The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues the following classes of licenses: Class A, B, C, D, and E.
Classes A, B, and C are for drivers of commercial motor vehicles such as large trucks and buses. Classes D and E are for drivers of non-commercial vehicles.
There is a separate manual entitled Commercial Driver License Manual for Truck and Bus Drivers. This manual is available at any driver license office. If you wish to drive a commercial motor vehicle as defined below, you must be properly tested and licensed to do so.

Who Needs One?

1. If you live in Florida and want to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways.
2. If you move to Florida and have a valid license from another state, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You are considered a resident of Florida if you:
   • enroll your children in public school, or
   • register to vote, or
   • file for a homestead exemption, or
   • accept employment, or
   • reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months.

Who Does Not Need One?

The following persons may drive in Florida without having a Florida driver license if they have a valid license from another state or country:

• Any non-resident who is at least 16 years old.
• Persons employed by the United States Government driving a United States Government motor vehicle on official business.
• Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for the United States Government. (This exemption is only for 60 days.)
• Any non-resident attending college in Florida.
• Persons who drive only vehicles like farm tractors or road machines temporarily on the highway may drive without a license.
• A licensed driver who lives in another state and travels regularly between his home and work in Florida.
• Non-resident migrant farm workers even though they are employed or place children in the public schools, providing they have a valid license from their home state.
• Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida and their dependents, with these exceptions:
  1. Service member or spouse claims homestead exemption (All drivers in family must obtain Florida licenses),
  2. Service member becomes employed (All drivers in family must obtain Florida licenses),
  3. Spouse becomes employed (Spouse and children who drive must obtain Florida licenses),
  4. Child becomes employed (Only employed child who drives must obtain Florida license).

Learner's Driver License

A person who holds a Learner's License must be accompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, who occupies the front passenger seat closest to the right of the driver. To be eligible for a Class E license, all drivers 15 years of age and under 18 years of age, must hold a Learner's License for at least 12 months without convictions or who has a conviction but elects to attend a traffic school for which adjudication must be withheld pursuant to section 318.14, Florida Statutes. Parents or legal guardians must also certify that the driver has 50 hours driving experience, 10 of these hours must include night time driving.

Drivers can only drive between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. the first three months from the original issue date when accompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years or older who occupies the front passenger seat. After the three months, drivers may operate a vehicle from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, who occupies the front passenger seat.  

   NOTE: A learner's driver license does not mean you can drive in other states. You will need to check the laws in each state.

Drivers with a Learner's License are ineligible for a motorcycle endorsement.

Requirements

• Be at least 15 years old.

• Pass vision, road signs and road rules tests.
• Have the signature of one parent (or guardian) on the consent form if under age 18.
• Completion of Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course.
• Two forms of identification (see Identifying Yourself.)
• Social Security Number.
• Must be in compliance with school attendance, if under 18.

The 2000 Florida Legislature amended section 322.05, Florida Statutes, changing the requirements to obtain a Class E license for a drier under the age of 18 holding a learner's license. The following requirements must be met in order to obtain a reular Class E license if a learner's license is issude on or after October 1,2000:
       
        - Must hold the learner's license for 12 months or until the 18th birthday.
        - Must have NO convictions 12 from the issue date of the Learner's license.
        - May have on traffic conviction within 12 months from the issue date of the learner's license, if adjudication is withheld.
        - A parent, legal guardian or responsible adult over 21 years old, must certify the the driver has 50 hours of driving experience, of which 10 hours must be at night.  

Parent's Consent for Minors 

If your are under 18 and are not married, your license application must be signed bye one parents or legal guardian. STEP-PARENTS MAY NOT SIGN FOR YOU UNLESS THEY HAVE LEGALLY ADOPTED YOU.
Proof of guardianship is required. The application must be signed in front of the examiner or a notary public. Whoever signs your application, agrees to take responsibility with you for your driving. If the signer decides not to accept the responsibility for your driving, your license will be cancelled. To cancel the license, the signer must write a letter to the department requesting to withdraw their consent for the minor driver. Include the complete name, date of birth and driver license number of the minor driver in the letter. 

    THE CONSENT FORM MUST BE NOTARIZED OR SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE EXAMINER. 

Identifying Yourself

State law requires identification, proof of date of birth and social security number from all customers before a driver license or identification card can be issued. Each application for an original(first-time) driver license or identification card MUST present one of the following as their primary identifcation document

PRIMARY IDENTIFICATION

1. United States birth certificate, including U.S. territories and District of Columbia.
2. Valid United States passport (not expired)
3. Alien Registration receipt card, (Green card, Form I-151)
4. Employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Justice (Form I688b)
5. Proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by United States Department of Justice (Form I94 or Certificate of Naturalization) (not expired)

In addition, a secondary document, is required, and may include, but is not limited to, the original or certified copy of on of the following:

SECONDARY IDENTIFICATION

6. School record stating date of birth, which must contain the registrar’s signature.
7. Transcript of the birth record filed with a public officer charged with the duty of recording certificates.
8. Baptism certificate, which shows date of birth and the place of baptism.
9. Family bible record or birth announcement in a baby book. 
10. An insurance policy on the customers life which has been in force for at least two years and which has the month, day and year of birth.
11. A military or military dependent identification card.
12. Florida or out-of-state driver license, valid or expired.
13. Florida license record or identification card record.
14. Selective Service Registration (Draft Card).
15. Florida Vehicle Registration certificate (HSMV 83399, owner’s copy) obtained from the tax collector’s office where the customer’s vehicle was registered, Florida, or out-of-state registration certificate, if name and date of birth are shown.
16. Florida and out-of-state non-driver identification cards (state issued).
17. Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance.
18. Immigration form I-571.
19. Federal form DD-214 (military record)
20. Marriage certificate
21. Court order, which includes legal name.
22. A Florida voter registration card which was issued at least three months previously.
23. Personal identification by an examiner or by a person well known to the examiner.
24. Social Security Card.
25. Parent Consent Form of minor, signed by the responsible adult.
26. Out-of-country passport, driver license, or identification card, government issued. 

