Determine which tests your application requires
The FLHSMV licensing requirements call for knowledge, vision and hearing testing for a learner's license, followed by a driving skills test for the teen Class E upgrade.
The department's document FAQ says a valid outside-state license can generally be exchanged without written or driving examinations. Vision testing still applies, and other testing may be required when safety-related issues warrant it. A transfer applicant should check that pathway rather than automatically booking a first-driver exam package.
Use the Florida license application guide for eligibility, the learner's license guide for first issuance, or the CDL guide for commercial examinations.
English-only testing began February 6, 2026
FLHSMV's January 30, 2026 testing announcement states that, beginning February 6, all driver license knowledge and skills examinations are administered in English. It applies to every license classification and orally administered exams. Language translation services are no longer permitted during knowledge or skills testing.
The posted 2023 driver handbook still contains a road-test interpreter exception. That wording predates the 2026 announcement. Use the newer announced policy when arranging the examination; a translated study resource does not mean a translated examination remains available.
The Class E knowledge exam
The Class E examination page describes 50 multiple-choice questions. They address Florida traffic laws, safe driving and identifying traffic controls. A passing result is 40 correct answers, or 80 percent.
Use the official handbook and practice resources linked on the department's teen and parent resource page. A practice test is preparation, not a recorded licensing examination.
The knowledge exam may be taken at a service center. Under-18 applicants can also use an authorized online testing provider, while participating high schools can administer it through DELAP. An adult should not assume the under-18 online option applies to them.
Select an approved testing provider
FLHSMV's Driver License Exams directory identifies providers and distinguishes knowledge-exam service from driving-skills service. Check the service listed for the provider you choose. Approval for one examination is not necessarily approval for both.
Arrange the examination with the chosen office or provider, confirm what the applicant must bring, and check any provider charge before booking. Keep the course, practice lessons and official examination separate when comparing what is included. The Florida driver training guide explains the different education and testing services.
Authorized third-party knowledge results are submitted electronically to FLHSMV and become available at driver license offices. The department says paper certificates are not needed for those test results. Identity documents and the required minor forms remain part of issuance.
Under-18 forms and education
The required forms page identifies HSMV 71144 for a minor's online knowledge test proctoring, HSMV 71142 for parental consent, and HSMV 71143 for certified driving experience when upgrading to the driver license. Signatures must follow the form's examiner-witness or notarization instructions.
Do not confuse education completion with the knowledge test. The department's DETS instructions require the six-hour course for covered under-18 first-time applicants from August 1, 2025. The general examination page still refers broadly to TLSAE; the newer age-specific DETS instructions identify the applicable course and school alternatives for minors.
Bring a suitable road-test vehicle
The Class E exam instructions require valid vehicle registration, proof of insurance and a basic safety inspection before the driving test. Problems with brakes, steering, tires, lights, signals, the horn or required mirrors can prevent testing. The examiner also checks other vehicle conditions listed on the official page.
The official driver handbook specifically identifies driver-side wipers, visibility-obstructing glass damage, door operation, secure seats and an expired tag among potential problems. A low-speed vehicle is not accepted for this examination. Check the vehicle before arriving, including whether the front doors open from inside and outside.
Use the vehicle's actual registration and insurance evidence. A test reservation does not excuse an expired tag or resolve missing proof. The exam page says other passengers are not permitted during the skills examination.
What to practice for the driving skills test
FLHSMV's published skills cover vehicle control and traffic decisions. The examination page includes a three-point turn within a 20- to 40-foot space, straight-in parking, parking on a grade, a quick controlled stop and backing 50 feet slowly while looking behind. It tells applicants not to rely on the rearview mirror or camera monitor for that backing task.
The handbook also describes checking directions when approaching crossings, stopping fully before the stop line or crosswalk, obeying traffic signals, yielding correctly, passing safely and maintaining a safe following distance. Its turning instruction requires getting into the correct lane and signaling for the final 100 feet before the turn.
Practice these as connected driving tasks with your qualified supervisor or instructor. A maneuver completed correctly in an empty space still needs proper observation, positioning and right-of-way decisions when performed in traffic.
Eligibility before the road test
For a teen upgrade, the licensing requirements include at least age 16, the required learner holding period, 50 driving hours including ten at night, and the qualifying moving-violation history. The driving experience is certified on HSMV 71143. See Florida teen license requirements for the complete progression.
The examiner or provider should have the information needed to confirm the applicant is eligible for that examination. Completing a skills test does not override an unmet holding period or an unresolved action on the driving record.
Retests and charges
The FLHSMV fee schedule, checked October 16, 2026, lists $10 for a knowledge retest and $20 for a skills retest. It also lists $48 for an original Class E credential, including a learner's license, and notes that a $6.25 tax collector credential service fee may apply. The schedule does not provide a new effective date for these amounts.
A passing third-party result can be selected for an office retest. The teen testing FAQ says the random mandatory retest has no fee initially; if the applicant fails it, the next attempt carries the applicable retest fee.
After a failed driving test, the examiner explains the errors and FLHSMV directs the customer to study or practice before returning. Use that feedback to identify the skill needing work before arranging another attempt.
After you pass
Complete issuance with the required application documents. An outside test provider's passing result is not the driver license itself. The teen FAQ directs successful learner upgrades to a service center with the experience certification and any required identity documents not already provided.
Until the new credential is issued, continue following the restrictions on the credential you actually hold. A learner's passing road-test result does not by itself authorize unsupervised driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many knowledge questions must I answer correctly?
At least 40 of the 50 questions, for an 80-percent passing score.
Are Florida license examinations still offered in other languages?
FLHSMV announced English-only knowledge and skills testing, including oral examinations, effective February 6, 2026, without language translation services.
Can an adult take the knowledge exam through the under-18 online option?
The published online option is for applicants under 18. Adults should arrange an appropriate in-person examination.
Can a vehicle problem stop my road test before it begins?
Yes. The vehicle must have registration, insurance evidence and pass the examiner's safety inspection.
Can Florida retest me after I passed with an approved provider?
Yes. FLHSMV can select third-party passers for a mandatory office retest before issuance.
Does passing the driving test immediately let a learner drive alone?
No. Complete license issuance first. Continue obeying the learner credential's restrictions until the appropriate driver license is issued.