Florida Driver License Handbook: Class E, Exams, Insurance and DUI

[License] What documents should you carry when driving?

Your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of valid insurance. Electronic proof of insurance on a smartphone is acceptable. (pp. 1, 23, 37)

[License] What vehicles does a Class E license generally cover?

Non-commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) below 26,001 pounds. (p. 4)

[License] When is a commercial driver license (CDL) required?

For the listed heavy vehicles or combinations rated 26,001+ pounds; vehicles designed for 16+ people including the driver; or vehicles requiring hazardous-material placards or carrying specified select agents/toxins. Combination rules include a trailer rated 10,001+ pounds. (p. 4)

[License] What is the minimum age for a learner's license, and which tests are required?

Age 15; pass the vision and Class E Knowledge exams and complete the required TLSAE course. (p. 8)

[License] What is the minimum age for a Class E driver license, and which exams are required?

Age 16; provide required identification, complete TLSAE when required, and pass vision, knowledge, and driving skills exams. (p. 8)

[License] What course must a first-time driver complete before applying for a learner's or driver license?

Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE). The handbook provides an exemption for successful completion of a certified DELAP driver's education course. (pp. 8, 17)

[License] How long must an applicant under 18 hold a learner's license?

12 months or until their 18th birthday, whichever comes first. (p. 8)

[License] How much practice must an applicant under 18 complete before obtaining a driver license?

At least 50 hours, including 10 at night, certified by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult age 21 or older. (p. 8)

[License] What driving-record requirement applies to an applicant under 18 moving from learner's to driver license?

No moving-violation convictions for 12 months from learner's-license issuance; one moving violation is allowed if adjudication is withheld. School attendance and parental-consent requirements also apply. (p. 8)

[License] Who must accompany a learner's-license driver?

A licensed driver age 21 or older in the closest seat to the driver's right. (p. 1)

[License] During what hours may a learner's-license holder drive?

Daylight only for the first 3 months; afterward, until 10 p.m. The accompanying-driver requirement still applies. (pp. 1, 25)

[License] What are the driving hours for a licensed 16-year-old?

6 a.m. to 11 p.m., unless driving to/from work or accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. (pp. 1, 25)

[License] What are the driving hours for a licensed 17-year-old?

5 a.m. to 1 a.m., unless driving to/from work or accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. (pp. 1, 25)

[License] Who normally signs an unmarried minor's license application, and what happens if consent is withdrawn?

A parent or legal guardian signs before a license agent or notary and accepts responsibility for the minor's driving. Withdrawal of consent cancels the license. (pp. 8-9)

[License] Must you disclose health conditions that could affect driving?

Yes. List physical or mental issues affecting driving on the application; FLHSMV may require a doctor's medical report before issuing a license. (p. 9)

[License] What identification categories are required for a Florida license or ID?

Primary identification; proof of Social Security number or applicable secondary identification; and two proofs of Florida residential address. Required documents must be originals or certified copies. (pp. 5-8)

[License] What are examples of primary identification for a U.S. citizen?

A certified government-issued U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport/passport card, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Hospital birth certificates are not accepted. (p. 5)

[License] What are examples of proof of Social Security number and residential address?

SSN: Social Security card, W-2, qualifying paycheck, issuer-printed 1099, or military ID. Address: examples include a lease/mortgage, utility bill, vehicle registration, or financial/government mail; two address documents are required. (pp. 6-8)

[License] What must you do after changing your address?

Obtain a new driver license within 30 calendar days and destroy the old license after receiving the new one. (p. 12)

[License] What documents support a name change on a license?

An original/certified government-issued marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order linking the names; update Social Security records too. Additional immigration/Canadian-document requirements may apply. (pp. 12-13)

[License] What should you do if your license or ID is lost or stolen?

Apply for a replacement immediately. For a stolen card, an in-person police report can waive the replacement fee if no card information changes. (p. 13)

[License] Can you hold both a Florida driver license and Florida ID card?

No. You must surrender your driver license to obtain the ID card. (p. 11)

[License] What does a corrective-lenses restriction require?

Wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive; violating a restriction can lead to a citation and suspension. (p. 10)

[License] How does Business Purposes Only differ from Employment Purposes Only?

Business Purposes includes driving needed for livelihood, work, education, church, and medical needs. Employment Purposes covers commuting and required on-the-job driving. (p. 10)

[License] When must a nonresident who accepts Florida employment or enrolls a child in Florida public school obtain a Florida license?

Within 30 days to operate a motor vehicle, subject to the handbook's listed exceptions. (p. 3)

[License] What are examples of nonresidents exempt from obtaining a Florida license?