If you have legally changed your name by marriage or court order, you must submit the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate or court order. 

No photocopies will be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority.

A secondary identification from the above list is required. The Social Security Number (if issued) MUST be included on the application for a driver's license or identification card.

Traffic Law and Substance Education
If you have never been issued a license in any jurisdiction (state or country),  you are required to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course before you will be issued a license.
Consult your local phone directory for locations in you area. 

Driver Education

Driver education courses can help you develop the skills you need to be a safe driver. You can obtain more information by referring to you local telephone directory under Driving Instruction or Traffic Schools.

Third Party Testing

Many Driver Education teachers assist the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) in licensing new drivers. Students who satisfactorily completely the DHSMV-approved Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) courses in participating public or private schools may receive DHSMV waiver certificates from their driver education teacher. These certificates, when presented to the local driver license office, will be used to replace the DHSMV written and/or driving tests for issuance of a Learner's driver license or Class E license. DHSMV may, however, test any student on a random basis before issuing a driver license. The waiver certificates are valid for one year from the original date of issuance. 

Restriction and Endorsement Codes on Florida Licenses

Restriction Codes

A. CORRECTIVE LENSES means a person must wear corrective lenses at all times when operating a vehicle.
B. OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR (Left Side) means the vehicle the person is driving must have a left outside rearview mirror on the car.
C. BUSINESS PURPOSES ONLY means the person can only drive to work and on-the-job, for education purposes, to church and for medical purposes.
D. EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES ONLY means the person can only drive to work and on-the-job.
E. DAYLIGHT DRIVING ONLY means the person can only drive during daylight hours.
F. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION means the person can only drive a vehicle that has automatic transmission.
G. POWERING STEERING means the person can only drive a vehicle with power steering.
I. DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS means a person must be equipped with a knob or grip on the steering wheel.
J. GRIP ON STEERING WHEEL means the vehicle must be equipped with a knob or grip on the steering wheel.
K. HEARING AID means the person must wear a hearing aid at all times while driving the vehicle.
L. SEAT CUSHION means the person must use a seat cushion at all times while driving.
M. HAND CONTROLS OR PEDAL EXTENSION means the vehicle must be equipped with hand controls or a pedal extension.
N. LEFT FOOT ACCELERATOR means the vehicle must be equipped with a left foot accelerator.
P. PROBATION-INTERLOCK DEVICE means the vehicle must be equipped with a device that locks the ignition at times specified by the court imposing the restriction.
S. OTHER RESTRICTIONS means there are other restrictions imposed on this license.
T. NO PASSENGERS ON MOTORCYCLE means the person cannot have passengers when driving a motorcycle.
X. MEDICAL ALERT BRACELET means the person must wear a medical alert bracelet at all times while driving the vehicle.
Y. EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY means the person can drive for educational purposes.

Restriction Codes Appearing on Commercial Driver Licenses Only

1 = VEHICLES W/O AIR BRAKES issued to those who have not passed the required written and/or skills tests for the operation of vehicles with air brakes.

2=CDL-INTRASTATE ONLY (CMV) issued to those who are authorized to operate commercial motor vehicles inside Florida only.

3=BUS ONLY (CMV) - issued to persons who took written and skills tests which authorize them to drive commercial motor vehicles that are buses only.

4=CMV<- 26,001 LBS Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

5=NO TRACTOR /TRAILERS

6=NO CLASS A PASSENGER VEHICLES

7=NO CLASS B PASSENGER VEHICLES

NOTE: Persons with a restriction on their license who do not comply with the requirements of the restriction can be issued a citation for violation of restriction and could be suspended. Offenses of this type are a second degree misdemeanor, except for violations of restriction code X.

Endorsement Codes

These endorsements are placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses and on certain Class D licenses.

E. EMERGENCY VEHICLES - issued to those who drive an emergency vehicle, that is a commercial motor vehicle, but are exempt by law from obtaining a commercial driver license.
F. FARM CMV - issued to those who drive farm type commercial motor vehicles, but who are exempt by law from obtaining a commercial driver license.
H. PLACARDED HAZMAT - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will transport placarded hazardous materials.
N. TANK VEHICLES - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive tank vehicles.
P. PASSENGERS - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive passenger vehicles.
T. DOUBLE/TRIPLE TRAILERS - issued to those who have passed the required written and skills tests and who will drive double or triple tractor trailer vehicles.
X. PLACARDED HAZMAT & TANK VEHICLES - issued to those who qualify for endorsements H and N.

Physical and Mental Requirements

You must list any physical or mental problems on your license application which might affect your driving. Many of the physical problems can be handled by placing restrictions on your license. If you have epilepsy, fainting spells, dizziness, blackouts or any other medical condition that could impair your driving, you may be asked to have your doctor complete a medical report form. These forms may be requested through your local driver licenses office and will be mailed directly to you. The report must be completed by your doctor and submitted to the Department before a license can be issued.

If you are diabetic, and use insulin, you may request that it be indicated on your license.

Test Requirements^*

Person applying for original Florida licenses will be required to take the following tests:

1. Learner's Driver License - vision, hearing, road signs, and Class E road rules.
2. Class E license - vision, hearing, road signs, Class E road rules and driving test.
3. Class D license - vision, hearing, road signs, Class D road rules and driving test (driving test not required if applicant holds valid Florida Class E operator's license).
   
