Getting a driver license is an exciting milestone for teens—and an important responsibility. The Hendry County Tax Collector’s Office provides guidance and driver license services for teens at every stage of the licensing process, from learner permits to intermediate licenses and full driving privileges.
Our goal is to help teen drivers and their parents understand requirements, prepare documentation, and complete each step safely and successfully.
What You’ll Need
Florida has implemented new requirements for teen drivers seeking their Learner’s Permit. These changes affect teens ages 15-17 and their parents who need to navigate the updated licensing process.
Effective August 1, 2025
Beginning August 1, 2025, all teen drivers ages 15-17 must complete the following requirements to obtain their Learner’s Permit:
- Course Change: The 4-hour TLSAE course will no longer be accepted for teen drivers
- New 6-Hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course: This comprehensive course replaces the previous 4-hour TLSAE course for teen drivers
- Documentation Requirements: Real ID-compliant documents, proof of address, and parental consent
Grandfathered Exempations
The following teen drivers will not need to complete the new DETS course:
- Completed Requirements Before August 1, 2025
- Teens who completed the TLSAE course before August 1, 2025 (certificate remains valid for one year from completion date)
- Teens who already possess a Florida Learner’s Permit before August 1, 2025
- Other Exemptions
- Teens moving to Florida with a valid out-of-state permit or license
- Individuals age 18 and older (will continue using the TLSAE course)
Important Timing Consideration
If you completed the TLSAE course before August 1, 2025, but did not obtain your license within one year of course completion, you will be required to take the new 6-hour DETS course.
To earn an operator license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner license for at least one year without any traffic convictions.
To obtain an Intermediate License, you must provide:
- A Florida Learner License or a license from another jurisdiction.
- Parent or guardian certification that you have at least 50 hours of behind the wheel driving experience, of which 10 hours must be at night.
Required Test
- Driving test or present a waiver from an accepted driver education course.
- You are required to have a current registration and insurance on the vehicle you will be using at the time of the driving test.
Driving Privileges
- 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.
You are required to complete:
To apply for a learners license, you must be at least 15 years old.
- Complete of a Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course.
- Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or guardian in the presence of a driver license examiner or notarized if the parent or guardian will not be present.
- REAL ID documents to establish your identity, proof of legal presence, proof of social security number (if issued) and two proofs of residential address.
- Class E Knowledge exam consisting of 50 questions on traffic laws and signs. You must have 40 correct answers to pass (80%).
- Vision test using an eye machine. You must have 20/40 or better in each and both eyes, with or without corrective lenses, to pass.
- Hearing test.
- Drivers with a learner’s license are ineligible for a motorcycle endorsement
- No one under 16 years of age may legally operate or be licensed to operate a two or three wheel motorcycle, moped or motorized scooter with an engine size of 50 cc. on Florida roads, streets or highways.
- Florida residents are required to complete the “Basic Rider Course” 15 hour motorcycle safety course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Click here for more information.
- Must have signature of one parent (or guardian) on the parental consent form.
- Must present required documents: Primary identification, Proof of Social Security Number and Proof of Residential Address.
- Must be in compliance with school attendance.
Select your citizenship status to see the complete list of documents required that applies to you:
Note: Address requirements have been updated.
Under the new rules from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, non-CDL driver license and identification card holders who are unable to provide two documents proving their residential address may use a Certification of Address form. However, the form now requires additional steps:
Important Note: All address documents must match exactly, including complete street address, city, zip code, and apartment number (when applicable). Even minor discrepancies between documents can result in rejection, so please verify that all address information is identical across your documents before visiting our office.
The certifier (the person providing proof of address) must either:
- Accompany the customer to an office to sign the form in the presence of an examiner; or
- Sign the form in front of a notary.
The certifier must also provide two documents proving their own residential address, one of which must be a deed, mortgage agreement, lease agreement, or a similar document.
(Click here to access the Certification of Address form)
Parents or guardians of a minor need to provide two proofs of address in their name, along with documents that show the family or guardian relationship. There’s no need to complete the Certification of Address form. Remember: The parent or guardian’s address documents must also match exactly in all details.
You must visit an office for these transactions with the following required documents:
- If you are applying for your first driver license or identification card
- If you have changed your name since your last renewal (eg: by marriage or divorce)
- NOTE: You need to bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, etc.) AND you need to update your records with the Social Security Administration at least 24-48 hours BEFORE visiting our office for a name change on your driver license or identification card. Additionally, if you are an immigrant or non-immigrant, you NEED to present your immigration documents with your updated name change.
- When your current credential expires and you have already used the one-time “convenience” renewal option
If none of these apply then you can renew your license online, or by mail. Please come prepared to present one of the approved identification documents as proof of citizenship or legal presence.
Important update: Effective June 1, 2022, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will no longer accept out of state or U.S. territory addresses for applicants obtaining a Florida Class E license or Identification Card. These individuals must present proof of a Florida residential address in compliance with established Real ID address requirements.
This update will not apply to individuals who are United States armed forces personnel on active duty and their dependents who are stationed out of the state of Florida but who are still Florida residents.
Road Test services are available by appointment ONLY and to Hendry and Glades County residents ONLY. Appointment bookings are available up to 30 days in advance.
