To get your first Florida license you pass three things: a vision and hearing screening, the 50-question Class E Knowledge Exam, and a Driving Skills Test in your own car. Knowing the standards ahead of time avoids surprises.
The exam checks that you:
- Understand road signs, traffic signals and markings
- Know Florida driving laws
- Meet minimum vision standards
- Have the knowledge, skills and experience to drive safely
- Have no physical or mental condition that would keep you from driving safely
Know the rule
Exams are given at state driver license service centers, through DELAP driver education programs, and by authorized third-party providers. Students under 18 may take the knowledge exam online.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Vision standards
| Your vision | Result |
|---|---|
| 20/40 or better in each eye | Passes with no referral |
| 20/50 or worse in either eye | Referred to an eye specialist |
| 20/70 in either or both eyes | May pass after referral if worst eye beats 20/200 |
| One eye blind or 20/200 or worse | Other eye must be 20/40 or better |
| Field of vision | At least 130 degrees |
Know the rule
If you need glasses or contacts to pass the vision test, you must wear them when you drive. Florida doesn't accept telescopic lenses for meeting the vision standard.
Handbook p. 27 ↗Multiple-choice questions on the Class E Knowledge Exam: traffic laws, safe driving and traffic controls
Handbook p. 28 ↗No driving test if the examiner finds:
- A defective horn, mirror, turn signals, steering, brakes, tires, brake lights or taillights
- No windshield wiper on the driver's side, or no working headlights when visibility is reduced
- Cracked or broken glass that blocks your view, or an expired tag
- No doors, or front doors that don't open from both inside and outside
- Seats that aren't fixed in place, or a vehicle where you can't give hand signals
- Bumpers that are the wrong height, or the car is a low-speed vehicle
Know the rule
No other passengers may ride along during the skills test, unless a language interpreter is needed.
Handbook p. 28 ↗Driving test maneuvers with numbers
| Maneuver | Standard |
|---|---|
| Backing up | 50 feet, slowly, looking to the rear (no mirror/camera) |
| Following distance | At least 3 to 4 seconds |
| Signal and turn | Signal for the last 100 feet |
| Three-point turn | Turn around in a 20–40 foot space |
You will also be tested on:
- Approaching a crossing, obeying stop signs and traffic signals, and right-of-way
- Parking on a grade (uphill and downhill, with and without a curb) and straight-in parking
- Passing, staying in the proper lane, and a quick stop when told
- Posture: both hands on the wheel, and no elbow resting in the window
Know the rule
If you fail the skills test, you must study or practice before you retest. If you pass, the examiner collects the fee and issues your license.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Put it into practice
During the skills test the examiner asks you to back up. Turn and look through the rear window and back slowly about 50 feet. Using the rear-view camera or mirror instead would count against you.