   NOTE: Persons holding valid licenses from other states, U.S. possessions, France, or Canada are only required to take a vision test unless their driving ability is questionable. Persons holding a license from Germany and Taiwan are required to take the vision, hearing and written exam unless their driving ability is questionable.
   
   
4. Motorcycle endorsement - In addition to the above tests, applicants requesting motorcycle endorsements must pass the written motorcycle knowledge test and on-cycle skill test (unless they have a motorcycle endorsement on their out-of-state license.)
5. Commercial driver licenses - see Florida Manual for Truck and Bus Drivers for required exams.

Purpose of Driver License Examination

The purpose of the license examination is to find out several things:

1. Can you read and understand road signs, traffic signals and highway markings?
2. Do you know the Florida driving rules?
3. Can you see well enough to drive safely?
4. Do you have the skill and experience to drive safely?
5. Do you have any physical or mental handicaps that would affect your driving?

Examination Information

Vision test - standard vision screening.
Lenses or Glasses:

• You will be restricted to wearing corrective lenses when you drive if you need to wear contact lenses or glasses to pass the test.
• Telescopic lenses - you will not be eligible for a driver's license if you wear glasses with telescopic lenses.

• Have 20/40 (or better) vision in each and both eyes. With or without corrective lenses.
• If you have 20/200 (or worse) vision in one eye, you must have 20/40 (or better) vision in the other eye. With or without corrective lenses.
• If you have 20/70 (or better) vision in either eye separately, or in both eyes together. The worst eye must have a vision screening better than 20/200. With or without corrective lenses. Referral to an eye doctor may be required.

Preliminary Sample Vision Test

Road sign test - Multiple choice test which consists of 20 road signs for you to identify by color, shape or meaning.
Road rules test - Multiple choice test which consists of 20 questions regarding Florida traffic laws.
Vehicle inspection - Your vehicle will be inspected to determine it is safe for a road test.
Driving test

• You must provide the vehicle for the driving test.
• Proof of personal injury protection insurance and valid vehicle registration must be provided on the vehicle for the driving test.
• If you do not have a valid license you must be accompanied by a licensed driver.
• Persons with a learner's license you must be at least 16 years of age and have held the learner's license for 12 months.
• No one may accompany you and the examiner(s) during the driving test.

You will be expected to perform the following maneuvers on the driving test:

• turn about - Turn your car around in a 30' to 40' space
• shift gears - Change gears smoothly and correctly (if your car has a manual shift transmission).
• approach of crossing - Get in the proper lane and look in each direction. Change gears smoothly and correctly (if your car has a manual shift transmission).
• observe right-of-way - Allow pedestrians to cross, pull over and stop for emergency vehicles and do not enter an intersection when you will interfere with other traffic.
  
• straight-in parking - Park your vehicle inside the parking space straight-in. When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered, inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane. This maneuver gives the examiner the opportunity to observe your ability to:
  
  1. handle the vehicle in close quarters
  2. judge distance
  3. maintain control of the vehicle as you turn into a straight-in parking space
• stop quickly - Drive at 20 miles per hour and make a quick, safe stop when the examiner instructs you.
• backing - Back for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed. Do not use the rear-view mirror when backing. Look to the rear instead.
• obey stop signs - Give the proper signal if turning, approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop before reaching the pedestrian crosswalk or stop line, and remain stopped until you can move safely without interfering with cross traffic.
• obey traffic signals - Get into the proper lane and approach the light at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light should change. When you must stop, stop before the pedestrian crosswalk or stop line. When the light turns green, do not move forward until the other traffic has cleared the intersection. Give the correct signal for stopping and turning. Watch for "no turn"and "one way" signs.
• signal and turn - Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet. You may use either hand signals or mechanical signals. Slow before reaching the crosswalk and turn into the proper lane.
• passing - Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely. Pass on the left, unless the car ahead is about to make a left turn or is in the left turn lane on a street with more than one lane in each direction. Do not pass on the shoulder (side of the road).
• stay in proper lane - Drive in the right lane except on a one-way street. Do not change lanes until you may do so safely.
• follow at a safe distance - Do not drive too closely behind other cars. Use the Two Second Rule
• use proper posture - Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

The examiner will explain any mistakes you may have made, after the test is completed. If you disqualify on the driving test you will be asked to study or practice before you return for another test. You will be asked to return another day for additional tests due to the volume of driving tests, which are conducted at each driver license location. If you pass the examination, the examiner will collect the fee and issue your license. If you surrender a valid restricted operator license or learner's permit, you will not be charged additional fees for the replacement operator license when you pass the driving test.

Appointments

Appointments are recommended, but not required for many of the services provided by the driver license offices. Contact your local driver license office to determine if an appointment is required for the service you need. Call in advance for your appointment and report at least five minutes before your scheduled time. You may still appear at the driver license office without an appointment, however, the fastest service is provided through the use of appointments.

Change of Address

You must obtain a new license showing your new address within 10 days of the change. You may change the address on your driver license or ID card by:

1. Using your home touch-tone telephone and calling 1-800-448-1002. There is a $4 service fee plus the $10 license fee.
2. By mail being sure to include your name, new address, driver license number, and date of birth. Mail to Division of Driver Licenses, Mail Stop 92, Post Office Box 5775, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5775. Include a $10 check or money order payable to DHSMV. You will receive the appropriate corrections by mail. Allow 30 days for processing.
3. Visiting your local driver license office.
4. Internet at http://express.hsmv.state.fl.us. There is a $3 service fee plus the $10 license fee.
5. Florida law requires that you destroy your old license when you receive the new license.
   

