Florida Driver Licenses & ID Cards - Vocabulary Flashcards

A concise vocabulary-style set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the Florida Driver Handbook sections on licenses, identification, inspections, safety, and traffic rules.

Resident

A person who has his or her principal place of domicile in Florida for more than six consecutive months and meets criteria such as voter registration or homestead exemption; subsumes those who qualify as Florida residents for licensing purposes.

Immigrant

A Permanent Resident Alien who is admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident; issued immigrant visas or adjusted to permanent resident status by USCIS.

Non-Immigrant

An alien seeking temporary entry to the US for a specific purpose who intends to stay only for a temporary period.

US Citizen

A person born in the US or its territories, naturalized, or who has obtained US Citizenship through a Certificate of Citizenship.

Exceptions for the Florida Driver License

Special non-resident scenarios where a Florida license may not be required for driving, including certain youth, international permits, federal employees, armed forces, and college students under specific conditions.

Reciprocity (Class E)

Waiver of the Class E knowledge and driving skills exams if you present a valid license from certain jurisdictions (US states/territories, US military, Canada, France, Germany (skills test only), Taiwan, South Korea); vision exam still required.

Class E (Non-Commercial)

A license class allowing operation of non-commercial vehicles with GVWR under 26,001 pounds.

Motorcycle Endorsement

A requirement to operate motorcycles, either as an add-on endorsement or a separate license; necessary for engine sizes above 50 cc.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A/B/C

Licenses to operate commercial vehicles; Class A/B/C cover various GVWRs, tractor-trailer combinations, and vehicles requiring special handling or hazardous materials endorsements.

Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Federal requirement for certain CDL holders; includes background checks and fingerprinting.

Primary Identification (Step 1)

Original or certified documents proving identity (for US citizens, immigrants, Canadians, and non-immigrants) required to obtain a Florida driver license or ID.

Documents for US Citizens (Step 1)

Examples include certified US birth certificate, valid US passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.

Documents for Immigrants (Step 1)

Examples include valid Alien Registration receipt card (Green Card), I-551 stamp in passport, asylum-related forms (I-797, etc.) with A-number.

Documents for Canadian Citizens (Step 1)

Valid Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate, Canadian Naturalization Certificate, or Canadian Citizenship Certificate.

Non-Immigrants (Step 1)

Documents such as a valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card or Form I-94 with non-immigrant status and passport.

Step 2: Social Security or Secondary Identification

Florida law requires SSN collection; applicants must present SSN documents or acceptable secondary identifications.

Social Security Documents (Step 2)

Original or certified SSN documents such as Social Security card, W-2, pay stub with SSN, 1099, or Military ID.

Secondary Identification (Step 3)

Additional documents used when an SSN is not issued; examples include driver license from another state, school records, birth certificates, etc.

Proof of Residential Address (Step 3)

Two documents showing Florida residential address are required (e.g., deed, Florida Voter Registration, utility bill, mortgage statement).

Name Change Documentation

If your name has changed, you must present a linking document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) to connect primary ID with the license.

TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education)

Course required for applicants who have never held a driver license or do not have one in possession before applying for a Florida license.

Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) Course

Optional or mandated course for certain traffic violations; provides credit toward penalty reduction in some cases.

Advanced Driver Improvement (ADI) Course

Course required to reinstate driving privileges after certain suspensions or for habitual violators; includes behind-the-wheel training.

Licensed DUI Programs

Programs you may be required to complete if your license is suspended for DUI or related offenses.

Vision Screening Standards

Florida requires a vision standard such as 20/40 in each eye (with or without correction) and a defined field of vision; a worse outcome may trigger referrals.

Class E Knowledge Exam

A 50-question exam covering Florida traffic laws, safe driving, and traffic controls; required for original Florida licenses.

Driving Skills Test

Practical behind-the-wheel test; requires a vehicle that meets safety standards and displays valid registration and insurance.

Traffic Sign Colors

Colors convey meaning: Red (stop/Do Not Enter), Orange (construction), Yellow (warning), Green (direction), Blue (services), White/Black (regulatory), Brown (recreation/cultural).

Regulatory Signs

Signs that control traffic (Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter, No U-Turn, Speed Limit, etc.).

Warning Signs

Yellow diamond signs alerting to conditions ahead (Curve, Merging Traffic, Yield Ahead, etc.).

Pavement Markings

Lines and symbols guiding lane use and passing; e.g., broken white line, solid white line, double yellow lines.

Move Over Law

Law requiring drivers to vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency or enforcement vehicles or slow down significantly when unable to move over.

Sharing the Road

Rules for bicyclists, CMVs, motorcycles, pedestrians; emphasize no zones for CMVs and safe passing distances.

Bicyclists’ Rules

Bicyclists have rights and duties; must use lights at night; wear helmets under 16; yield to pedestrians; ride with traffic or as appropriate.