Qualifying visiting licensed drivers age 16+, military members and families stationed in Florida, nonresident college students, interstate commuters, and qualifying migrant farm workers. Specific conditions apply. (pp. 3-4)

[License] What special renewal test applies to drivers age 80 or older?

They must pass a vision exam. A Florida licensed health care practitioner may perform it and submit the required report. (p. 14)

[Exam] What does the Class E Knowledge Exam cover, and how many questions does it have?

50 multiple-choice questions covering Florida traffic laws, safe driving practices, and identification of traffic controls. (p. 20)

[Exam] What vision generally meets the standard without specialist referral?

20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. The minimum acceptable field of vision is 130 degrees. (p. 19)

[Exam] What if one eye is blind or has vision of 20/200 or worse?

The other eye must be 20/40 or better, with or without corrective lenses. (p. 19)

[Exam] What must you provide for the driving skills test?

A safe vehicle with a valid license plate and insurance. Defective required equipment or other listed unsafe conditions prevent testing; a low-speed vehicle is not accepted. (p. 20)

[Exam] What maneuvers are included in the driving skills test?

Crossing approach, backing, safe following, obeying stop signs/signals, yielding, hill parking, passing, signaling/turning, lane use, quick safe stopping, straight-in parking, a three-point turn, and proper posture. (pp. 20-21)

[Exam] How must you back up during the driving skills test?

Back 50 feet slowly while looking to the rear; do not use the rear-view mirror or camera monitor for this maneuver. (p. 20)

[Exam] What space is specified for the driving-test three-point turn?

A 20-40 foot space. (p. 21)

[Insurance] What are the minimum coverages under Florida's No-Fault Law in this handbook?

$10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) AND $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL), from an insurer licensed in Florida, continuously maintained throughout registration. (p. 23)

[Insurance] What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover?

Your injuries in a crash regardless of who caused it. (p. 23)

[Insurance] What does Property Damage Liability (PDL) cover?

Damage you cause to other people's property. (p. 23)

[Insurance] When does the handbook's 90-day insurance rule apply?

If you own a motor vehicle that has been in Florida for 90 days, consecutive or not, during the last 365 days, you must comply with the insurance requirements. (p. 23)

[Insurance] What should you do before canceling insurance on a registered vehicle?

Turn in the license plate to avoid license suspension and reinstatement fees. Insurance must otherwise remain in effect throughout registration. (p. 23)

[Insurance] What can happen if you fail to provide proof of replacement insurance after cancellation?

Your driver license and license plate can be suspended for up to 3 years. (p. 23)

[Insurance] How do you lift a suspension for failure to maintain required insurance?

Obtain insurance and pay the applicable reinstatement fee, listed as $150-$500. No temporary license is available for this suspension, even for work. (p. 24)

[Insurance] What does the Financial Responsibility Law require after a crash you cause?

Proof that you can pay for damages you caused, through qualifying insurance or a Financial Responsibility Certificate. FLHSMV may require payment of damages before reinstatement. (p. 24)

[Insurance] What increased insurance coverage does the handbook require after a DUI conviction?

At least $100,000 bodily injury liability for one person, $300,000 for two or more people, and $50,000 PDL, for 3 years after conviction. (p. 24)

[Insurance] What higher coverage is listed for certain serious driving-record problems other than DUI?

$10,000 bodily injury liability for one person, $20,000 for two or more, and $10,000 PDL, OR a $30,000 combined single limit. Failure to prove required coverage can suspend license/plates for up to 3 years. (p. 24)

[DUI] When can you be charged with DUI?

When driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter medication. (p. 25)

[DUI] What blood/breath alcohol level triggers administrative suspension at arrest?

.08 or higher; refusing the required alcohol test also triggers suspension. (p. 25)

[DUI] What is implied consent?

By signing your driver license, you agree to blood, breath, or urine testing when an officer has reasonable cause to believe you are driving under the influence. (p. 25)

[DUI] What is the penalty for a first refusal of a required alcohol/drug test?

Automatic license suspension for 1 year. (p. 26)

[DUI] What is the penalty for a second refusal of a required alcohol/drug test?

An 18-month suspension and a first-degree misdemeanor. (p. 26)

[DUI] Can a blood test be required without consent after a serious DUI crash?

Yes. In DUI cases involving death or serious injury, a health professional may draw blood with or without consent, including when the person is unconscious. (p. 26)

[DUI] What does zero tolerance mean for drivers under 21?

