Parent/Guardian Checklist for Learner License Applicants

IMPORTANT! As of August 1, 2025, the testing requirements to obtain a first-time Learner License have changed. (See details below.)

Prior to your minor child scheduling their Learner License appointment at the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office, please ensure all items listed have been completed. Please have this signed form available to provide to the associate at the appointment. Refer to the First-Time Learner License publication  (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26712556450189) for additional details.

1. Pre-Requisites

• Your child must be at least 15 years old on or before the date of their appointment AND

•  Your child must be a US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident* or have a valid temporary status* with USCIS (https://helpcenter.taxcollector.com/hc/en-us/articles/26722192288269) AND

•  Your child must be a Manatee County Resident. If your child is a resident of another county, they must visit their home county for processing and/or testing. To find a location, visit flhsmv.gov/locations/.

*Legal Permanent Residents and individuals with a valid temporary status with USCIS must schedule their appointments for the Driver License Branch.

2. Testing Requirements

• *NEW* The Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course is required* to be completed prior to obtaining a first-time Learner License. (If completing Driver's Ed, DETS is included.) This course is not offered by the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office.

*Exception! If your child completed the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, it may be accepted in lieu of DETS as long as it was completed prior to August 1, 2025. TLSAE expires one year from the date of completion.

AND

• The Class E General Knowledge Written Exam (50 Questions - 45 road rules/5 road signs) is required to be completed. This exam is offered through Driver's Ed and by 3rd party providers*, as well at the Driver License Branch. Effective 2/6/2026, all driver license exams will be administered in English only.

*3rd party providers may charge fees for exams/courses.

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.

3. Real ID Compliance

Your child must become Real ID compliant. To do this, you must present proof of your child's:

•  Citizenship or legal presence (whichever applies) AND

•  Residential Address (two proofs)* AND

•  Social Security Number (SSN) AND

•  Name change (if applicable)

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

4. Preparing for Your Visit

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.  

Our office accepts cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards for in-person transactions. A $2.75 processing fee applies to debit card payments, and a 2.75% processing fee (minimum of $2.75) applies to credit card payments. Our office does not retain any portion of these fees.