Congratulations! You've found the most up to date, easiest-to-read version of the Florida Driver Handbook that exists on the web. Just click on the top picture above to be taken to the handbook table of contents. From there you can click on the individual units to study for your Class E Learner's Permit Exam. You can also view the online handbook by visiting
http://www.driverlicenseschool.com and clicking on the "Driver's Handbook" button.
About the START Course
The START Course is the first time driver drug and alcohol course that you have to take before you can get your Florida Driver License. START stands for "Student Training Alcohol Related Topics." This course is also sometimes called the "TLSAE" or Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education Course or the Class E Learner's Permit Course. The START course requires four hours to complete and covers topics that include the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving, the effect of attitude on driving, and safe driving strategies. The course is available online or in the classroom.
Remember, you HAVE TO TAKE this course if you have never been licensed to drive in the state of Florida. The course is available online or in the classroom. If you want to sign up and get started right away, just click on the picture above and select the "First Driver License" (START) course from the drop-down menu. You can also register for the course by
clicking here. Complete the registration pages and in a few short minutes you will be taking the course!
Getting your Florida Class E Learner's Permit
In Florida, every person under 18 years old MUST hold a Learner’s License for one year – there are NO exceptions to this law. Also, no person may drive alone with a Learner’s License – regardless of age.
To receive your Florida Learner's License, you must be at least 15 years old.
You must provide:
One
primary and one
secondary form of identification, which must be original and certified;
Social Security Number, if issued;
Proof that you completed the START Course. (NOTE: If you complete the START course online, a certificate will be sent to you and your completion will be reported automatically to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles [DHSMV]. When you arrive at the driver license office, the driver license inspector will be able to look up your completion in the State's online system);
Parental Consent Form, which must be signed in the presence of a driver license examiner or notarized if parent or guardian will not be present (form is located at
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/forms.html. If you are under 18 and are not married one parent or legal guardian must sign your license application. Step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted you.
You are required to take:
A Written Test covering the following areas:
Road Rules – 20 multiple choice questions about traffic laws – must have 15 correct answers to pass.
Road Signs – 20 multiple choice questions about road signs – must have 15 correct answers to pass.
Florida Driver Handbook
Vision Test using an eye machine. To pass, you must have 20/40 (or better) vision in each and both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
Hearing Test
With your Learner’s License, you may:
Only drive during daylight hours during the first three months and until 10 p.m. thereafter, always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.
Getting your Florida Class E Operator's License
To earn an operator’s license, you must be at least 16 years old AND have held a learner’s license for at least one year without any traffic convictions.
You must provide:
A Florida Learner’s License or a license from another jurisdiction.
Parent or guardian certification that you have at least 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience, of which 10 hours must be at night.
You are required to take:
Driving test and perform certain driving maneuvers. Please refer to the Florida Driver Handbook for specifics or present a waiver from an accepted driver education course.
With your Operator’s License, you may:
16 years old – only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or you are traveling to or from work.
17 years old – only drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or you are traveling to or from work.
Don't Lose Your Driving Privilege
There are a number of infractions that can cause you to lose or restrict your driving privileges.
The following are of particular interest to teen drivers:
If you receive a moving traffic conviction while you have a Learner’s License, the one year period you are required to hold your Learner’s License will be extended for one year from the date of the conviction or until you are 18 years old, whichever happens first;
If you receive 6 points on your driving record within a 12 month period, your driving privileges are automatically restricted to business purposes only for 12 months or until you are 18, whichever happens first. If you receive additional points during this restricted period, the restriction is extended 90 days for each additional point;
If you have a blood alcohol level of .02% or more (applies to those under age 21), an administrative suspension of six months will result;
If you are truant in your school attendance, your driving privilege is suspended until you provide proof you have attended school for 30 consecutive days;
If you are convicted for possession of tobacco products (applies to those under age 18).
Driving Violations and Points
Speeding
Less than 15 mph over the speed limit - 3 points
More than 15 mph over the speed limit - 4 points
Speeding resulting in an crash - 6 points
Moving Violation
Moving violation (includes driving during restricted hours) - 3 points
Moving violation resulting in a crash - 4 points
Reckless driving - 4 points
Improper lane change - 3 points
Zero Tolerance for DUI
Drivers under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of .02% or more will have their license immediately suspended for six months. This administrative action is for a first offense; a second offense will result in a one year suspension. Refusal to submit to testing (first offense) results in a suspension of twelve months; eighteen months on a second offense.