Motorcyclists’ Rights

Motorcyclists have the same rights and duties as motor vehicle drivers; drivers should treat motorcycles as vehicles and avoid sharing lanes illegally.

Pedestrian Rules

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks; pedestrians must yield to vehicles when not in crosswalk; use crosswalks and look both ways.

School Bus Laws

All drivers must stop for school buses loading or unloading on two-way streets; divided highways may exempt opposite-direction traffic if barriers exist.

Traffic Crashes - Handling Emergencies

If involved in a crash: stop, call 911, exchange information, photograph scene, and file reports as required.

Implied Consent Law

By obtaining a driver license, you consent to chemical testing if lawfully requested by law enforcement for suspected impairment.

DUI Penalties (First Offense)

Fine, possible jail time, license revocation, DUI school, and interlock device requirements.

DUI Penalties (Second/Third Offenses)

Increasing fines, longer imprisonment, longer license revocation, extended interlock requirements.

Zero Tolerance (Under 21)

Any BAL of 0.02 or higher suspends driving privileges; higher BAL may require education courses.

No-Fault Insurance (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection; mandatory minimum benefits to cover injuries in crashes; required for vehicle registration.

PDL Insurance

Property Damage Liability; covers damage to others’ property in a crash; required with PIP.

Financial Responsibility Certificate

Document proving financial responsibility after a crash; can be obtained from FLHSMV.

Suspension vs. Revocation vs. Cancellation

Suspension: temporary withdrawal of driving privileges; Revocation: termination of license; Cancellation: license void/issued in error.

License Renewal Requirements

For Class E: vision test, old license, address/name updates, and in-person renewal for non-immigrants or those with changes.

Online Renewal (MyDMVPortal)

Renewal of license online for eligible US citizens or permanent residents; other restrictions may apply.

Driver License/ID Card Replacement

Process to replace lost/stolen cards; police report may waive replacement fee in some cases.

Driver License Fees

Fees for initial license, learner’s license, renewals, replacements; additional delinquent charges may apply.

Portion of Vehicle Insurance Proof

Always carry proof of insurance; lack can lead to suspension or penalties; insurer issues an ID card.

Seat Belts & Child Safety Seats

All occupants must wear seat belts; specific ages require appropriate child restraints; penalties for noncompliance.

Littering Penalties

Littering from a vehicle is a crime with fines and possible community service; higher penalties for larger amounts.

Open Intersections

Intersections without traffic control require yielding right-of-way to vehicles already in the intersection.

Right-of-Way Rules

Determines who goes first in different situations; typically first to arrive goes first; yield to the right in many cases.

Staying in Lane & Passing Rules

Stay in your lane; pass safely on the left; no passing on solid lines or in no-passing zones; complete pass before returning.

Blind Spots

Areas not visible in mirrors; check by turning head before changing lanes or turning.

Overtaking/Passing Restrictions

Do not pass on curves, hills, solid lines, or near intersections or school buses with active signals.

Emergency Vehicle Rules

Yield to emergency vehicles displaying lights or sirens; pull over to the side and stop.

Driving at Night

Use headlights; avoid glare from oncoming vehicles; adjust speed to lighting conditions.

New Driver Education (DELAP)

Driver Education Licensing Assistance Programs; some drivers test through DELAP courses.

Vehicle Equipment Standards

Brakes, headlights, taillights, tires, mirrors, windshield, and other equipment must meet standards.

Vehicle Registration & Title

Florida registration and title process; proof of insurance and ownership required; VIN verification rules.

Limited Access Highways

Expressways/freeways with no stop signs or traffic signals; entry/exit ramps use controlled merging.

Roundabouts

Circular intersections; yield to traffic already in the roundabout; signaling on exit; lane choice rules.

Bike Lanes & Bike Safety

Bike lanes exist on many roads; bicyclists have rights and duties; motorists must yield and not drive in bike lanes.

Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) - No Zone

CMVs have large blind spots; stay out of no zones; pass on the left and do not linger in blind spots.

Road Hazards (Hydroplaning)

Loss of traction on wet roads; increase following distance and slow down; proper braking technique.

Emergency Contact Information (ECI)

Register emergency contacts with FLHSMV for law enforcement to access in emergencies.

Vehicle Safety Checks (Pre-Drive)

Inspect brakes, lights, tires, and windows; adjust seat and mirrors; secure doors and belts.

Public Transit Right-of-Way

Yield to buses reentering traffic from designated pullouts.

Young Driver Curfews (Minors)

Various time restrictions for learner’s licenses and junior licenses to limit night driving.

Parking Distances

Legal distance requirements when parking to avoid hazards or blocking traffic; curb positioning guidance.

Driver Stop Procedures

Correct steps when stopped by law enforcement: signal, stay in vehicle, keep hands visible, comply with instructions.

Riding with Passengers (Seat Belts)

Minimum safety requirements for passengers; ensure all occupants wear seat belts where required.

Traffic Signal Malfunction (Power Outage)

Treat intersection as a four-way stop when signals are out or not functioning.