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Parent/Guardian Checklist for Learner License Applicants

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

  • Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) is required to be completed prior to obtaining a first-time Learner License. (If completing Driver's Ed, TLSAE is included.) This course is not offered by the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office. 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. 

*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)

4. Preparing for Your Visit

 An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions. Complete the application online (or scan the QR code) at taxcollector.com prior to your appointment.


AND

 Schedule an appointment online at taxcollector.com for one of the following services (whichever is applicable):
  • Written Testing - Learner License & Commercial - if needing to complete the Written Test in office
  • First-Time Learner License (Written Test Complete) - if the Written Test was completed through a third party provider
AND

 You (or another responsible adult) must be present with valid identification at the appointment to take financial responsibility of the minor driver as imposed by F.S. 322.09. If you (or another responsible adult) cannot be present, the following forms must be completed and presented at the appointment:
 
  • HSMV 71144 (if the Written Test was completed online) AND
AND

 A vision and hearing exam will be conducted during the appointment. If your child needs glasses or contact lenses for distance vision, they must be available at their appointment.
 
AND

 

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

5. Estimate of Fees

We accept 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 the transaction:

  •  Service Fee: $6.25*
  •  Learner License: $48.00*
*Fees may be collected separately. Please be prepared to pay multiple times. 

Note: Additional fees may be due if written exams are completed in office.

 
Signature of Parent/Guardian                                                                Date