A BAL of .02 or higher causes an automatic 6-month driving-privilege suspension. At .05 or higher, a substance-abuse course is required. (p. 26)

[DUI] What first-conviction DUI fine and jail limits are listed?

$500-$1,000 and up to 6 months in jail; with BAL .15+ or a minor in the vehicle, $1,000-$2,000 and up to 9 months. (p. 26)

[DUI] What other penalties are listed for a first DUI conviction?

50 community-service hours, up to 1 year probation, at least 180 days license revocation, 12-hour DUI school, addiction-treatment evaluation, and an ignition interlock if ordered; at least 6 months interlock for BAL .15+ or a minor passenger. (p. 26)

[DUI] What second-conviction DUI penalties does the handbook list?

$1,000-$2,000 fine ($2,000-$4,000 with BAL .15+ or a minor passenger), up to 9 months jail, at least 180 days revocation, 21-hour DUI school, evaluation, and at least 1 year ignition interlock. (p. 26)

[DUI] What third-conviction DUI penalties does the handbook list?

$2,000-$5,000 fine (at least $4,000 with BAL .15+ or a minor passenger), up to 12 months jail, at least 180 days revocation, 21-hour DUI school, evaluation, and at least 2 years ignition interlock. (p. 26)

[DUI] How long does a DUI conviction remain on your driving record?

75 years. (p. 35)

[Penalties] How many points in 12 months result in a 30-day suspension?

12 points. (p. 29)

[Penalties] How many points in 18 months result in a 3-month suspension?

18 points. (p. 29)

[Penalties] How many points in 36 months result in a 1-year suspension?

24 points. (p. 29)

[Penalties] What happens when a driver under 18 receives 6 points in 12 months?

Business Purposes Only restriction for 1 year; each additional point extends it by 90 days. (p. 29)

[Penalties] How many points are assigned for speeding 15 mph or less over the limit? What about 16 mph or more?

3 points for 15 mph or less over; 4 points for 16 mph or more over. (p. 30)

[Penalties] How many points are assigned for unlawful speed causing a crash or leaving a property-damage crash over $50?

6 points for either offense. (p. 30)

[Penalties] How many points are assigned for violating a traffic signal/sign/device, reckless driving, or passing a stopped school bus?

4 points for each. Passing a stopped school bus that results in serious injury or death is 6 points. (p. 30)

[Penalties] How many points are assigned for texting while driving or handheld-device use in designated school/work zones?

3 points. Texting in a school zone adds 3 points to the primary offense; texting resulting in a crash adds 6. (p. 30)

[Penalties] How many points are assigned for driving during restricted hours?

3 points. (p. 30)

[Penalties] Do out-of-state or federal-court convictions count toward Florida points?

Yes. The handbook assigns the same number of points. (p. 29)

[Penalties] What does suspension mean? What do revocation and cancellation mean?

Suspension: temporary withdrawal of driving privileges. Revocation: termination of driving privileges. Cancellation: license made void and terminated. (pp. 30-31)

[Penalties] What are examples of reasons for license suspension?

Too many points, test refusal, misuse of a restricted license, failure to pay/appear for a citation, failure to maintain insurance, failure to pay child support, and school-attendance noncompliance. (pp. 30-31)

[Penalties] What driving consequences does the handbook list for highway racing?

License revocation and required Basic Driver Improvement training. (pp. 17, 31)

[Penalties] What repeated offenses can result in revocation?

Three reckless-driving cases in 1 year, or three major offenses or 15 point-bearing offenses within 5 years. (p. 31)

[Penalties] What are reasons for license cancellation?

Issuance in error, false information/identification, or failure to complete required school. (p. 31)

[Penalties] What fines are listed for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 mph?

$1,000 for a first offense and $2,500 for a second. (p. 29)

[Penalties] Where are speeding fines doubled?

In school or construction zones; the signs section identifies active school/work zones. (pp. 29, 47)

[Penalties] What are the listed penalties for passing a stopped school bus?

A citation, Basic Driver Improvement course, 4 points, and at least $265; at least $465 if passing on the side children enter and exit. (p. 27)

[Penalties] What if illegally passing a school bus causes serious injury or death?

120 community-service hours at a trauma center/hospital, a victim-impact panel or driver-improvement course, 6 points, at least 1 year license suspension, and a $1,500 fine. (p. 27)

[Penalties] What does the handbook require after a third crash-causing traffic offense in 36 months?

Within 90 days: a 12-hour ADI course, 4 hours of behind-the-wheel training at a licensed commercial driving school, and an extended driving test. Failure results in cancellation. (p. 29)

[Courses] Why might an eligible driver elect Basic Driver Improvement after a noncriminal moving violation?

