Graduated Drivers License Laws

This three-stage Graduated Driver's License program became law in July 1996, and in 1997 alone, Florida saw a 9% reduction in fatalities and injury crashes for teen drivers between 15- and 17-years-old.

Graduated licensing is a system that consists of three stages wherein young drivers must meet certain expectations before graduating to the next stage. The purpose of putting young drivers through a staging process is to ensure they are eased into difficult driving situations slowly, as their experience and maturity grow. From a learning permit to full licensure, the teen driver is moved progressively to each stage as they demonstrate responsible driving behavior. The components and requirements of each licensing stage are determined separately by each state. Not all states have graduated licensing laws, and some that do only have two stages in their system.

Florida is one of 13 states that currently has a three-stage graduated licensing system. Florida teen drivers must progress through three licensing stages: Learner's License, Operational License, and Full License.

STEP ONE: To obtain a Learner's License, the driver must do all of the following:

  • be at least 15 years old;
  • provide a Social Security Number;
  • show proof of completion of a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Education Course course, or a license from another state, county, or jurisdiction;
  • have a legal guardian sign the Parental Consent Form in the presence of the driver license examiner; and
  • pass the required written test covering road rules and signs, a hearing test, and a vision test.

The holder of a Learner's License may not drive alone, regardless of age, and if under 18, must hold the license for 12 months before advancing to the next stage. The driver is restricted from driving after dark for the first three months, and after 10 p.m. from months 4-12.

STEP TWO: The next stage of licensing is the Operator's License. To receive an Operator's License, the driver must:

  • be 16- to 17-years-old;
  • have held a Learner's License for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions;
  • show parent or guardian certification that the driver has had at least 50 hours of experience behind the wheel, 10 of which must have been at night;
  • successfully perform a behind the wheel test in the presence of the driver license examiner.

STEP THREE: Once a driver reaches age 18, they may apply for a Full License. 18-year-olds who have never held a driver's license may apply for a Full License as long as they provide:

  • two forms of identification;
  • a Social Security card, if they have one; and
  • proof they completed a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Education course.