Florida Driver's Handbook 2026

Customer Service Center ..........................................................................(850) 617-2000 FLHSMV Official Website .................................................................................flhsmv.gov Online Transactions (DHSMV Virtual Office) ..........................MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov Documentation Requirements ................................................flhsmv.gov/WhatToBring To Order a Crash Report .................................... flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/#buy Neil Kirkman Building 2900 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Our Mission Provide highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. Our Vision A Safer Florida Our Values We believe in: Service by exceeding expectations; Integrity by upholding the highest ethical standards; Courtesy by treating everyone with dignity and respect; Professionalism by inspiring confidence and trust; Innovation by fostering creativity; and Excellence in all we do! ©2023 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. All rights reserved. No portion of this material may be modified in any way for distribution or publication without the express prior written permission of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 08/2023 i INTRODUCTION The Official Florida Driver License Handbook is produced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This guide has the information needed to prepare for the Florida Driver License Class E Knowledge Exam, the Driving Skills Test, and to help you drive safely and lawfully. Disclaimer The Official Florida Driver License Handbook contains condensed and paraphrased points of Florida laws and provides safety advice not specifically addressed in the laws. The handbook is not a legal authority and is not intended for use in court. This handbook will not reflect any changes made by the Florida Legislature after the last revision date (located at the bottom of this page). Warning Florida law prohibits using a false name, making a false statement, concealing a material fact or otherwise using fraud in an application for a driver license or ID card. The penalty can be up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and suspension of any existing driving privilege for at least one year. In addition, it is illegal to permit or authorize an unlicensed person to drive a motor vehicle and doing so can result in a 60-day jail sentence and a $500 fine. If the vehicle is involved in a crash resulting in bodily injury or death of any person, the person who permitted the unlicensed person to drive may (unless it is an automatic manda- tory suspension) have their license suspended for one year. Public Records Florida law requires FLHSMV to collect certain personal information during the licensing process. This information, which identifies licensed individuals, is used for records management, driver improvement, financial responsibility, and law enforce- ment purposes. If you do not provide the required information, you will not receive a driver license or ID card. Florida’s Public Records Law makes all records made or received by FLHSMV in the course of its official business available for inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. Personal information, including name, address, and driver license number is exempt from public disclosure, but may be given to law enforcement agencies and other entities permitted by law to access the information. Medical information, social security number, and emergency contact information are available only as specifically authorized by law. FLHSMV strives to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained during the licens- ing process. If you discover any incorrect information, please call (850) 617-2000 or mail your request with your complete name, date of birth, driver license number, information about the error, and any documentation to support your request to: Chief of the Bureau of Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway MS 89, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Some information, such as reports of convictions received from a court, can only be corrected if notification from the court is received that the report was in error. ii ©2023 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles PENDING STATUTE CHANGES FOR 2023 As of the approval of this handbook, the following legislation has passed the Florida Legislature and is contingent upon becoming law, or further action taken by the Governor. HB 0001 – Education ◆ Allows Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as an alternative to traditional school attendance. Drivers under 18 can submit proof of their IEP to prevent a truancy-related driver license suspension. SB 272 – Children and Young Adults in Out-of-Home Care ◆ Eliminates the requirement for young adults who are eligible for enrollment in Postsecondary Education Services and Support to have also been in licensed out of home care when they reached 18 years of age. HB 425 – Transportation ◆ Expands the Move Over Law to include moving over for: ◆ A disabled motor vehicle that is stopped and displaying warning lights or hazard lights. ◆ A vehicle that is stopped and is using emergency flares or posting emergency signage. ◆ A vehicle that is stopped and one or more persons are visibly present. HB 657 – Enforcement of School Zone Speed Limits ◆ Authorizes counties or municipali- ties to install camera-equipped radar detection devices in order to enforce speed limits in school zones at specified periods; ◆ School districts using the technol- ogy must post signage warning drivers where speed detection systems are being used. ◆ The registered owner of a motor vehicle found who is in violation is subject to a $100 fine. SB 766 – Enforcement of School Bus Passing Infractions ◆ Allows school districts to install and operate infraction detection systems to capture violations of drivers failing to stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal. The buses equipped with the infraction detection system will have the following: ◆ The words “STOP WHEN RED LIGHTS FLASH” or “DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS FLASH.” ◆ The