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Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office
DRIVER LICENSES • COLUMBIA COUNTY
Teen Drivers & Road Tests
Start with a learner’s license, build safe driving habits and arrive ready for your driving test. Find the documents, parent requirements and local testing information in one place.
Your first learner’s license
Florida learner’s license applicants must be at least 15. Teens must meet the state’s education, testing and document requirements before a license can be issued.
Complete the right course
New applicants under 18 generally need an approved six-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course. This requirement took effect August 1, 2025. Check FLHSMV’s guidance for approved courses and exceptions before enrolling.
Approved DETS course information →Prepare for the exams
Applicants must pass the Class E knowledge exam and vision and hearing screenings. Course completion and passing the knowledge exam are separate requirements. The knowledge exam has 50 multiple-choice questions on Florida traffic laws, safe driving and traffic controls. Study the official Florida Driver License Handbook (PDF) and use the state study guide (PDF) to review.
Florida teen licensing requirements →Bring these items
- Original or certified documents establishing identity and lawful presence.
- Proof of Social Security number, when issued, and two acceptable residential address documents.
- A parent or legal guardian to give consent, or the properly completed and notarized parental consent form.
- Course and knowledge-exam completion information, if completed before the visit.
- Payment for applicable licensing and testing fees.
Minors using a parent’s address documents should review the address certification requirements before visiting. Names on documents must match or be supported by legal name-change records.
See the What to Bring guide → Get official parent and teen forms →
Practice before the driving test
For a first Class E license, applicants under 18 generally must be at least 16 and hold a learner’s license for at least 12 months. Driving-record eligibility also applies; a moving traffic conviction may affect when you qualify. Applicants who turn 18 should check the requirements for their situation.
Keep a supervised driving log
Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. The required driving-experience certification must be completed for a minor’s license application. A practice log helps track experience but does not replace the certification.
Download the Florida supervised driving log (PDF) →
Know your driving restrictions
A learner’s license does not allow unsupervised driving. A licensed driver age 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat. Drive only during daylight for the first three months; after that, you may drive until 10 p.m. with the same supervision. Drivers ages 16 and 17 also have nighttime restrictions after receiving a license; review the state’s rules and exceptions with your parent or guardian.
Arrive ready for your road test
Columbia County conducts driving tests at the Lake City office. Call 386-758-1077 before your visit to confirm current testing times, availability and any appointment arrangements. Driver license appointments and driving-test arrangements may differ.
- Bring your valid learner’s license and required application documents.
- Bring the completed driving-experience certification if you are under 18.
- Provide a vehicle with a valid registration and proof of insurance.
- Make sure the vehicle can pass the required safety inspection.
- Plan for weather: driving tests are not conducted in rain.
Know the exam language
Since February 6, 2026, Florida administers driver license knowledge and driving skills exams in English only. The state does not allow interpreters for these exams. Read the FLHSMV announcement.
Prepare the vehicle and yourself
Check lights, turn signals, tires, mirrors and seat belts before leaving home. Practice a three-point turn, straight-in parking, backing, a quick stop on the examiner’s instruction, and safe signaling and lane positioning. Review the handbook for the full list of skills. Listen carefully to the examiner and obey traffic laws throughout the test.
Common teen driver questions
Does the old four-hour course meet the new teen requirement?
Do not assume a four-hour TLSAE course meets the requirement for a new applicant under 18. Review the current DETS requirements and exceptions with FLHSMV before purchasing a course or relying on an earlier completion.
Does passing the knowledge exam let me drive?
No. You must first be issued a learner’s license and follow its supervision and driving-hour restrictions. A course certificate or passing exam result is not a license.
Can my parent sign the consent form before the visit?
Yes, the state provides a parental consent form for a minor’s application. If your parent or guardian will not sign in front of the licensing official, follow the form’s notarization instructions. Bring the completed form and required documents.
What if the vehicle or weather prevents my road test?
A vehicle must meet the registration, insurance and safety requirements. Rain can also prevent testing. Contact the Lake City office to confirm what to correct and how to arrange another visit before returning.
I already have an out-of-state license. Do these steps apply?
Transferring an existing license can involve different education and testing requirements. Review the New Florida Residents guide and contact the office about your age, license type and driving history.
Information reviewed November 8, 2026. State licensing rules govern eligibility. Contact the office to confirm current local testing arrangements.
Services
Kids Tag Art
Kids Tag Art is a fundraising project that inspires elementary grade art students and raises money for the school's art program. A special thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsor- Nutrien and our Gold Sponsors- Edward Jones, Baya Pharmacy, Walmart Transportation, First Federal Bank, & LKQ!
