Driver license the official handbook

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©2017 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
If you receive a ticket for a non-
criminal moving violation, and 
you do not hold a CDL, you may 
elect to attend a Basic Driver 
Improvement course, a.k.a. “traffic 
school” in lieu of points on your 
driving record. (You may not elect 
to attend traffic school if you were 
charged with exceeding the speed 
limit by more than 30 mph.)
In some cases, you may choose to 
attend a traffic school to receive 
insurance discounts. This discount 
is solely at the discretion of your 
insurance company.
If, as a result of a moving violation, 
you elect to attend and complete a 
basic driver improvement course, 
you will receive the following 
benefits:
 1.  Your insurance rates cannot 
go up and your policy cannot 
be canceled because of this 
violation, unless this involved a 
crash where you were at fault.
 2.  Points may not be added to 
your driver license record; 
adjudication of guilt is withheld. 
You may not make an election 
under this subsection if you 
have made this election in 
the preceding 12 months. A 
person may make no more than 
five elections in a lifetime. To 
determine if you are eligible 
to make an election to attend 
traffic school, check our website 
at 
flhsmv.gov
.
Within 30 days from the date you 
received the traffic citation and prior 
to attending class, you must:
 1.  Inform the Clerk of Court in 
the county where you received 
the citation that you want to go 
to traffic school, and
 2.  Pay an election fee to the Clerk 
of Court in the county where 
you received the citation. 
A full list of your options for 
satisfying your traffic citation is on 
the back of the citation. You are 
required to choose one of the three 
options within 30 days of receiving 
the citation.
Licensed DUI Programs
You may be required to complete 
a licensed DUI program if your 
license is administratively suspended 
for: unlawful blood or breath 
alcohol level; refusal to submit 
to a breath, blood, or urine test; 
or conviction of driving under 
the influence or possession of a 
controlled substance.
Mature Driver Insurance 
Courses
A driving course just for older adults 
can update drivers on traffic laws 
and suggest useful ways to adapt 
driving habits to accommodate 
aging. Some courses even qualify 
older drivers for a reduction in auto 
insurance costs. 

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12
The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 051417
  
87  
DRIVER LICENSE TESTING
The purpose of the license 
examination is to determine that 
you:
 1.  Can read and understand 
road signs, traffic signals, and 
highway markings.
 2.  Know Florida driving laws.
 3.  Meet minimum vision 
standards.
 4.  Have the knowledge, skills, and 
experience to drive safely.
 5.  Do not have any physical or 
mental conditions that would 
affect your ability to drive safely.
Testing Methods
Driver license testing can be 
administered at state driver license 
offices, tax collector licensing 
agents, Driver Education Licensing 
Assistance Programs (DELAP), and 
authorized third party testers.
A list of driver license offices and 
tax collector licensing agents can be 
found on the DHSMV website.
Driver Education (DELAP)
Many driver education teachers 
assist the DHSMV in licensing new 
drivers. Students who complete 
their driver license exams through 
approved DELAP courses in public 
or private schools will have the 
results entered into DHSMV’s test 
records by their driver education 
teacher.
The exam results will be used 
for issuance of a learner’s driver 
license or Class E license. However, 
DHSMV or the Tax Collector 
licensing agent may test any student 
on a random basis before issuing a 
driver license.
Third Party Testing
The driver license Class E 
Knowledge Exam is also available 
through third party providers 
approved by DHSMV. Students of 
all ages may take the exams with 
a provider that offers them in an 
in-person setting. (Students under 
18 may take the knowledge exam 
online.) A list of approved third 
party testers can be found on the 
DHSMV website. 
License Examinations
Persons applying for an original 
Florida license are required to take 
the following exams:
  • Vision & Hearing Screening
  • Class E Knowledge Exam 
  • Driving Skills Exam
See page 71 (Reciprocity) for 
exceptions where tests are waived. 
Vision
You must wear corrective lenses 
when you drive if you need to wear 
contact lenses or glasses to pass the 
vision test. (The use of telescopic 
lenses to meet visual standards is not 
recognized in Florida.)
Your driving privilege will be 
revoked if you are unable to meet 

