What is the difference between a license and a permit in Florida?

by Lisa on October 03, 2012

Tags: Florida, permit, license, learner's license, intermediate license

The state of Florida offers residents a learner’s license, intermediate license and a Class E license. The learner’s license and intermediate license are similar to other state’s learner’s permits and allow young drivers learning to drive restricted opportunities to gain driving skills. An unrestricted license allows drivers to drive at any time of day and without the presence of a licensed driver in the car.

A Learner’s License

A Learner’s license is available to those at least 15 years old that have passed the written and vision tests, provided a parent’s consent form, and provided proof of identification. For details on requirements for a learner’s permit, visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/teendriv.html

With a Learner’s license, drivers may only drive during daylight hours during the first three months and until 10pm thereafter. A person with a learner’s license must always drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and that person must ride in the front passenger seat.

An Intermediate License

To acquire an intermediate license, you must be 16 or 17 years old and you must have held a learner’s license for at least 12 months without receiving any traffic violations.

With your Intermediate License, you may:
16 years old – only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or you are traveling to or from work.
17 years old – only drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or you are traveling to or from work.

A Class E license is a non-restricted license available to those over the age of 16 that pass the written, vision and driving skills tests. A driver under the age of 18 cannot qualify for a Class E license unless they have held a learner’s permit for at least one year without receiving any traffic violations and they must be in compliance with school attendance.