Miami

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Driver's License

New residents or visitors staying long-term may need to understand Floridaโ€™s driverโ€™s license requirements for legal driving.

Sections

1. Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a driverโ€™s license in Miami (or anywhere in Florida), you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement:
    • Be at least 16 years old to obtain a full driverโ€™s license.
    • If you are under 18, you must hold a learnerโ€™s permit for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions.
  • Residency: You must be a resident of Florida or provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. (for non-citizens).
  • Vision: Pass a vision test (20/40 vision or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses).
  • Knowledge: Pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test (unless exempt).

2. Required Documents

You will need to provide specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Florida residency. Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need:

For U.S. Citizens:

  1. Proof of Identity (one of the following):
    • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
    • Original or certified U.S. birth certificate
    • Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)
    • Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)
  2. Social Security Number:
    • Social Security card
    • W-2 form
    • Pay stub showing your full Social Security number
  3. Proof of Florida Residency (two documents required):
    • Utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and address
    • Florida voter registration card
    • Vehicle registration or title
    • Bank statement

For Non-U.S. Citizens:

  1. Proof of Identity and Legal Presence:
    • Valid, unexpired passport
    • I-94 form or admission stamp
    • Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
    • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  2. Social Security Number (if applicable):
    • Same as above, or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating ineligibility.
  3. Proof of Florida Residency:
    • Same as above.

3. Costs

The fees for obtaining a driverโ€™s license in Florida are as follows:

  • Initial Class E License (Standard Driverโ€™s License): $48
  • Learnerโ€™s Permit: $48
  • Knowledge Retest Fee: $10 (if you fail the written test)
  • Driving Skills Retest Fee: $20 (if you fail the road test)
  • Vision Test: Included in the application fee
  • Replacement or Renewal: $25

Payment methods accepted include cash, credit/debit cards, and checks.

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

Hereโ€™s how to obtain your driverโ€™s license in Miami:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the required documents listed above. Ensure they are original or certified copies.

Step 2: Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course

  • If you are a first-time driver in Florida, you must complete a 4-hour TLSAE course. This can be done online through state-approved providers.
  • Cost: Typically $20โ€“$30.

Step 3: Pass the Vision and Hearing Tests

  • These tests are conducted at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office or an authorized third-party provider.

Step 4: Take the Written Knowledge Test

  • The test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
  • You must score at least 80% (40 correct answers) to pass.
  • Study materials: Use the Florida Driver License Handbook, available online for free.
  • If you are under 18, you can take the test online with parental supervision.

Step 5: Obtain a Learnerโ€™s Permit (if applicable)

  • If you are under 18 or a first-time driver, you must hold a learnerโ€™s permit for at least 12 months before taking the road test.
  • During this time, you must log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night).

Step 6: Schedule and Pass the Driving Skills Test

  • Once you are eligible, schedule your road test online or by calling your local FLHSMV office.
  • The test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely, including parking, turning, stopping, and obeying traffic laws.
  • Bring your own vehicle for the test, and ensure it is registered, insured, and in good working condition.

Step 7: Receive Your Driverโ€™s License

  • After passing the road test, you will receive a temporary paper license. Your official license will be mailed to you within 7โ€“10 business days.

5. Testing Locations in Miami

You can visit any of the following FLHSMV offices in Miami to complete your application, testing, and other requirements:

  1. Miami-Dade County DMV Office

    • Address: 7900 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33147
    • Services: Written tests, road tests, license issuance
    • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM

  2. Coral Reef DMV Office

    • Address: 14653 SW 122nd Ave, Miami, FL 33186
    • Services: Written tests, road tests, license issuance
    • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM

  3. North Miami DMV Office

    • Address: 18326 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33169
    • Services: Written tests, road tests, license issuance
    • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM

  4. Hialeah DMV Office

    • Address: 11093 NW 138th St, Hialeah, FL 33018
    • Services: Written tests, road tests, license issuance
    • Hours: Mondayโ€“Friday, 8:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM

Tip: Appointments are highly recommended to avoid long wait times. You can schedule an appointment online at the FLHSMV website.

6. Local-Specific Considerations

  • Language Options: The written knowledge test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Creole, which are widely spoken in Miami.
  • Traffic Laws: Miami has a high volume of traffic, so familiarize yourself with local driving habits and rules, such as yielding to pedestrians and understanding right-of-way at intersections.
  • Insurance Requirements: Florida requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. Ensure your vehicle is insured before taking the road test.
  • Public Transportation: If you are new to Miami and not yet comfortable driving, consider using public transportation (Metrorail, Metrobus) while preparing for your license.

7. Timeline

  • TLSAE Course: 4 hours (can be completed in one day).
  • Knowledge Test: Same day (if you pass).
  • Learnerโ€™s Permit: Issued immediately after passing the knowledge test.
  • Driving Skills Test: Can be scheduled after holding a learnerโ€™s permit for 12 months (if under 18) or immediately (if over 18).
  • License Issuance: Temporary license issued same day; official license mailed within 7โ€“10 business days.

8. Tips for Success

  • Study the Florida Driver License Handbook thoroughly before taking the written test.
  • Practice driving in a variety of conditions (day, night, rain) to prepare for the road test.
  • Arrive early for your appointment and bring all required documents to avoid delays.
  • Be patient and courteous during the process, as Miami DMV offices can be busy.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to obtain your driverโ€™s license in Miami. Safe driving!