If you fail to report a change of address you may not receive your motor vehicle registration renewal or your driver's license renewal. If you are pulled over by law enforcement and the address on your driver license is incorrect, you may receive a citation. 

Name Change:

You must bring a court order or marriage certificate to a driver license office to prove your name change within 10 days of the change. Documents must be original or certified copies.

Duplicate License

If your driver license is lost or stolen, apply for a duplicate immediately. At your driver license office you will need to:

• sign a statement that you have lost your license;
• show your identification (TWO OF THE ITEMS LISTED); and
• pay the duplicate license fee ($10).

Renewal at a Driver License Office

Before you renew your license, your driving record is checked. If you have had no convictions for driving violations in the past three years, or suspension/revocation/disqualification free record for the past seven years, you will be issued a six-year license. You may also be asked to take other parts of the test if:

1. The examiner has a reason to question your driving skill.
2. Your license may not be renewed if:
   1. You are not qualified to receive a license.
   2. You did not answer a summons, which involved a traffic violation.
   3. Your driver license is suspended or revoked or canceled.

Renewal by Mail, Internet or by Telephone

Drivers may renew through the mail for two consecutive license expirations. You may receive a mail-in renewal packet approximately 30 days prior to license expiration. There are no additional fees for renewing by mail. Your can renew by internet at http://express.hsmv.state.fl.us. There is a $3 service charge in addition to the renewal fee. After you return your payment, you will receive a four or six-year renewal sticker to be placed on the back of your current license. Drivers with a digital license will receive a new license. Drivers with a digital license will receive a new license. Florida law requires that you destroy your old driver license after receiving the new license.
NOTE: Expiration dates may vary for driver licenses issued to Non U.S. citizens. 

Military Renewal by Mail

Members of the US Armed Forces serving on active duty outside of Florida may renew their licenses by mail without examination. Their spouses and children living with them may do the same. At least 3 months prior to the expiration of your licenses, write to: Division of Driver Licenses, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0575 or e-mail at ddl@hsmv.state.fl.us. Give your name as it appears on your license, the driver license number, your date of birth and out-of-state address and zip code. The department will advise you further by return mail.

Veterans

Any veteran honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, who has been issued a valid identification card by the Division of Veteran's Affairs of the Department of Administration and has been determined by the Veteran's Administration to have a 100% service-connected disability and who is qualified to obtain a Class E or Class D license, is exempt from paying initial, renewal and motorcycle endorsement fees.

Identification Card

If you need an identification card, you can apply for one at any driver license office. To get the identification card, you must:

1. Be 12 years old or older. (Any person can be issued an identification card if applying for a disabled parking permit. No minimum age in Citrus, St. Johns or Monroe counties);
2. Present your official Social Security card that was issued by the Social Security Administration; and
3. Present identification. See section under Identifying Yourself.

The card will contain your color photograph, full name, sex, address, date of birth and other data the Department may require. Identification cards are valid for 4 years. Citizens 60 years of age or older are issued a "non-expiring" identification card.
NOTE: Expiration dates may vary for identification cards issued to Non U.S. citizens. 

Driver Licenses Agents (Tax Collectors)

Your local tax collector may provide full or limited driver license services. Additional fees may be charged if you obtain a driver license or identification card from a licensed agent. Please contact your local tax collector for additional service fee information. 

Selective Service

State law requires any male that is a US citizen or immigrant who is at least 18 years old but less than 26 year old, to comply with federal Selective Service System requirements when applying to receive a driver's license, a learners' driver's license, a commercial driver's license, an identification card, or a renewal or duplicate card or license. Any driver license or identification card application consents to the Federal Selective Service System requirements. 

Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Program

Through the miracle of transplantation, many people here in Florida are living healthy, productive lives. However, the need for donated organs and tissues to outpace the supply. Right now, there are thousands who would be helped if more of us became organ and tissue donors. Organ and tissue donations provide each of us with a special opportunity to help others.

Donation of vital organs and tissues can save lives where no other hope is available. Heart, liver, lung and kidney transplants save lives everyday. Additionally, bone, skin, and cornea transplants often restore sight and save burn victims.

How Can You Help?

1. Indicate your desire to donate organs and tissues on your Florida drivers license or identification card.
2. Tell your nearest relative or legal guardian.
3. Donate a minimum of $1 to fund organ and tissue donor education
4. ALL OF THE ABOVE

Voluntary Contributions

When you are applying for a driver license or identification card, you may voluntary contribute to the following special trust funds:

Election Campaign - $5 minimum to be transferred to the Election Campaign Financing Trust Fund.

Florida Organ and Tissue Donor Education and Procurement Trust Fund - $1 minimum for organ and tissue donor education and for maintaining the organ and tissue donor registry.

Florida Council of the Blind - $1 minimum for assisting persons who have already been diagnosed as blind.

Prevent Blindness of Florida - $1 minimum to prevent blindness and preserve the sight of the residents of the State of Florida.

Hearing Research Institute - $2 minimum for infant hearing screening in Florida.

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International - $1 minimum contribution

Chapter 2

Your Driving Privilege

Driving a motor vehicle in Florida is a privilege you earn. You cannot get a license in Florida under the following conditions:

• If your license is suspended or revoked in any state.
• If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
• If you cannot drive safely because of mental or physical problems. (Deafness alone will not prevent a person from being issued a driver license.)
• If you are under the legal age for licensing (15 for Learners license, 16 for Class D or E).

