment, or
   • reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months.

Who Does Not Need One?

The following persons may drive in Florida without having a Florida driver license if they have a valid license from another state or country:

• Any non-resident who is at least 16 years old.
• Persons employed by the United States Government driving a United States Government motor vehicle on official business.
• Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for the United States Government. (This exemption is only for 60 days.)
• Any non-resident attending college in Florida.
• Persons who drive only vehicles like farm tractors or road machines temporarily on the highway may drive without a license.
• A licensed driver who lives in another state and travels regularly between his home and work in Florida.
• Non-resident migrant farm workers even though they are employed or place children in the public schools, providing they have a valid license from their home state.
• Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida and their dependents, with these exceptions:
  1. Service member or spouse claims homestead exemption (All drivers in family must obtain Florida licenses),
  2. Service member becomes employed (All drivers in family must obtain Florida licenses),
  3. Spouse becomes employed (Spouse and children who drive must obtain Florida licenses),
  4. Child becomes employed (Only employed child who drives must obtain Florida license).

Learner's Driver License

A person who holds a Learner's License must be accompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, who occupies the front passenger seat. To be eligible for a Class E license, all drivers 15 years of age and under 18 years of age, must hold a Learner's License for at least 12 months without convictions or who has a conviction but elects to attend a traffic school for which adjudication must be withheld pursuant to section 318.14, Florida Statutes. Parents or legal guardians must also certify that the driver has 50 hours driving experience, 10 of these hours must include night time driving.

Drivers can only drive between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. the first three months from the original issue date when accompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years or older who occupies the front passenger seat. After the three months, the driver may operate a vehicle from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a licensed driver, 21 years or older in the front passenger seat. Drivers with a Learner's License are ineligible for a motorcycle endorsement.

  NOTE: A learner's driver license does not mean you can drive in other states. You will need to check the laws in each state.

Requirements

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass vision, road signs and road rules tests.
• Have the signature of one parent (or guardian) on the consent form if under age 18.
• Completion of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course.
• Two forms of identification (see Identifying Yourself.)
• Social Security Number.
• Must be in compliance with school attendance.

Identifying Yourself

State law requires identification, proof of date of birth and social security number from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued. Each application for an original driver license or identification card MUST submit the original or certified copy of one of the first five documents, unless a driver's license record or identification card record has already been established:

PRIMARY IDENTIFICATION

1. United States birth certificate, including U.S. territories and District of Columbia.
2. Valid United States passport (not expired)
3. Alien Registration receipt card, (Green card, Form I-151)
4. Employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Justice (Form I688b)
5. Proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by United States Department of Justice (Form I94 not expired, or certificate of naturalization)

In addition, a secondary identification document, which substantiates the primary document, is required. Document may include, but not limited to, the original or certified copy of one of the following:

SECONDARY IDENTIFICATION

6. School record stating date of birth, which must contain the registrar's signature.
7. Transcript of the birth record filed with a public officer charged with the duty of recording certificates.
8. Baptism certificate, which shows date of birth and the place of baptism.
9. An insurance policy on the customers life which has been in force for at least two years and which has the month, day and year of birth.
10. A military or military dependent identification card.
11. Florida or another state driver license, valid or expired (may also serve as a primary item).
12. Florida license record or identification card record (may also serve as a primary item).
13. Selective Service Registration (Draft Card).
14. Florida Vehicle Registration certificate (HSMV 83399, owner's copy) obtained from the tax collector's office where the customer's vehicle was registered, Florida, or out-of-state registration certificate, if name and date of birth are shown.
15. Florida and another state non-driver identification cards (may also serve as a primary item).
16. Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance.
17. Immigration form I-571.
18. Federal form DD-214 (military record)
19. Marriage certificate
20. Court order, which includes legal name.
21. A Florida voter registration card which was issued at least three months previously.
22. Personal identification by an examiner or by a person well known to the examiner.
23. Social Security Card.
24. Family bible record or birth announcement in baby book.
25. Parent Consent Form (HSMV 71022)
26. Out-of-country driver license or identification car, government issued.

If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority.

A secondary identification from the above list is required. The Social Security Number (if issued) MUST be included on the application for a driver's license or identification card.

Substance Abuse Education

If you have never been issued a license in any jurisdiction (state or country), you will be required to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course before you will be issued a license. Consult your local phone directory for locations in your area.