words “CAMERA ENFORCED.” ◆ A graphic symbol of a camera. ◆ The registered owner of a motor vehicle found who is in violation is subject to a civil penalty of $200 for either passing a school bus while the school bus displays a stop signal or for passing a school bus on the side that children enter and exit while the school bus displays a stop signal. ◆ An additional fine of $25 will be collected and dedicated to the safe school’s allocation provided to school districts by the Florida Department of Education. The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 08/2023 iii HB 965 – Driver License, Identification Card, and Motor Vehicle Registration ◆ Beginning October 1, 2023, the requirement that persons seeking to reinstate suspended or revoked driving privileges must obtain noncancelable coverage for at least six months will be removed. HB 1087 – Child Support ◆ Expands the reasons the obligor may enter into a payment agree- ment with a deferred start date and avoid suspension of their driver license and motor vehicle registration, to include when the obligor is participating in good faith in job training. HB 949 – Operation of a Golf Cart ◆ Beginning October 1, 2023, a person operating a golf cart on public roads or streets who is under 18 years of age must possess a valid learner’s driver license or valid driver license, and a person who is 18 years of age or older must possess a valid form of government-issued photographic identification. SB 1718 – Immigration ◆ Amends the human smuggling crime in s. 787.07, Florida Statutes (FS), to provide that a person commits a third-degree felony when they knowingly and willfully transport into this state an individual who the person knows, or reasonably should know, has entered the United States in violation of law and has not been inspected by the Federal Government since their unlawful entry. ◆ A person commits a separate offense for each individual they transport into this state in viola- tion of this section. ◆ It also enhances the offense to a second-degree felony if a person: ◆ Transports a minor into the state in violation of this section; ◆ Commits five or more separate offenses under this section during a single episode; or ◆ Has a prior conviction for human smuggling and commits a subsequent violation of human smuggling. iv ©2023 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .......................................I Pending Statute Changes for 2023 ..........................ii Letter from the Director ............................................vi 1. DRIVER LICENSES & ID CARDS .................. .................................................................... .................. ................................................................... ............................................... ..... ................................... .. ....................... 3 Definitions 3 Who Needs a Florida License to Drive? 3 Reciprocity 4 License Classifications 4 Requirements for Driver License and ID Cards 5 Step 1: Primary Identification 5 Step 2: Social Security Number or Secondary ID 6 Step 3: Proof of Residential Address 7 Requirements for Class E Learner’s & Driver License .............................................................. ..................................... ............................. ...................................................... ............................................. ............................. 8 Parental Consent for Minors 8 Physical & Mental Requirements 9 Restriction Codes 10 ID Card Requirements 11 ID Cards for Homeless Persons 11 ID Cards for Persons at or Below Poverty Level ............................................ ...................................................... ...................................................... .................. ............................................ ............................... ................................................ 11 Required Designations 11 Career Offenders 11 Selective Service 11 Sexual Offenders & Sexual Predators 11 Optional Designations 12 Florida Organ & Tissue Donor 12 Veteran Designation 12 Voluntary Contributions ......................................... .................................. ................... ....................................................... ............................... .............................................................................. 12 Address and Name Changes 12 Driver License/ID Card Replacement 13 License Renewal 13 Drivers 80 Years Old and Older 14 Fees 14 2. DRIVING SCHOOLS & TEST PROVIDERS .... ......................................... .. ............... ... .................................................................... ............................................... ............................................. 17 Driving Schools/Courses 17 Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education Course 17 Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course 17 Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) Courses 18 Licensed Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Programs 18 Older Driver Courses 18 Driver License Testing 18 3. YOUR DRIVING PRIVILEGE ...................... ......................................................... ............................................................. .................................. ........... .................... ..................... ......................... 23 Insurance Laws 23 No-Fault Law 23 Financial Responsibility Law 24 Restrictions for Minors (Driving Curfews) 25 Violations of the Driver License Law 25 Disabled Parking Permit Violations 25 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 25 Littering ...................................................................... .............................. ............................................................ ............ .................................................................... .......................................................... ............................................................. ......................... 27 Passing a Stopped School Bus 27 Road Damage 27 Safety Belts and Child Passenger Safety 27 Speeding 28 Traffic Crashes 29 Point System 29 Mandatory Restriction for Minors 29 Common Violations & Associated Point Value .. 