To avoid points when adjudication is withheld and receive an 18% reduction in the civil penalty. It may offer insurance benefits subject to the handbook's exceptions. (pp. 17-18)

[Courses] What limits apply to electing BDI instead of points?

Not for CDL holders, CMV violations, or speeding more than 30 mph over. No election within the previous 12 months and no more than 5 in a lifetime. Notify/pay the proper Clerk of Court within 30 days. (pp. 17-18)

[Courses] When is BDI required rather than optional?

Listed cases include an at-fault crash with hospital transport, two crashes in 2 years with damage over $500, and convictions for running a red light, passing a stopped school bus, racing, or reckless driving. (p. 17)

[Courses] When is Advanced Driver Improvement required for reinstatement?

For suspensions involving points, habitual traffic offender status other than DUI, or court order, as described in the handbook. (p. 18)

[Penalties] What are the handbook's littering penalties?

Up to 15 pounds: $100 fine. More than 15 pounds: first-degree misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine, and 3 points; roadside cleanup may also be required. (p. 27)

[Penalties] Who may use a disabled parking space?

A vehicle displaying an official disabled permit/plate and actually transporting the person with the disability who owns it. (pp. 25, 48)

[Penalties] What can happen for illegally obtaining or using another person's disabled parking permit?

Second-degree misdemeanor, $500 fine or up to 6 months jail; the vehicle may be towed and the permit confiscated. (p. 25)

[Penalties] Is it legal to lend your license or knowingly let an unlicensed person drive your car?

No. These and fraudulent applications, altered credentials, and knowingly false crash information can bring fines or jail. (p. 25)

[Driver] What are the three types of distraction?

Visual: eyes off the road. Manual: hands off the wheel. Cognitive: mind off driving. (p. 34)

[Driver] Why is texting especially dangerous, and is it allowed while driving?

It combines visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Florida prohibits texting while operating a motor vehicle. (p. 34)

[Driver] Where does the handbook prohibit handheld wireless-device use while operating a vehicle?

Designated school crossings, school zones, and work zones. (p. 34)

[Driver] What driving ability does alcohol affect first?

Judgment, before other effects such as impaired vision, slower reactions, and reduced concentration. (p. 35)

[Driver] Can an experienced driver safely drive after one alcoholic drink?

No. Even one drink can impair driving and increase crash risk. Use a sober designated driver or another safe ride. (p. 35)

[Driver] How can medication and alcohol interact?

They can multiply each other's effects. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving; check labels and ask a doctor/pharmacist. (p. 36)

[Driver] Why is drowsy driving dangerous?

It slows thinking and reactions, harms judgment and vision, impairs abilities, and can cause microsleep or falling asleep. (p. 35)

[Driver] How often should you take a break on a long trip, and what if you feel sleepy?

Every 100 miles or 2 hours. If sleepy, stop somewhere safe and nap; get adequate sleep beforehand and switch drivers when needed. (p. 35)

[Driver] How should you respond to an aggressive or threatening driver?

Stay calm, increase distance, slow down and let them pass; avoid eye contact and gestures. Call FHP (347) or 911 if help is needed. (p. 36)

[Driver] What should you do if strong emotions interfere with your attention?

Take time to calm down and focus before driving. Worry, anger, excitement, crying, or depression can distract you and alter your reactions. (p. 36)

[Driver] How can older drivers adapt to changes that affect driving?

Get medical/vision checks, review medications, maintain flexibility and strength, make appropriate vehicle adjustments, and avoid difficult conditions or high-risk driving times. (p. 33)

[Restraints] Who must wear a safety belt under the handbook's general rule?

All drivers, all front-seat passengers, and all passengers under 18. Listed exemptions apply. (p. 28)

[Restraints] Who receives the citation if a passenger under 18 is not properly restrained?

The driver. A passenger age 18 or older is responsible for their own belt violation when belt use is required. (p. 28)

[Restraints] What can happen in a crash without a safety belt?

You may be ejected, thrown into other occupants or the steering wheel/windshield, or displaced from the controls. Belts help prevent these outcomes. (p. 27)

[Restraints] How should you wear a safety belt, and do airbags replace it?

Wear the lap belt around the hips and shoulder belt across the chest, never tucked behind you. Airbags supplement belts; they do not replace them. (pp. 27, 39)

[Restraints] What child-restraint age requirements does this handbook actually state?

Children under 4: safety seat. Ages 4-5: safety seat or booster. It does not give a specific age cutoff between rear-facing and forward-facing seats in the explanatory text. (pp. 27-28; study question 13 on p. 91)