If your Driving Skills Road Test is halted due to a failed vehicle inspection or missing documents, you may schedule a same-day appointment, subject to availability. To proceed, ensure your vehicle passes inspection or bring another vehicle that meets the requirements, along with all necessary documents.
- Make your appointment through our online appointment system (https://info.taxcollector.com/appointment-landing-page).
- Watch our road test videos at our YouTube channel, (https://www.youtube.com/@ManateeTax).
Road test videos are also available in Spanish, Creole, and Mandarin.
Failed Vehicle Inspection
In accordance with Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes, the vehicle must pass the safety inspection before being permitted to demonstrate skills ability. The skills exam will not be given if the skills exam inspection finds:
- The horn, rearview mirror, directional signals on trucks, steering wheel, footbrake, tires, brake lights, or taillights are defective or inoperable.
- No windshield wipers on the driver’s side of the vehicle when raining.
- No operable headlights when visibility is reduced to 1,000 ft. or less due to rain, fog, smoke, or other dangers.
- Glass hinders visibility.
- The license plate is expired.
- The vehicle is not equipped with doors.
- Front doors (neither one) do not open from the inside or outside.
- Vehicle does not have stationary seats.
- Vehicle does not permit the driver to give proper hand signals due to a blocked or inoperative window when hand signals are required.
- Jeep type vehicles without framed canvas or metal doors held by hinges and door latch. The doors must be secured to contain the driver/passenger if they are thrown against the door.
- Vehicle does not meet the bumper height requirements outlined in section 316.251, Florida Statutes.
- A vehicle is a low-speed vehicle.
- Gas gauge light displaying (E) empty.
Please refer to the Official Florida Driver License Handbook (https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/handbooks-manuals) for vehicle requirements.
The Manatee County Tax Collector’s Office is not liable if you are stopped by law enforcement for vehicle any equipment violations.
Invalid Documentation
Before the skills exam can be administered, customers are required to show proof of insurance and present valid vehicle registration for the vehicle they intend to use for testing. The vehicle must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP)/Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance, pursuant to section 627.733, Florida Statutes. The license plate and registration must be current. The driving skills road test was not administered because of the following:
- Your proof of Florida or out-of-state insurance coverage was expired or not available.
- The registration was expired.
Driving Test After Hours and on Weekends
For information on taking the Class E Road Test through a 3rd party provider visit Driving School of Florida (https://www.drivingschoolfl.com) located at 345 6th Ave W, Suite 10, Bradenton, FL 34205.
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 9am-6pm
- Email Driving School of Florida (plumm.melanie@gmail.com) or call them at 941-926-9650
For a full list of private providers, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website (https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-exams/).