• Driver on a bridgedriving 4 image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida driving permit laws are enforced by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department. In Florida, every driver must hold a valid driver's permit. New drivers must obtain a learner's permit and successfully pass a driving test before acquiring a driver's license. Other provisions apply to out-of-state and motorcycle drivers. Permits may be revoked for alcohol-related driving offenses for all drivers.
  
  

Learner's Restricted Permit

• All drivers in Florida must be age 15 or older to apply for a driver's license. A new driver must first apply for a learner's restricted permit. Proof of age, residence and a Social Security number is required to apply for the permit. Drivers under the age of 18 must seek a signature of a parent or guardian. New drivers must complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course.
  
  Drivers with a learner's permit must also pass a written road test and a hearing and vision test. Upon successful completion, drivers may only drive under restricted daylight hours. After the driver has turned 16 and has acquired 50 hours of driving time, the driver must pass a driving test to obtain a Class E driver's license.
  
  

Out-of-State and Motorcyle Drivers

• New residents of Florida moving from out-of-state holding a valid driver's license from another state may apply for a Florida Class E driver's license. Applicants must successfully pass the vision and hearing test and are not required to take a written road test or a driving test. Out-of-state minor drivers must seek the written permission of a parent or guardian before obtaining a Florida license.
  
  A Florida Class E driver must add a motorcycle endorsement to their license if they choose to operate a motorcycle on Florida's roadways. In order to receive such endorsement, the driver must be at least age 16 and complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Education Course. Drivers of mopeds and scooters cc or less do not need to receive the motorcycle endorsement.
  
  

Permit Revocation

• Driving is considered a privilege in the state of Florida, thus, driving permits of all types can be revoked if the driver is found to be under the influence of alcohol. Minor drivers with a learner's permit who are convicted of an DUI (driving under the influence) offense with a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher receive an automatic six-month license suspension.
  
  For driver's 18 and over, findings of a blood alcohol content of .08 and over result in an automatic driving permit suspension of six months to one year. For drivers with a commercial driver's license, the alcohol limit is .04. Any commercial driver in excess of that level will automatically lose their commercial driving privileges for one year. Subsequent DUI arrests lead to possible permanent revocation of driving permits and may result in jail time.