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First Time Learner License

You must be at least 15 years old or older and must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for a Learner License. 

Step 1. Take and Pass Required Testing

You must take and pass the following exams.  We recommend that you study the handbook prior to taking any exams.

  • Class E General Knowledge (50 questions) – This exam consists of 45 road rules and 5 road signs. You may take it through a 3rd party provider online at https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/driver-license-exams/, during Driver’s Ed at your high school, or at the Driver License Branch. If taken online, form HSMV 71144 is required for minors if the parent, guardian, or other responsible adult is not present during the issuance process. If taken in office, read over the Written Exam Information sheet prior to scheduling an appointment to attempt the exam. The Written Exam is offered only at the Driver License Branch – 904 301 Blvd W, Bradenton FL.

Note: Per F.S. 322.56(3)(b) and (e), a customer who takes (and passes) the Class E General Knowledge Written Exam through a 3rd party provider (or Driver's Ed) may be randomly selected for a mandatory re-test without prior notice. After a re-test with a passing score is completed in a driver license or tax collector office, the learner license will be issued. A failed mandatory re-test will require a re-exam fee be collected at the next exam attempt.

Step 2. Proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence (Identity) – Bring One

Bring one of the following documents for proof of your citizenship or legal presence (identity) unless you have previously been issued a Real ID compliant Florida issued ID card:

  • Unexpired US Passport
  • Original or Certified US Birth Certificate (must be government issued)
  • US Naturalization Certificate
  • INS (USCIS) Documentation (must have at least 61 days remaining until the expiration date) – if presenting INS documentation, you must schedule your appointment for the Driver License Branch – 904 301 Blvd W, Bradenton FL
  • No Proof Available/No Proof of Legal Presence – Florida does not issue driver licenses/ID cards in this case; you must submit a proof of your identity 

Step 3. Proof of Name Change (if applicable) – Bring ALL

If your current name is different than the name as listed on your proof of citizenship/legal presence, bring all that apply for proof of your legal name change (if applicable):

  • Original or Certified Marriage License/Certificate (must be government issued – cannot be issued by a church)
  • Divorce Decree
  • Court Order

Note: You must report any name change to Social Security at least 48 hours before visiting our office so that your name verifies in the State driver license system and the Social Security Administration’s database. 

Step 4. Proof of Social Security Number – Bring One

Sections 322.051 and 322.08, Florida Statutes, require customers to present proof of social security number (SSN). Proof must list full name and full SSN. Bring one of the following documents for proof of your SSN: 

  • Social Security Card or Stub
  • W-2/1099 Form (pre-printed)
  • Pay Stub
  • L-676 Form (# never issued)
  • Military ID card 

Step 5. Proof of Residential Address – Bring Two

Bring two physical documents for proof of your residential address – it cannot be a PO Box. The documents must show your name and your residential address.

  • Current Florida Car, Boat or Mobile Home Registration or Title 
  • Manatee County Property Tax Bill - obtain here (https://secure.taxcollector.com/ptaxweb)
  • Manatee County Voter Registration Information - obtain here (votemanatee.com/Voter-Information/Voter-Status-Information-Check-Your-Registration-Status) 
  • Deed, Mortgage Statement, or Rental/Lease Agreement 
  • Selective Service Card 
  • Current Homeowner's or Automobile insurance policy/bill 
  • Most recent W-2 or 1099
  • Utility bills (such as water, gas, electric, cell phone, cable)*
  • Automobile payment booklet*
  • Medical/Health card or medical bill* 
  • Paycheck stub*
  • Financial statements (such as bank, credit cards, investment accounts)* 
  • Documents issued by Federal, State, County or City Government Agencies*

*must be dated within the last 60 days

If you are unable to provide two (2) proofs of residential address in your name as outlined above, you must comply with one of the following options in order to establish proof of residence:

Option 1:

Customers unable to provide proof of residential address in their name (as outlined above) may have the person they reside with complete a Certification of Address form (English - flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71120.pdf / Spanish - flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71120sp.pdf) along with providing two proof of address documents as outlined on the form. The person the customer lives with must be present at the appointment OR must sign the Certification of Address form in the presence of a notary. 

Option 2:

Customers who are homeless and reside in an agency where housing services are provided (such as a homeless shelter or probation home) may provide the following:

  • a letter from an authorized Manatee County homeless shelter, transitional service provider or half-way house verifying the customers resides at the agency's address (must be dated within the last 60 days) AND
  • Section A of the Certification of Address form Certification of Address form (English - flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71120.pdf / Spanish - flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/71120sp.pdf) completed by the customer, self-certifying their residential address. 

Option 3:

Customers under the age of 18 may present two proofs of residential address as outlined above in their parent or guardian's name. Proof of relationship (such as birth certificate, military dependent ID card, etc.) is required.

Step 6. Visit Our Office to Obtain Your Learner License

An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions! To complete your driver license or ID card transaction at one of our branches, you must complete the Online Driver License & ID Card Application (https://taxcollector.jotform.com/210103795736152) – or scan the QR code to access the application – prior to your appointment. Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.  

Schedule an appointment online at taxcollector.com.  We only serve Manatee County residents. 

 Your parent, guardian, or another responsible adult must be present with their identification to give their parental consent.  This person must be willing to assume the obligation imposed by s. 322.09 F.S. and they must verbally certify that they assume joint responsibility with you for damages caused by negligence or willful misconduct.  If such person cannot be present for whatever reason, they must complete Form HSMV 71142 and this form must be turned in with your application for a Learner License. (See below for additional information regarding parental consent.)

Exceptions for parental consent:

  • If married or legally emancipated, you do not need parental consent to apply for a Learner License. You must submit an original/certified copy of your marriage certificate or “Emancipation of Minor Child” court order.
  • If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need parental consent to apply for a Learner License.

You will be required to take a photo per F.S. 322.142. 

Take and pass a Vision and Hearing exam – These exams are administered in our office. (Be prepared with your corrective lenses if needed for distance.) 

Learner License Driving Restrictions and Information

  • You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age or older at all times.
  • You may operate a vehicle only during daylight hours during the first three months of issue.
  • After three months, you may operate a vehicle until 10:00pm.
  • You are not allowed to operate motorcycles, mopeds or go-peds.
  • To upgrade to an intermediate license, you must have held your learner license for at least one year, conviction-free, and you need at least 50 hours of driving time (10 hours of which are nighttime driving).* 

These requirements apply to all Learner License holders, regardless of age.
 
*If 18 years of age or older, you have the option of completing the Learner License requirements and upgrading it to a Class E License without first being issued a Learner License.  If you opt to do so, it must be completed in two steps. You would first be required to pass all written exams after which you would be able to schedule an appointment on taxcollector.com to take the Driving Skills Road Test. 

Parental Consent Information

  • You can monitor your minor’s driving record 24/7 online – or scan the QR code to access the site.
  • If you signed for parental consent on or after May 1st, 2021, and you wish to withdraw your consent from one or more minors, you can do so online – or scan the QR code to access the site. Note: If you choose to withdraw parental consent, a cancellation will be added to the minor’s driver record until the age of 18 or until a new consent form is filed with the FLHSMV.

Acceptable Methods of Payment and Estimated Fees

Our office accepts cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit cards and a 2.5% processing fee (minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.

Estimate of fees for your original Florida Learner License:
 
Service Fee                        $6.25           
Learner License                 $48.00
Written Exam Re-Take       $10.00 (each)

 

Not a Manatee County Resident? Our offices are open by appointment only for Manatee County residents/businesses only.  All out-of-county residents must visit their home county for information and processing.  To find a location, visit flhsmv.gov/locations.