Parent's Consent for Minors

If you are under 18 and are not married, your license application must be signed by one parent or legal guardian. STEP-PARENTS MAY NOT SIGN FOR YOU UNLESS THEY HAVE LEGALLY ADOPTED YOU. The application must be signed in front of the examiner or a notary public. Whoever signs your application agrees to take responsibility with you for your driving. If the signer decides later not to accept responsibility for your driving, your license will be canceled. To cancel the license, the signer must write a letter to the department. The full name and date of birth of the minor driver must be in the letter.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Signing this form constitutes consent for the minor to also obtain an operator license at age 16 or older, unless you notify the Department that you wish to withdraw this consent.
REMEMBER: THE CONSENT FORM MUST BE NOTARIZED OR SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE EXAMINER.

Driver Education

Driver education courses can help you develop all the skills you need to be a safe driver. You can obtain more information by referring to your local telephone directory under Driving Instruction.

Third Party Testing

Many Driver Education teachers assist the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in licensing new drivers. Students who satisfactorily completely DHSMV-approved Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) courses in participating public or private schools may receive DHSMV waiver certificates from their DELAP teacher. These certificates, when presented to the local driver license office, will be used to replace the DHSMV written and/or driving tests 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.

Restriction and Endorsement Codes on Florida Licenses

Restriction Codes

A. CORRECTIVE LENSES means a person must wear corrective lenses at all times when operating a vehicle.
B. OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR (Left Side) means the vehicle the person is driving must have a left outside rearview mirror on the car.
C. BUSINESS PURPOSES ONLY means the person can only drive to work and on-the-job, for education purposes, to church and for medical purposes.
D. EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES ONLY means the person can only drive to work and on-the-job.
E. DAYLIGHT DRIVING ONLY means the person can only drive during daylight hours.
F. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION means the person can only drive a vehicle that has automatic transmission.
G. POWER STEERING means the person must drive a vehicle with power steering.
I. DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS means a person must drive a vehicle equipped with mechanical directional signals.
J. GRIP ON STEERING WHEEL means the vehicle must be equipped with a knob or grip on the steering wheel.
K. HEARING AID means the person must wear a hearing aid at all times while driving the vehicle.
L. SEAT CUSHION means the person must use a seat cushion at all times while driving.
M. HAND CONTROLS OR PEDAL EXTENSION means the vehicle must be equipped with hand controls or a pedal extension.
N. LEFT FOOT ACCELERATOR means the vehicle must be equipped with a left foot accelerator.
P. PROBATION-INTERLOCK DEVICE means the vehicle must be equipped with a device that locks the ignition at times specified by the court imposing the restriction.
S. OTHER RESTRICTIONS means there are other restrictions imposed on this license.
T. NO PASSENGERS ON MOTORCYCLE means the person cannot have passengers when driving a motorcycle.
X. MEDICAL ALERT BRACELET means the person must wear a medical alert bracelet at all times while driving the vehicle.
Y. EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY means the person can drive for educational purposes.

Restriction Codes Appearing on Commercial Driver Licenses Only

1 = VEHICLES W/O AIR BRAKES issued to those who have not passed the required written and/or skills tests for the operation of vehicles with air brakes.

2=CDL-INTRASTATE ONLY (CMV) issued to those who are authorized to operate commercial motor vehicles inside Florida only.

3=BUS ONLY (CMV) - issued to persons who took written and skills tests which authorize them to drive commercial motor vehicles that are buses only.

4=CMV<- 26,001 LBS Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

5=NO TRACTOR /TRAILERS

6=NO CLASS A PASSENGER VEHICLES

7=NO CLASS B PASSENGER VEHICLES

NOTE: Persons with a restriction on their license who do not comply with the requirements of the restriction can be issued a citation for violation of restriction and could be suspended. Offenses of this type are a second degree misdemeanor, except for violations of restriction code X.

Endorsement Codes

These endorsements are placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses and on certain Class D licenses.

E. EMERGENCY VEHICLES - issued to those who drive an emergency vehicle, that is a commercial motor vehicle, but are exempt by law from obtaining a commercial driver license.
F. FARM CMV - issued to those who drive farm type commercial motor vehicles, but who are exempt by law from obtaining a commercial driver license.
H. PLACARDED HAZMAT - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will transport placarded hazardous materials.
N. TANK VEHICLES - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive tank vehicles.
P. PASSENGERS - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive passenger vehicles.
T. DOUBLE/TRIPLE TRAILERS - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive double or triple tractor trailer vehicles.
X. PLACARDED HAZMAT & TANK VEHICLES - issued to those who qualify for endorsements H and N.