Every driver who obtains a license must drive safely to keep it. If you break the traffic laws or become an unsafe driver, your license can be taken away. It can be suspended, revoked, or canceled.

Your license can be SUSPENDED if you:

• Make a fraudulent driver license application.
• Allow your license to be used for a purpose that is against the law.
• Are convicted in a traffic court and the court orders that your license be suspended.
• Refuse to take a test to show if you are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Misuse a restricted license.
• Earn a certain number of points for traffic offenses on the point system.
• Break a traffic law and fail to pay your fine or appear in court as directed.
• Failure to pay child support.
• Failure to carry insurance on your vehicle.
• Not stopping for a school bus.
• Use tobacco if you are under age. 
• Retail theft. 

Your license must be REVOKED if you are found guilty of, or department records show:

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances.
• A felony in which a motor vehicle is used.
• Not stopping to give help when the vehicle you are driving is involved in a crash causing death or personal injury.
• Lying about the ownership or operation of motor vehicles.
• Three cases of reckless driving within one year. Forfeiting bail and not going to court to avoid being convicted of reckless driving counts the same as a conviction.
• An immoral act in which a motor vehicle was used.
• Three major offenses or 15 offenses for which you receive points within a 5-year period.
• A felony for drug possession.
• Vision worse than the standard minimum requirements.

A court may also order that your license be revoked for certain other traffic offenses.Your license will be revoked for at least three years if you kill someone because of reckless driving.

Cancellation

If your license was issued because of a mistake or fraud (giving false information or identification), it will be canceled.

Point System

Violation points*
Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage of more than $50	6
Unlawful speed resulting in an accident	6
Reckless driving	4
Any moving violation resulting in an accident	4
Passing a stopped school bus	4
Driving During Restricted Hours	3
Unlawful speed - 16 MPH or more over lawful or posted speed	4
Unlawful speed - 15 MPH or less over lawful or posted speed	3
(Fines are doubled when infractions occur within a school zone or construction zone, with possible civil penalties up to $1,000 and can be required to complete driving school course.)
All other moving violations (including parking on highway outside the limits of municipalities)	3
Violation of curfew	3
Open Container as an operator	3
Child Restraint Violation	3
*The driver receives the same number of points listed if the conviction occurs out-of-state or in a federal court.

In computing points and suspensions, the offense dates of all convictions are used.
Three points is deducted from the driver record of any person whose driving privilege has been suspended only once under the point system and has been reinstated, if such person has complied with all other requirements.
NOTE:Serving a point suspension does not prohibit these convictions from being used to accumulate additional suspensions or revocations.

Mandatory Restriction For Minors

Any driver under the age of 18 who accumulates four or more points within a 12 month period shall be automatically restricted for one year to driving for business purposes ONLY. If additional points are accumulated the restriction will be extended for 90 days for every additional point received.

Time Restrictions

A licensed driver who is under the age of 17 may not operate a motor vehicle after 11:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a driver, who is 21 years of age or older and holds a valid driver's license, unless the person is driving to or from work. A licensed driver who is 17 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle after 1:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a driver, who is 21 years of age or older and holds a valid driver license, unless the person is driving to and from work..

Reinstatement & Administrative Hearings

If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked you may be eligible to apply for a hardship license or reinstatement. For eligibility information contact the local Bureau of Administrative Reviews Offices, Driver License Office or Bureau of Customer Services in Tallahassee.
You can be charged with DUI if you are found to be driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle in the state while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances. Controlled substances include narcotic drugs, barbituates, model glue and other stimulants - whether taken by swallowing, by sniffing, by smoking, by injection or by other means. You will be administratively suspended if you have a breath or or blood alcohol level of .08 or above or refuse to submit to a chemical test. This suspension is a mandatory period without a license. If you wish to appeal this suspension, you must apply for a formal or informal review hearing at the appropriate Division of Driver Licenses, Bureau of Administrative Reviews Office within 10 days of your date of arrest. This suspension is in addition to any penalties directed by the court. A DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for 75 years.

Some effects of drug and alcohol consumption are impaired judgment, slow reaction, poor vision, and concentration. A person's judgment is the first thing affected after drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Zero Tolerance

Any driver under 21 years of age who is stopped by law enforcement and has a breath or blood alcohol level of .02 or higher will automatically have their driving privilege suspended for 6 months. This is an administrative suspension and does not reflect as a DUI on the driver's record. If the driver refuses to take a test, their driving privilege is automatically suspended for one year.

Penalties for DUI

Drinking and Driving

No one can drink alcohol and drive safely, even if you have been driving for many years. Young drivers are more affected by alcohol because their bodies are still in the growth process and their livers have not developed to the extent that they can efficiently process the alcohol in their blood stream.

Because drinking alcohol and then driving is so dangerous, the penalties are very tough. People who drive after drinking risk heavy fines, higher insurance rates, loss of license and even jail sentences.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Alcohol reduces all of the important skills necessary to drive safely, such as judgment, reaction, vision and concentration. It is absorbed into the lining of the stomach and then passes directly into the bloodstream. Alcohol reaches your brain within minutes after consumption and affects those areas of the brain that control judgment and skill. This is one reason why drinking alcohol is so dangerous; it affects your judgment. Good judgment is important to driving but in this case, judgment helps you to know when to stop drinking. Alcohol puts good judgment on hold. You do not know when you have had too much to drink until it is too late. It is a little like sunburn, by the time you feel it, it is already too late.
Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly and makes you less alert. As the amount of alcohol in your body increases, your judgment worsens and your skills decrease. You will have trouble judging distances, speeds and the movement of other vehicles. You will also have trouble controlling your vehicle.

If You Drink, DO NOT DRIVE!