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©2017 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
the minimum vision standards. 
  • 20/40 or better vision in each 
eye with or without corrective 
lenses meets state requirements 
without referral to an eye 
specialist.
  • 20/50 or worse vision in 
either eye with or without 
corrective lenses are referred 
to an eye specialist for possible 
improvement.
  • 20/70 vision in either eye, or 
both eyes together may pass 
after referral to an eye specialist, 
providing the vision in the worst 
eye is better than 20/200.
  • If one eye is blind or 20/200 
or worse, the other eye must be 
20/40 or better with or without 
corrective lenses.
Class E Knowledge Exam
The knowledge exam consists of 50 
multiple-choice questions about:
 1.  Florida traffic laws, 
 2.  safe driving practices, and 
 3.  identifying traffic controls.
You will be expected to know:
Seat Belt Laws
Traffic Controls
Vehicle Control
Lane Controls
Speed Limits
Turns
Yielding the Right-
of-way
Vehicle 
Restrictions
Parking 
Restrictions
Maintaining 
Attention
Headlight Use
Signaling
Licensing
Insurance
& More!  It’s all in this Handbook!
Vehicle Inspection
You must provide a vehicle (with 
a valid license tag) for the driving 
exam. Your vehicle will be inspected 
to determine that it is safe for a 
driving exam. The driving exam will 
not be given if the examiner finds:
  • Horn, rear-view mirror, 
directional signals, steering 
wheel, brakes, tires, brake lights, 
or tail lights are defective or 
inoperable.
  • No windshield wipers on the 
driver’s side.
  • No operable headlights when 
visibility is reduced.
  • Cracked or broken glass that 
hinders visibility.
  • Expired tag.
  • The vehicle doesn’t have doors.
  • Front doors don’t open from the 
inside and outside.
  • Vehicle does not have stationary 
seats.
  • Vehicle does not permit driver 
to give hand signals when 
required.
  • Jeep-type vehicles without 
framed canvas or metal doors 
held by hinges and door latch.
  • Doesn’t meet bumper height 
requirements. 
  • A low speed vehicle.

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The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 051417
  
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......................................................................................................................DRIVER LICENSE TESTING
Driving Skills Exam
No other passengers are permitted 
during the exam (unless a language 
interpreter is necessary). You will 
perform the following maneuvers on 
the driving exam:
 • Three Point Turn. Turn car 
around in a 20–40 foot space.
 • Approach of Crossing. Get in 
the proper lane and look in each 
direction.
 • Observe Right-of-Way. Allow 
pedestrians to cross, pull over 
and stop for emergency vehicles, 
and don’t enter an intersection 
where you will interfere with 
other traffic.
 • Straight-In Parking. When 
properly parked, the vehicle 
should be centered inside the 
space with no part of the vehicle 
extending out in the traffic lane. 
 • Parking on a Grade. Proper 
parking for uphill and downhill, 
with and without a curb.
 • Stop Quickly. Make a quick, 
safe stop when the examiner/
agent instructs you.
 • Backing. Back for a distance 
of 50 feet at a slow speed while 
looking to the rear. Do not use 
the rear-view mirror or rear-view 
camera monitor. 
 • Obey Stop Signs. Approach 
in the proper lane, come to a 
complete stop before reaching 
the stop line or crosswalk, and 
remain stopped until you can 
move safely.
 • 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 the 
light turns green, do not move 
forward until the other traffic 
has cleared the intersection.
 • 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.
 • Passing. Always look ahead and 
behind to make sure you can 
pass safely.
 • 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 follow too closely behind 
other cars. Keep a minimum 
following distance of three to 
four seconds.
 • Use Proper Posture. Keep both 
hands on the steering wheel and 
do not rest your elbow in the 
window.
The examiner/agent will explain any 
mistakes you may have made after 
the exam is completed. If you fail 
the driving exam, you will be asked 
to study or practice before returning 
for reexamination.
If you pass the examination, the 
examiner/agent will collect the fee 
and issue your license. 