Physical and Mental Requirements

You must list any physical or mental problems on your license application which might affect your driving. Many of the physical problems can be handled by placing restrictions on your license. If you have epilepsy, fainting spells, dizziness, blackouts or any other medical condition that could impair your driving, you may be asked to have your doctor complete a medical report form. These forms may be requested through your local driver licenses office and will be mailed directly to you. The report must be completed by your doctor and submitted to the Department before a license can be issued.

If you are diabetic, and use insulin, you may request that it be indicated on your license.

Test Requirements^*

Person applying for original Florida licenses will be required to take the following tests:

1. Learner's Driver License - vision, hearing, road signs, and Class E road rules.
2. Class E license - vision, hearing, road signs, Class E road rules and driving test.
3. Class D license - vision, hearing, road signs, Class D road rules and driving test (driving test not required if applicant holds valid Florida Class E operator's license).
   
   NOTE: Persons holding valid licenses from other states, U.S. possessions, France, or Canada are only required to take a vision test unless their driving ability is questionable. Persons holding a license from Germany and Taiwan are required to take the vision, hearing and written exam unless their driving ability is questionable.
   
   
4. Motorcycle endorsement - In addition to the above tests, applicants requesting motorcycle endorsements must pass the written motorcycle knowledge test and on-cycle skill test (unless they have a motorcycle endorsement on their out-of-state license.)
5. Commercial driver licenses - see Florida Manual for Truck and Bus Drivers for required exams.

Purpose of Driver License Examination

The purpose of the license examination is to find out 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?

Examination Information

Vision test - standard vision screening.
Lenses or Glasses:

• You will be restricted to wearing corrective lenses when you drive if you need to wear contact lenses or glasses to pass the test.
• Telescopic lenses - you will not be eligible for a driver's license if you wear glasses with telescopic lenses.

• Have 20/40 (or better) vision in each and both eyes. With or without corrective lenses.
• If you have 20/200 (or worse) vision in one eye, you must have 20/40 (or better) vision in the other eye. With or without corrective lenses.
• If you have 20/70 (or better) vision in either eye separately, or in both eyes together. The worst eye must have a vision screening better than 20/200. With or without corrective lenses. Referral to an eye doctor may be required.

Preliminary Sample Vision Test

Road sign test - Multiple choice test which consists of 20 road signs for you to identify by color, shape or meaning.
Road rules test - Multiple choice test which consists of 20 questions regarding Florida traffic laws.
Vehicle inspection - Your vehicle will be inspected to determine it is safe for a road test.
Driving test

• You must provide the vehicle for the driving test.
• Proof of personal injury protection insurance and valid vehicle registration must be provided on the vehicle for the driving test.
• If you do not have a valid license you must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
• Persons with a learner's license you must be at least 16 years of age and have held the learner's license for 12 months.
• No one may accompany you and the examiner(s) during the driving test.

You will be expected to perform the following maneuvers on the driving test:

• turn about - 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 when 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 the opportunity to observe your ability to:
  
  1. handle the vehicle in close quarters
  2. judge distance
  3. maintain control of the vehicle as you turn into a straight-in parking space
• stop quickly - Drive at 20 miles per hour and make a quick, safe stop when the examiner instructs you.
• backing - Back for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed. Do not use the rear-view mirror 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.
• 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 drive too closely behind other cars. Use the Two Second Rule
• use proper posture - Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

The examiner 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 you return for another test. You will be asked to return another day for additional tests due to the volume of driving tests, which are conducted at each driver license location. If you pass the examination, the examiner will collect the fee and issue your license. If you surrender a valid restricted operator license or learner's permit, you will not be charged additional fees for the replacement operator license when you pass the driving test.

NOTE: ON-CYCLE TEST-Study the Florida Motorcycle Operator Handbook for knowledge and on-cycle testing procedures.

Appointments

Appointments are recommended, but not required for many of the services provided by the driver license offices. Contact your local driver license office to determine if an appointment is required for the service you need. Call in advance for your appointment and report at least five minutes before your scheduled time. You may still appear at the driver license office without an appointment, however, the fastest service is provided through the use of appointments.

Change of Address

You must obtain a new license showing your new address within 10 days of the change. You may change the address on your driver license or ID card by:

1. Using your home touch-tone telephone and calling 1-800-448-1002. There is a $2.90 service fee plus the $10 license fee.
2. By mail being sure to include your name, new address, driver license number, and date of birth. Mail to Division of Driver Licenses, Mail Stop 92, Post Office Box 5775, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5775. Include a $10 check or money order payable to DHSMV. You will receive the appropriate corrections by mail. Allow 30 days for processing.
3. Visiting your local driver license office.
4. Internet at http://express.hsmv.state.fl.us. There is a $3 service fee plus the $10 license fee.
5. Florida law requires that you destroy your old license when you receive the new license.