The best advice is if you drink alcohol, do not drive. Even one drink of alcohol can affect your driving. With two or more drinks in your bloodstream you are impaired and could be arrested.
It takes about an hour for your body to get rid of each drink. Time is the only thing that will sober you up.
There are ways of dealing with social situations. Arrange to go with two or more persons and agree which one of you will not drink alcohol. You can rotate among the group being a "designated driver". You can use public transportation or use a cab, if available.

Implied Consent Law

You will be asked to take a blood, a urine or a breath test if a law enforcement officer thinks you are under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs while driving. By law, if you drive in Florida, you have agreed to take these tests if asked. If you refuse to take the tests when asked, your license will be suspended for one year. A second refusal will result in an eighteen-month suspension.
In DUI cases involving death or serious injury, you can be required to take the blood test without your consent. The blood must be withdrawn by a doctor, nurse or other health professional.
If you are unconscious and cannot refuse the blood test, blood may be withdrawn. The results of the test may be used as evidence, even if you object after becoming conscious.

Other Drugs and Driving

Besides alcohol, there are many other drugs that can affect a person's ability to drive safely. These drugs can have effect like those of alcohol, or even worse. This is true of many prescription drugs and even many of the the drugs you can buy without a prescription. Drugs taken for headaches, colds, hay fever or other allergies or those to calm nerves can make a person drowsy and affect their driving. Pep pills, "uppers" and diet they can cause a person to be nervous, dizzy, unable to concentrate and they can affect your vision. Other prescription drugs can affect your reflexes, judgment, vision and alertness in ways similar to alcohol.
If you are driving, check the label before you take a drug for warnings about its effect. If you are not sure it is safe to take the drug and drive, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects.
Never drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. These drugs could multiply the effects of alcohol or have additional effects of their own. These effects not only reduce your ability to be a safe driver but could cause serious health problems, even death.
Illegal drugs and some legal drugs may effect your ability to be a safe driver. For example, studies have shown that people who use marijuana make more mistakes, have more trouble adjusting to glare and get arrested for traffic violations more than other drivers.

Emotions

Emotions can have a great effect on you driving safely. You may not be able to drive well if you are overly worried, excited, afraid, angry or depressed.

• If you are angry of excited, give yourself time to cool off. If necessary take a short walk, but stay off the road until you have calmed down.
• If you are worried, down or upset about something, try to keep your mind on driving. Some find listening to the radio helps.
• If you are impatient, give yourself extra time for your driving trip. Leave a few minutes early. If you have plenty of time, you may not tend to speed or do other thing that can get you a traffic ticket or cause a crash. Don't be impatient to wait for a train to cross in front of you. Driving around lowered gates or trying to beat the train can be fatal.

Other Serious Violations

You can be put in jail or made to pay a fine for the following offenses:

• Changing your license in any way. Any changes must be made by the Department.
• Unlawful use of your license, including allowing your license to be used by another person.
• Making a fraudulent application for a driver license or identification card.
• Having more than one Florida driver license.
• Allowing an unlicensed person to use your car, hiring an unlicensed chauffeur, or renting a motor vehicle to someone without a license.
• Giving false statements to an officer or in a courtroom.
• Knowingly giving false information in crash reports.
• Failing to make crash reports.

Florida Motor Vehicle Insurance Laws

In Florida there are two motor vehicle insurance laws. They are the Financial Responsibility Law and the No-Fault law. It is important that you understand these laws because if you do not have the proper insurance, you can lose your driver license and tag(s) and have to pay large fees to get them back.

The Financial Responsibility Law

The reason for the Financial Responsibility Law is to require owners and operators of motor vehicles to be financially responsible for damages and/or injuries they may cause to others when a motor vehicle crash happens.
This law requires any person to have liability insurance at the time of the following:

1. A crash where you are at fault and injuries have occurred.
2. A suspension for too many points against your driver license.
3. A citation for DUI, which results in a revocation.
4. A revocation for Habitual Traffic Offender.
5. A revocation for any serious offense where this department is required to revoke your license.

You must have the following minimum insurance coverage:

• $10,000 Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
• $20,000 Bodily Injury Liability to two or more persons.
• $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL), or
• $30,000 Combined single limits.

If involved in any of the above violations and you do not have insurance to comply with the financial responsibility law, your driver license and/or tags will be suspended for up to three years. You will have to pay a $15 reinstatement fee and show the department certified proof of full liability insurance on Form SR-22 for three years from the original suspension to get your driving privilege back.
In addition, if you are the driver or the owner of a vehicle which is in a crash that is your fault, this Department can require you to pay for the damages before your driving privilege is reinstated.
Under this law, to protect yourself and others, you should have liability insurance on any motor vehicle you own or drive, including motorcycles.

The No-Fault Law

The Florida No-Fault Law requires anyone who owns or has registered a motor vehicle with four or more wheels (excluding taxis and limousines), that has been in the state for at least 90 days or non-consecutive days during the past 365 days to purchase a policy delivered or issued for delivery in this state. The minimum coverages are:

• $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
• $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL)

You cannot buy a tag and registration for a car, or other four wheel vehicle, without having coverage issued in this state. Once you have this insurance, anytime you renew it, fail to renew it, or cancel it, the insurance company must notify this department. The department will then notify you for an explanation. If you then fail to provide proof of insurance, your driver license and tag(s) will be suspended for up to three years.
You must maintain insurance coverage during the entire time that the car is registered in your name. If the car is in storage or not in working order or if you wish to cancel the insurance for any reason, you must turn in the tag and registration at any driver license office or mail to the department.
If your driver license and tag(s) are suspended for not having insurance under the No-Fault Law, you will have to pay $150 and show proof of insurance to get them back. If it happens a second time within three years, you will pay $250. If it happens three times within three years, you will have to pay $500.
Also, if your driver license and tag(s) have been under suspension for 30 days or more for a no-fault insurance violation, a police officer can seize your tag on the spot.