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Share this Book! 
This Official Florida Driver License Handbook is designed to be 
a resource for Florida’s new drivers; we encourage you to refer 
to it as you continue to learn the many rules of the road. This 
handbook is now available as an eBook on 
FLHSMV.gov
, so you 
can download it and access it on your smart device at any time. 
When you are finished using this printed copy of the Handbook, 
please return it to the Driver License/Tax Collector office when 
you get your driver license. We’ll be sure to give this book a 
second life with another new driver.

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
  1a.  In your vehicle, what should you adjust before you start your engine?
  1b.  What are the equipment requirements for windshields and side 
windows? 
  1c  What are bumper height requirements? Are they the same for every 
vehicle?
  1d.  What must you do if hauling a load of material which could fall or blow 
onto the roadway? 
  1e.  When a projected load extends more than 4 feet from the vehicle, what 
must you use to clearly mark it in the daytime? At night? 
  2a.  Why is drowsy driving dangerous?
  2b.  What should you do if another driver is threatening you or intentionally 
driving dangerously around you?
  2c.  What are the three main categories of distracted driving?
  2d.  Why is texting one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors?
  2e.  Can anyone drink and drive safely?
  2f.  Both your judgment and vision are affected after drinking alcohol. Which 
is affected first? 
  3a.  What can happen to you if you are in a crash and not wearing a seat belt?
  3b.  What age are children required to be in a car seat? In a car seat or booster 
seat?
  3c.  If a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle and a front seat passenger 
(under 18 years old) is not wearing a safety belt, who will be charged with 
the seat belt violation? 
  4a.  What does a single broken white line on the highway mean? 
  4b.  What does a double solid yellow line in the center of the highway mean? 
A double solid white line? 
  4c.  What does a solid yellow line to the right of the center line of the highway 
mean? 
  4d.  What do the colors of traffic signs indicate (red, orange, yellow, etc.)?
  4e.  When more than one vehicle approaches a four-way stop sign, which one 
moves first? 
  4f.  What does a red traffic light mean? What does a flashing red traffic light 
mean? 

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  4g.  After a full stop at a red traffic light when may a driver turn right? 
  4h.  What does a green arrow showing at the same time as a red traffic light 
mean you can do? 
  4i.  What does a flashing yellow light mean?
  4j.  If you are approaching a railroad crossing that does not have gates or 
lights and you see a train coming, what should you do? 
  5a.  What happens to the force of impact when you double your speed? Triple 
your speed?
  5b.  Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit for cars in a residential 
area? 
  5c.  What is the maximum speed limit on an interstate highway?  
  5d.  Can you be issued a ticket for driving too slowly?  
  5e.  What are the steps for making a smooth stop?
  5f.  What is the arm signal for a left turn? Right turn? Slow or stop? 
  5g.  How long (distance) should you signal before making a left or right turn? 
  5h.  When can you use a three-point turn? Where should you never make a 
three-point turn?
  5i.  What is an open intersection? When must you yield right-of-way?
  5j.  When may you drive in the left lane of a road with two lanes? With four 
lanes?
  5k.  What does it mean if you see red reflectors on the lane lines facing you? 
What should you do?
  5l.  What is the recommended safe following distance? 
  5m. When should you increase your following distance?
  5n.  What are blind spots?
  5o.  How do you check your blind spots when you are preparing to change 
lanes or turn? 
  5p.  Where is it unlawful to overtake and pass? 
  5q.  Under what circumstances can you stop in the acceleration lane on an 
expressway?
  5r.  What should you do if you drive past your exit on an interstate highway? 
  5s.  Where should you move your vehicle if you break down while driving on 
the highway? 
  5t.  What is the farthest away you can park from a curb?

