According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) to earn an Operator’s License, teens must be at least 16 years old AND have held a learner’s license for at least one year without any traffic convictions.

The Florida driver's manual states specifically that the following requirements must be met in order to obtain a regular Class E license:

1. Must hold the learner’s license for 12 months or until the 18th birthday.
2. Must have NO moving traffic violation convictions 12 months from the issue date of the Learner's license.
3. May have one moving traffic violation conviction within 12 months from the issue date of the learner’s license, if adjudication is withheld.

So you need to hold onto your learner's license (permit) in Florida for a full year (12 months) before you can apply and obtain a license, not just 6 months. Once teens in Florida obtain an Operator’s License their driving privileges are based on their age.

16 years old

• Driving allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• All other times must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver, or be traveling to or from work.

17 years old

• Driving allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
• All other times must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old occupying the closest seat to the right of the driver, or be traveling to or from work.

18 years old

• Driving allowed at all hours of the day without a licensed passenger requirement.

So after having a learner's permit for at least 1 year in FL the next step is an operator's license with conditions on it. The conditions or restrictions on this type of driver's license depend upon your age. For more information on the graduated licensing system in place in Florida contact the HSMV directly.

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