General Information

Your insurance company will give you an insurance I.D. Card. You must have this card ready to show to any police officer to prove that you have the required insurance. If not, you may receive a ticket for not having proof of insurance.
If your driver license or tag(s) are suspended for not obeying either of these laws, you cannot get a temporary license for any reason, not even for work purposes only. Any person who makes a false statement or commits forgery about their motor vehicle insurance can be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor.
The department will always provide you with an opportunity to prove insurance coverage or be heard before being suspended.
How to comply:

1. By purchasing a motor vehicle insurance policy from a company licensed to do business in Florida.
2. By obtaining a Financial Responsibility Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility after posting a satisfactory surety bond of a company licensed to do business in Florida.
3. By obtaining a Self-insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility by depositing cash or securities with the Department.
4. By obtaining a Self-Insurance Certificate from the Bureau of Financial Responsibility by providing satisfactory proof of financial responsibility.

Remember: Automobile insurance is an important part of your driving privilege. Protect yourself and others by having and keeping the proper insurance coverage.

Traffic Crashes - Your Responsibilities

1. Stop.
   If you are in a crash while driving, you must stop. If anyone is hurt, you must get help. You must also be ready to give your name, address, and vehicle registration number; as well as show your driver license to others involved in the crash.

2. Report the crash.
   If the crash causes injury, death, or property damage, it must be reported. Call the local police, the Florida Highway Patrol, or the County Sheriff's Office. If the crash involves a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) or results in death, injury, or property damage to the extent a wrecker must tow a vehicle away, the officer will fill out a report.
   If the crash is investigated by an officer, you (the driver) need not make a written report. If property damage appears to be over $500 and no report is written by an officer, you must make a written report of the crash to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 5 days. The officer will provide you with a copy of the form for your records.
3. Move your car if it is blocking traffic.
   If your car is blocking the flow of traffic, you must move it. If you cannot move it yourself, you must get help or call a tow truck. This is true anytime your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic whether it has been involved in a crash or not.
4. Appear in court.
   If you are charged in a driving crash, you may have to go to court. The officer who comes to the scene of the crash will file charges against any driver who violated a traffic law. Anyone who is charged will have a chance to explain to the court what happened. The court will then decide what the penalty will be. Anyone who is not charged with violating the law may have to come to court as a witness. If you are found at fault in a collision where anyone is injured and transported to a medical treatment facility or it is your second collision in a two-year period, you will be required by law to attend a Traffic Collision Avoidance Course. The traffic school that conducts this course can be found in the yellow pages of your local telephone book under Driving Instruction. 

Crash Involving an Unattended Vehicle

If, while driving, you hit a vehicle with no one in it or if you damage any object that belongs to someone else, you must tell the owner. Give the owner your name, address, and tag number in person or in a note attached to the object that was hit. Report the crash immediately to the proper law enforcement agency.

Littering

Drivers are responsible for any littering from their vehicles. Use ash trays for cigarettes and litter bags for trash while riding in motor vehicles. Empty ash trays and litter bags only into trash cans.

LITTERING IS A CRIME. PEOPLE WHO THROW TRASH ON PUBLIC STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CAN BE FINED UP TO $500.00 OR JAILED UP TO 60 DAYS. YOU CAN BE CHARGED WITH A FIRST-DEGREE MISDEMEANOR AND FINED UP TO $1000.00 IF DUMPING MORE THAN 15 POUNDS OF TRASH.

The court may also require you to pick up litter along roadways.

Road Damage

It is against the law to damage the roads by driving on the rim of a flat tire or by any other means.

Your Driving

Good driving is based on practice and being alert at the wheel. When driving, you must make sure than nothing interferes with your ability to see the road, react to situations or operate your vehicle properly. You must look down the road, to the sides and behind your vehicle and be alert for unexpected events. Be alert to what is going on around you and do not take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds an any one time. Do not have objects inside your vehicle that might interfere with you ability to driver safely. This might include objects that obstruct you view of the road or mirrors. 
Bad Driving Habits
Good drivers develop habits that focus their full attention on driving.  Some drivers can develop bad habits that can be very dangerous when driving. Some bad habits that take your attention away from driving are: 
    - Driving when ill, upset or angry. 
    - Driving while eating and drinking.
    - Driving while adjusting the radio or changing CDs/tapes.
    - Driving while calling, answering or talking on a mobile phone.
    - Reading while driving.

Getting Ready to Drive

Before you start your engine:

• Make sure all windows are clean. Remove anything that blocks your view of the road.
• Adjust the seat so you can reach all controls.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors. You should not have to lean forward or backward to use them.
• Lock all car doors.
• Put on your safety belts. Ask all passengers to do the same. Any passenger under 18 years old is required by law to be buckled up.
• Make sure your car is in park or neutral gear before starting the engine.

Never move your car until you have looked in front, behind and to the side for pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Then, signal and pull into traffic when safe.

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means doing all you can to prevent crashes. As a defensive driver, you will "give" a little. You will change your driving to fit the weather conditions, the way you feel, and the actions of other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Follow these steps to avoid accidents:

1. Look for possible danger. Think about what might happen. If there are children playing by the road, plan what you will do if one runs or rides into the street.
2. Understand what can be done to prevent a crash. See the defensive driving tips which follow as well as Handling Emergencies.
3. Act in time. Once you have seen a dangerous situation, act right away to prevent a crash.