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  5u.  If you have a manual transmission, what gear should you put the car 
in when parking downhill? Uphill? What if you have an automatic 
transmission?
  5v.  Where is parking prohibited? 
  5w. Which way should you turn your wheels when parking uphill along a 
curb? Which way should you turn them where there is not a curb?  Which 
way should you turn them if parking downhill?
  6a.  Are motorists required to stop or yield for pedestrians crossing the street? 
  6b.  What must you do when you see a pedestrian with a white cane in the 
street ahead of you?
  6c.  What is the minimum distance a motorist must give when traveling next 
to a cyclist? 
  6d.  As a motorist, what should you do when preparing to turn right on a 
roadway with a bike lane? 
  6e.  When on the roadway, do motorcyclists and moped riders have the same 
rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers? 
  6f.  If you are driving a motor vehicle, are you allowed to share a lane with a 
motorcyclist? 
  6g.  When a school bus is stopped to unload children on a highway divided 
with a raised barrier, are vehicles traveling in the opposite direction 
required to stop? 
  6h.  When a school bus stops to unload children, are vehicles traveling in the 
same direction required to stop? 
  6i.  What must you do when children or school crossing guards are present in 
a crosswalk? 
  6j.  What must you do if an emergency vehicle with activated lights and/or 
sirens is approaching you from behind?
  6k.  What does the Move Over law require you to do?  
  6l.  What is a “No Zone”?
  7a.  At what times must you use your headlights? 
  7b.  At night, within how many feet of approaching a vehicle from the rear 
must you dim your bright headlights? 
  7c.  Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle should you dim your bright 
headlights? 
  7d.  When driving in the rain, fog, or smoke in the daytime, what lights should 
you use? 

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  7e.  What should you do when driving on wet roads in the rain? Why?
  8a.  What should you do if your right wheels go off the pavement while 
driving?
  8b.  What should you do if your tires begin to skid while driving?
  8c.  When emergency braking, what is the difference between conventional 
brakes and anti-lock brakes (ABS)? 
  8d.  What should you do during a tire blow-out?
  8e.  What must you do if you are involved in a minor accident and your 
vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic?
  8f.  If you hit a parked car and are unable to find the owner, what should you 
do? 
  8g.  What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving 
injury or death?
  9a.  What are the requirements of the No-Fault law?
  9b.  If your license and registration are suspended for being in violation of the 
No-Fault law, what must you do to get them reinstated?
  9c.  What are the penalties if you are at fault in a crash and you are not 
insured in compliance with the Financial Responsibility Law? 
  9d.  What are the time restrictions for a driver with a learner’s license?   
  9e.  What are the time restrictions for a licensed driver under age 17? Under 
age 18?  
  9f.  When can you be charged with driving under the influence (DUI)? 
  9g.  What are the penalties for refusing to take a blood test, a urine test, or a 
breath test when suspected of driving under the influence? 
  9h.  What can happen if you are found guilty of racing on the highway?
  10a. If you have a learner’s license, how many hours of driving experience are 
required to earn the Class E license?
  10b. What education course are you required to take if you are applying for a 
learner’s license (or have never held a driver’s license)? 
  10c. Are you required to notify DHSMV of any health problems that may affect 
your driving?
  11.  Why would one opt to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course?
  12.  What maneuvers are required on a driving exam?

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Check out all you can do at 
flhsmv.gov
!
Renew your vehicle registration
Update your insurance information
Register Emergency Contact Info
Find third-party exam providers
Find locations of motor vehicle/tax 
collector offices
Submit a question (answered in 2 
business days)
Access driving history of your teen 
Download driver license handbooks
Check your driver license
Check your driving school eligibility
Track your driver license or ID card order 
status
Change your address on your driver 
license
Verify Driving School Status
Update your social security number
Check personalized plate availability
Electronic Title
and much, much more!
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also offers a 
variety of motorist services ranging from address changes to renewals at your 
convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to: 
GoRenew.com
.

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STUDY. PASS. 
DRIVE SAFELY.