By: Derek Stewart, Florida Virtual School Driver Education Coordinator

Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone, but did you know you can start the journey online, right from home, with Florida Virtual School (FLVS)? 

A new Florida law, taking effect Aug. 1, mandates that anyone under the age of 18 must complete a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)-approved driver education course before obtaining a learner’s driver license (previously known as learner’s license). FLVS offers a course that meets this new requirement. Students across the state can take the FLVS Driver Education course for free*, earn a half-credit elective toward high school graduation, and take the learner’s driver license exam online for free. 

Whether you're a student ready to hit the road or a parent helping your teen navigate the process, this guide will walk you through every step.

Learning more about Florida licenses

Florida uses the terms learner’s driver license and driver license, not “learner’s permit.”

• A learner’s driver license can be obtained starting at age 15. It lets teens drive with supervision while gaining hands-on experience.
  

• A driver license usually comes next, starting at age 16, with some driving restrictions that ease over time.

Knowing the difference between both will help you stay informed and confident through the licensing journey.

Understanding Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system

Florida uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to help new drivers gain experience and develop safe driving habits over time, before earning full driving privileges. Rather than jumping straight into unrestricted driving, teens go through a three-stage process that gradually increases their responsibilities behind the wheel. 

Below are the steps in this phased approach: 

Step 1: Get your learner’s driver license (Age 15+)

To begin your journey toward a Florida driver license, start by enrolling in a driver education course. The FLVS Driver Education is a great option. You can do so by enrolling directly in the course or speaking to your school counselor. This course is available through individual courses (FLVS Flex) and our Full Time Public Schools (FLVS Full Time). Best of all, it’s tuition-free for most Florida residents; however, state law requires that students receiving state-funded scholarships use their scholarship funds to cover the cost of the course. 

Once enrolled, you will dive into a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from traffic laws and road signs to safe driving techniques and the dangers of impaired driving. The course includes interactive lessons and simulated driving activities to help reinforce key concepts.

Requirements to earn a learner’s driver license:

• Complete a driver education course (if under 18 years old) or a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course (if 18 years or older). The FLVS course covers both.

• Pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (your learner’s driver license test).

• Pass a vision and hearing test.

• Provide required identification documents.

Pro tip: Consider getting a Florida ID card before applying. It uses the same documents required for a learner’s driver license and can prevent last-minute issues.

Another item to note —in most counties in Florida, licensing is handled through your local tax collector’s office, not the FLHSMV offices. See the locations listed by county.

Learner’s driver license restrictions:

• Always drive with a licensed driver (age 21 or older) in the front passenger seat.

• First three months: drive only during daylight hours.

• After three months: allowed to drive until 10 p.m.

For more information, visit the FLHSMV website. 

Step 2: Gain behind-the-wheel experience

The next step is to start practicing your driving skills behind the wheel. Florida’s GDL system requires all minors to complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before becoming eligible for a driver license. These hours are essential to help teens develop real-world driving confidence and situational awareness.

FLVS partners with counties and approved driving schools across Florida to offer free or low-cost behind-the-wheel lessons based on each student’s county of residence. Students in partner counties who complete the FLVS Driver Education course are eligible for no-cost, in-car instruction through their local schools, county governments, and/or commercial driving schools. Even if your county is not currently supported through our partnerships, FLVS provides guidance on locating reputable local providers. No matter where you live, the goal is the same: gain meaningful experience and build safe habits with the help of a trusted adult.

Step 3: Obtain your driver license (Age 16+)

Once you’ve gained hands-on experience with your learner’s driver license, you’re ready for the next step. 

At this point, you’ve likely spent months practicing with a licensed adult, learning how to navigate traffic, handle different road conditions, and make safe decisions behind the wheel. Now, it’s time to demonstrate those skills by taking the Class E Driving Skills Test. 

This test evaluates your ability to: 

• Safety operate a vehicle.

• Obey traffic laws and signals.

• Perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

• Show awareness of your surroundings and other drivers.

Passing the test means you’ve proven you are ready to drive on your own, with some restrictions based on your age. These restrictions are designed to keep you safe while you continue gaining experience. 

Requirements:

• Hold a learner’s driver license for at least 12 months (or until age 18).

• No traffic convictions during that time.

• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.

• Pass the Class E Driving Skills Test.

Restrictions by age:

• Age 16: Drive only from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Age 17: Drive only from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

• Age 18: Full driving privileges with no restrictions.

Other considerations and tips 

Preparing for your visit to a licensing office 

A little preparation makes a big difference. Here’s what to bring to your appointment:

• An original birth certificate (no copies). 

• A Social Security card or other acceptable ID listed in the Florida Driver License Handbook.

• Two documents proving Florida residency (e.g., report card, utility bill).

• A parental consent form (if under 18 years old).

Getting a Florida ID card in advance can help ensure everything is in order and make your visit more efficient.

The paperwork side of driving

Driving isn’t just about the road; it’s about responsibility. That means:

• Filling out forms correctly.

• Keeping documents organized and up-to-date.

• Having valid auto insurance (even if under a parent’s policy).

Getting your license is a rite of passage and a chance to show you’re ready for the responsibility that comes with it. 

Parent involvement

Parents, your support is key. Here’s how to help: 

• Log supervised driving hours together.

• Model safe driving behavior: 

• Put your phone away.

• Buckle up every time.

• Stay calm and focused.

• Regularly allow your child to practice driving and talk through real-life scenarios.

• Review rules, expectations, and safety strategies with your child.

• Be present for licensing office visits and milestone moments.

But most importantly, drive how you want your teen to drive.

Final tips and encouragement

• Start early and stay organized—it’s a journey, not a sprint.

• Practice consistently to build confidence behind the wheel.

• Students should be active passengers: observe, ask questions, and learn.

• Use resources from FLVS and FLHSMV to stay informed.

• Remember: the goal isn’t just to pass a test—it’s to become a safe, skilled driver for life.

Ready to hit the road?

Getting your Florida driver license is a big milestone, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With preparation, guidance, and the right mindset, you’ll be ready for every turn along the way.

FLVS is proud to be your partner on the road to licensure. For the past 20 years, we’ve helped nearly one million students take the wheel with confidence through our driver education course. FLVS makes the process convenient, flexible, and supportive. With expert teachers, interactive lessons, and the convenience of learning from home with 24/7 access, you’re in great hands.

Ready to get started? Enroll in our FLVS Driver Education course today and take the first step toward the freedom (and responsibility) of the open road. 

*Tuition-free for most Florida students; however, state law requires that students receiving state-funded scholarships use their scholarship funds to cover the cost of the course.

About the author: Derek Stewart is the FLVS Driver Education Coordinator and has been teaching students how to drive since 1998. He’s passionate about helping teens build confidence behind the wheel by focusing on real-world readiness and smart decision-making. Learn more about FLVS Driver Education and join the Teen Driving Club to stay road-ready and informed.