Use these defensive driving tips if you see that you are about to be involved in a crash:

• It is better to swerve right instead of toward oncoming traffic to prevent a crash.
• Hitting a row of bushes is better than hitting a tree, post or solid object.
• Hitting a vehicle moving in the same direction as you are is better than hitting a vehicle head-on.
• It is better to drive off the road than skid off when avoiding a crash.
• It is better to hit something that is not moving instead of a vehicle moving toward you.

When You Back Up

Check behind your vehicle before you get in. Children or small objects cannot be seen from the driver's seat. Place your fight arm on the back of the seat and turn around so that you can look directly through the rear window. Do not depend on your rearview or side mirrors as you cannot see directly behind your vehicle. Back slowly, your vehicle is much harder to steer while you are backing. Whenever possible use a person outside the vehicle to help you back up.

Avoiding Rear-end Collisions

Many crashes happen because one vehicle runs into the back of another one. Here are some things you can do to lower the risk of someone running into the rear of your vehicle.

• Check your brake lights often to make sure they are clean and working properly.
• Know what is going on behind you. Use your rearview mirrors.
• Signal well in advance for turns, stops and lane changes.
• Slow down gradually. Avoid any sudden actions.
• Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast.
• To avoid striking the vehicle in front of you, keep at least two seconds following distance. This is done by following the instructions found under the section, Minimum Safe Following Distances.

Basic Driver Improvement

Any driver can take a basic driver improvement course. The course teaches ways of keeping crashes from happening. One driver can sign up, or a group can ask for a class. Consult your yellow pages under, Driving Instruction, for the location of the schools.

Safety Belts

Florida law requires all occupants of cars, pickup trucks, and vans who are 6 years of age or older to wear seat belts, regardless of seating position. Passengers 16 and older can be fined individually for violating this provision. Drivers will be held responsible and fined for passengers 15 years old and younger who are found unrestrained. Children infant through 3 years of age must be properly secured using a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint device. Such restraint device must be a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer's integrated child seat. For children aged 4 through 5 years, a separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a seat belt may be used. This seat belt law applies to passenger cars manufactured beginning with the 1968 model year, and trucks beginning with the 1972 model year.
The law exempts the following from the seat belt requirements:

• Any person certified by a physician as having a medical condition that causes the seat belt use to be inappropriate or dangerous.
• Employee of a newspaper home delivery service while delivering newspapers on home delivery routes.
• School buses.
• Buses used for transportation of persons for compensation.
• Farm equipment.
• Trucks of a net weight of more than 5,000 pounds.
• Motorcycle, moped or bicycle.

In a crash, you are far more likely to be killed if you are not wearing a safety belt. Wearing shoulder belts and lap belts make your chances of living through a crash twice as good.
In a crash, safety belts:

• Keep you from being thrown from the vehicle. The risk of death is five times greater if you are thrown from a vehicle in a crash.
• Keep you from being thrown against parts of your vehicle, such as the steering wheel or windshield.
• Keep you from being thrown against others in the vehicle.
• Keep the driver behind the wheel, where he or she can control the vehicle.

SAFETY BELTS SAVE LIVES!

Wear lap belts around your hips, not your stomach. Fasten them snugly. Wear a shoulder belt only with a lap belt. Don't just use your safety belt for long trips or high-speed highways. More than half of the crashes that cause injury or death happen:

• at speeds less than 40 mph, and
• within 25 miles of home.

Protecting Children

THE LAW: ALL CHILDREN 5 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER MUST USE A RESTRAINT DEVICE WHEN RIDING IN A MOTOR VEHICLE.
The number one killer of young children in the United States is traffic crashes in which children were not restrained at all. Over 90 percent of the deaths and 80 percent of the injuries in car crashes could be prevented by using crash-tested child restraints.

Children should be secured in the rear seat. Never secure a child in the fron passenger side, especially if your vehicle has an air bag. 

The law requires every driver to secure children five years of age or younger in child restraint devices riding in a passenger car, van, or pick-up truck, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in this state. Infant carriers or children's car seats must be used for children three years old and younger. Children's car seats or safety belts may be used for four- and five-year-olds.
All infant carriers and car seats must be crash-tested and approved by the U.S. Government.
Children being carried or riding bicycles should wear properly fitted bicycle helmets.

What is the Best Child Seat?

    The one that fits your child.
    The one that fits your vehicle.
    The one that you will use correctly every time.

For more information on the best child seat, please visit:
http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/html/CPS and obtain information on Occupent Protection & Child Passenger Safety News. 

Leaving Children Unattended or Unsupervised in Motor Vehicles

No person responsible for a child younger than 6 years of age shall leave such child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes. No person shall leave a child unattended for any period of time if the motor of the vehicle is running or if the health of the child is in danger.

On a hot summer day, the interior of a car can get dangerously hot. One study found that with the windows up and the temperature outside at 94 degrees, the inside of a car could be 122 degrees in just half an hour, or 132 degrees after an hour.

Speed Limits

Speed causes many crashes. More drivers are convicted of speeding than any other offense. To avoid being fined or involved in a crash, obey the speed limits.
Speed is very important in a collision. If you double the speed of a car, you increase its force of impact four times. If you triple the speed, the impact is nine times as great.

70 Does Not Always Mean 70

Remember that speed limits show the fastest speed you may drive under good conditions. You are responsible for adjusting your driving speed to the road conditions. For example, if the weather is bad or there is a lot of traffic, you must drive more slowly than the posted speed. The safe speed is the one that allows you to have complete control of your vehicle.

Florida "Standard" Speed Limits