Name Change:

You must bring a court order or marriage certificate to a driver license office to prove your name change within 10 days of the change. Documents must be original or certified copies.

Duplicate License

If your driver license is lost or stolen, apply for a duplicate immediately. At your driver license office you will need to:

• sign a statement that you have lost your license;
• show your identification (TWO OF THE ITEMS LISTED); and
• pay the duplicate license fee ($10).
• a "no fee" duplicate license will be issued if a police report was filed on the stolen license.

Renewal at a Driver License Office

Before you renew your license, your driving record is checked. If you have had no convictions for driving violations in the past three years, or suspension/revocation/disqualification free record for the past seven years, you will be issued a six-year license. You may also be asked to take other parts of the test if:

1. The examiner has a reason to question your driving skill.
2. Your license may not be renewed if:
   1. You are not qualified to receive a license.
   2. You did not answer a summons, which involved a traffic violation.
   3. Your driver license is suspended or revoked or canceled.

Renewal by Mail, Internet or by Telephone

Drivers may renew through the mail for two consecutive license expirations. You may receive a mail-in renewal packet approximately 30 days prior to license expiration. There are no additional fees for renewing by mail. Your can renew by internet at http://express.hsmv.state.fl.us. There is a $3 service charge in addition to the renewal fee. After you return your payment, you will receive a four or six-year renewal sticker to be placed on the back of your current license. Drivers with a digital license will receive a new license. Drivers with a digital license will receive a new license. Florida law requires that you destroy your old driver license after receiving the new license.

Military Renewal by Mail

Members of the US Armed Forces serving on active duty outside of Florida may renew their licenses by mail without examination. Their spouses and children living with them may do the same. At least 3 months prior to the expiration of your licenses, write to: Division of Driver Licenses, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575 or e-mail at ddl@hsmv.state.fl.us. Give your name as it appears on your license, the driver license number, your date of birth and out-of-state address and zip code. The department will advise you further by return mail.

Veterans

Any veteran honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, who has been issued a valid identification card by the Division of Veteran's Affairs of the Department of Administration and has been determined by the Veteran's Administration to have a 100% service-connected disability and who is qualified to obtain a Class E or Class D license, is exempt from paying initial, renewal and motorcycle endorsement fees.

Identification Card

If you need an identification card, you can apply for one at any driver license office. To get the identification card, you must:

1. Be 12 years old or older. (Any person can be issued an identification card if applying for a disabled parking permit. No minimum age in Citrus, St. Johns or Monroe counties);
2. Present your official Social Security card that was issued by the Social Security Administration; and
3. Present identification. See section under Identifying Yourself.

The card will contain your color photograph, full name, sex, address, date of birth and other data the Department may require. Identification cards are valid for 4 years. Citizens 60 years of age or older are issued a "non-expiring" identification card.

Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Program

Through the miracle of transplantation, many people here in Florida are living healthy, productive lives. However, the need for donated organs and tissues to outpace the supply. Right now, there are thousands who would be helped if more of us became organ and tissue donors. Organ and tissue donations provide each of us with a special opportunity to help others.

Donation of vital organs and tissues can save lives where no other hope is available. Heart, liver, lung and kidney transplants save lives everyday. Additionally, bone, skin, and cornea transplants often restore sight and save burn victims.

How Can You Help?

1. Indicate your desire to donate organs and tissues on your Florida drivers license or identification card.
2. Tell your nearest relative or legal guardian.
3. Donate a minimum of $1 to fund organ and tissue donor education
4. ALL OF THE ABOVE

Voluntary Contributions

When you are applying for a driver license or identification card, you may voluntary contribute to the following special trust funds:

Election Campaign - $5 minimum to be transferred to the Election Campaign Financing Trust Fund.

Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund - $1 minimum for organ and tissue donor education and for maintaining the organ and tissue donor registry.

Florida Council of the Blind - $1 minimum for assisting persons who have already been diagnosed as blind.

Prevent Blindness of Florida - $1 minimum to prevent blindness and preserve the sight of the residents of the State of Florida.

Hearing Research Institute - $2 minimum for infant hearing screening in Florida.

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International - $1 minimum contribution

Go to Chapter Two

Return to Table of Contents

Contents | Foreword | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

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