30 Losing the Privilege to Drive .................................. .............................................................. ................................................................ ............................................................. .......................................... ..... ......................................................... .......................... 30 Suspensions 30 Revocations 31 Cancellations 31 Administrative Hearings 31 4. BEFORE YOU DRIVE—YOU THE DRIVER 33 Physical Health 33 Considerations for Older Drivers 33 Distracted Driving .................................................... 34 Drinking & Driving .................................................... .......................................................... ....................................................... .................................................................... .................................................................. ........ ................................................. . 35 Drowsy Driving 35 Drugged Driving 36 Emotions 36 Road Rage 36 5. BEFORE YOU DRIVE—YOUR VEHICLE 37 Vehicle Registration 37 Applying for Title, License Plates & Registration 37 Renewal ...................................................................... ............................................. ....................................................................... .... .......................................................... ............................... ...................................... 37 Equipment Standards 38 Air Bags 39 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) 39 Brake Systems 40 Bumper Height Requirements 41 Emissions Control Devices 41 Trailers, Towing, & Load ...........................................41 The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 08/2023 v 6. TRAFFIC CONTROLS .............................. ................................................. ......................................................... ............................................................... ............................................................. ............................... ....... ................................... ..................................... 43 Pavement Markings 43 Other Markings 46 Traffic Signs 46 Traffic Signals 51 Specialized Signs and Signals 54 Construction/Maintenance Signs & Signals 54 Drawbridge Signs & Signals 54 Pedestrian Signs & Signals 55 Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals......................... .................................. ................................... ............................................ ................................................ ................................. ................................................................ ................................................................ 56 School Zone Signs & Signals 57 7. DRIVING SAFETY 59 Getting Ready to Drive 59 Inspect Your Vehicle 59 Before You Start Your Engine 59 Backing Up 59 Blind Spots 60 Braking Distance ...................................................... ................................................. ............................................................. ................................................................... .................................................. ............................................................ ....................................... .......................................................... ....................................................................... 60 Following Distances 61 Intersections 62 Driveways 62 Open Intersections 62 Roundabouts 63 Limited Access Highways 63 Move Over Law 65 Parking 65 Passing ....................................................................... .............................................................. ............................................................. ..................................................................... .............................................................. ....................................................................... .................................................... ............... ....................................................................... 67 Right-of-Way 68 Speed Limits 68 Stopping 68 Traffic Lanes 68 Turning 69 Three-Point Turns 70 8. SPECIAL DRIVING SITUATIONS 71 Animals 71 Low Visibility ............................................................. ............................................................................. .............................................................. ...................... ..................................................... ....................... 71 Rain 72 Night Driving 72 9. HANDLING EMERGENCIES 75 Defensive Driving 75 Interacting with Law Enforcement 75 Your Responsibilities After a Crash ....................... ...................................................... ...................................................................... ......................................................... .............................................. ................................. ............................ 77 Stay at the Scene 77 First Aid 77 Treat For Shock 78 Emergency Scenarios 78 Avoiding Rear-End Collisions 78 Breakdowns/Disabled Vehicles 78 Emergency Braking.................................................. ............................................................................... .................................................. ......................................................... ........................................................... .................................... .......................................... ..................................... .................................................. 78 Fire 79 Jammed Gas Pedal 79 Overcorrection 79 Power Outage 79 Right Wheels Off Pavement 79 Skidding/Hydroplaning 79 Stalled on Railroad Tracks 79 Submerged Vehicle 80 Tire Blowout .............................................................. ........................ ................................................................. .............................. ..................................................................... ................................... ................................................. ................................................ ................................................................... 80 Vehicle Approaching in Your Lane 80 Wet Brakes 80 10. SHARING THE ROAD 81 Bicyclists 81 Commercial Motor Vehicles 82 Emergency Vehicles 84 Funeral Processions 84 Golf Carts 84 Low-Speed Vehicles ................................................ ....................................... ............................................................... ................................................... .............................................. ........................................... ............................................................ 85 Motorcycles and Mopeds 85 Pedestrians 87 Rules for Motorists 88 Rules for Pedestrians 88 Pedestrian Safety Tips 88 Public Transit 88 School Buses............................................................. ...................................................... .............................................. ..... 89 School Crossings 89 Slow Moving Vehicles 89 11. STUDY GUIDE FOR KNOWLEDGE EXAM 91 vi ©2023 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Welcome Florida Motorist, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides the Official Florida Driver License Handbook to educate and encourage you to safely learn the rules of the road and become a confident and responsible driver. When you are behind the wheel, you should be knowledgeable of traffic laws and how to safely operate your vehicle without distraction or impair- ment. Florida's population includes residents and tourists who travel on state roadways; you must always exercise caution and pay attention to your actions, those of other drivers, and the roadway itself. Every day in Florida over 1,000 crashes occur, many of which are preventable. You are responsible for taking driving seriously, understanding that your choices before and while behind the wheel affect everyone on the roadway. Impaired, drowsy, speeding, aggressive, and distracted driving are behaviors that most significantly contribute to crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries. Before you decide to drive, you should be free of alcohol, drug, or prescription pill impairment, calm and focused. Responsible driving keeps everyone safe. Once licensed, you have the freedom to explore all that Florida has to offer. Our roadways will take you from the beaches in the South to the canopied roads of North Florida. Please remember while enjoying the state to take your safety and that of others seriously by obeying traffic laws and committing to only operate your vehicle free of distraction, impairment or reckless behavior. Dave Kerner Executive Director Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles IMPORTANT INFO FOR MINOR DRIVERS LEARNER’S LICENSE ◆ Always drive accompanied by a licensed driver, age 21+, who rides in the closest seat to the right of the driver. ◆ Must only drive during daylight hours during the first three months. After three months, may drive until 10 pm. ◆ Must have at least 50 hours of driving experience prior to getting driver license, and 10 hours should be at night. AGE 16 WITH DRIVER LICENSE May drive from 6 am to 11 pm unless driving to or from work OR accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21+. AGE 17 WITH DRIVER LICENSE May drive from 5 am to 1 am unless driving to or from work OR accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21+. DRIVING RECORD POINTS Drivers under the age of 18 who accumulate six or more points within a 12-month period are automatically restricted to driving for “Business Purposes ONLY” for one year. REMEMBER... Always carry your driver license with you when driving, and always have proof of vehicle registration and insurance with you in the vehicle you are driving. The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 08/2023 3 DRIVER LICENSES & ID CARDS Definitions Resident: A person who has his or her principal place of domicile in Florida for a period of more than six consecutive months; has registered to vote; has made a statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, Florida Statutes (FS); or has filed for homestead exemption on property in this state. Immigrant: A “Permanent Resident Alien” who is admitted to the United States (US) as a lawful permanent resident. Immigrants are legally accorded the privilege of resid- ing permanently in the US and are issued immigrant visas or adjusted to permanent resident status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Non-Immigrant: An alien who seeks temporary entry to the US for a specific purpose and who has declared the intention to stay only for a temporary period of time. US Citizen: A person born in the US, its territories, Naturalized, or one who has obtained a Certificate of Citizenship from the US Department of State. Who Needs a Florida License to Drive? If you are a Florida resident, you must get a Florida driver license to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. A non-resident (except a migrant or seasonal farm worker) who accepts employment or engages in a trade, profession or occupation in this state, or enrolls their child in a Florida public school must get a Florida driver license within 30 days in order to operate a motor vehicle. Exceptions for the Florida Driver License You do not have to get a Florida driver license to drive in Florida if you are a non-resi- dent who is at least 16 years old and have: ◆ a valid non-commercial driver license from another state or territory of the US; or ◆ an International Driving Permit from your country of residence accompanied by a valid driver license from that country. The following individuals are also exempt if they hold a valid driver license from their state/country: ◆ US government employee driving a non-commercial US government motor vehicle on official business. ◆ Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for the US government and driving a non-commercial vehicle. (This exemption is only for 60 days.) ◆ Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida, their spouses and dependents. ◆ A licensed driver who lives in another state and travels regularly between home and work in Florida.