To get a driver license in Florida you are required to take a driving/road test. The purpose of the license examination is to:
- Ensure you know the FL driving rules
- Ensure you have the skills and experience to drive safely.
If you have received notification to take a driving test due to a medical condition or 3 crashes in 3 years, please contact our office by phone to make a reservation.
Road Testers will need to bring the following for their road test:
- A valid vehicle registration
- Current Florida insurance for the vehicle
- If you are borrowing a vehicle, the owner of the vehicle will need to complete the authorization form.
Notes:
- Only the tester and examiner will be in the vehicle during testing
Driver License Road Tests are administered at the following locations:
- Clewiston – 1100 S Olympia Ave., LaBelle, FL 33935
- LaBelle – 25 E. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, FL 33935
Please Note: Road tests are suspended during inclement weather conditions.
You must provide a vehicle that is safe to drive and insured.
The vehicle must:
1. Have a valid license plate.
2. Have a valid vehicle registration
3. Have proof of valid Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability Insurance.
4. Pass a vehicle safety inspection.
5. Have operable seatbelts (exception: cars manufactured prior to 1968 and trucks manufactured prior to 1972).
The examiner/tax collector licensing agent will inspect your vehicle before the test is started. If your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety requirements, your driving test will be rescheduled. Learn more about Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements below.
When you appear for your driving test, the driving test examiner will ask to see your learner’s permit if one was issued or identification.
If not Real ID compliant, applicants must present Real ID required documents.
If under 18 years old, your parent, guardian, or another responsible adult 21 years old or older must be present with their identification to certify that you have had 50 hours of driving experience; 10 of which must include nighttime driving. If such a person cannot be present, they must complete the Certification of Driving Experience of a Minor.
There is a fee of $6.25 for the initial road test. If you do not pass, you may schedule an appointment to attempt the road test on another day. Only one attempt is allowed per day. A $26.25 retake fee is charged for each subsequent attempt.
Customers can also visit the State website here for a list of approved third-party road test providers.
Your vehicle must meet the minimum safety requirements.
Your driving test begins with a vehicle safety check. This pre–drive inspection demonstrates that you are familiar with your vehicle and that your vehicle meets the DMV’s minimum safety requirements. You will be asked to identify and/or demonstrate parts of the vehicle commonly used in driving. If your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety requirements, your driving test will be rescheduled.
VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:
- Horn must be heard from 200 ft
- Must have rearview mirror (inside or outside)
- Directional signals or knowledge of hand signals (if directional signals are not working)
- Two (2) Brake lights must work
- Headlights
- Doors must open from inside & outside
- Driver & passenger windows must work
- Car must be clean (We reserve the right not to administer a driving test)
- Emergency brake must work
- Tires must be in good condition (Cannot be worn)
- Windshield wipers must work. If raining some vehicles do not meet the requirements (Refer to Florida Drivers Handbook)
- Glass must have clear view to front, sides and rear
The items listed above are not inclusive; please refer to the official Florida Drivers Handbook for additional information
Statewide
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has a list of approved private testing facilities throughout the state.
Click here to see the full list of approved testing facilities.
Please contact them directly for details about the services they offer. Additional fees will apply.
IMPORTANT: The Hendry Tax Collector’s Office is not affiliated with these facilities. Please address any issues or questions related to service, fees, etc. directly with the applicable entity.
Steps to Getting a Teen Driver License
Obtain a Learner License (Permit)
Practice with a Learner License
Apply for an Intermediate License
Receive a Full
Class E License
Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances.
Driver License Payment Options
For online driver license or ID card renewals, duplicates or to change your address:
- You will need your driver license or ID card number, social security number, and date of birth.
- You will need your most recently issued driver license, ID card or motor vehicle registration.
- Your existing name, date of birth, sex, and any restrictions must be correct.
- You must have an existing digital image on record.
- You must use a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card.
Note: Some people may not qualify to use online services. (ie. those who do not have a digital image on file and non-U.S. Citizens)
This service is offered in conjunction with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. When you click on the button below to start the transaction, you will be directed to their website.
Any questions related to the online renewal options should be directed to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at 850-617-2000.
Once a transaction has been processed through the Internet neither this office nor the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can cancel the transaction.
FAQs
You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Florida learner license.
To obtain a learner license, teens must:
- Under the age of 18, you must complete a 6-Hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) Course. Teens 18 or older, must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course
- Pass the written knowledge exam and vision test
- Provide required identification and proof of residency
- Have a parent or legal guardian sign the consent form
Yes. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the parental consent form unless the form has been notarized in advance.
Teens must hold a learner license for at least 12 months or until they turn 18 years old, whichever comes first.
Teens must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, with a licensed driver age 21 or older.
Any traffic conviction may extend the learner license holding period and delay eligibility for an intermediate license.
Teens may apply for an intermediate license at age 16, provided they:
- Pass the driving skills exam
- Have held a learner license for at least 12 months
- Have no traffic convictions
- Have completed required supervised driving hours
Learner license holders:
- Learner license holders may drive only with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- Ages 16: May not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (except for work or school-related activities)
- Ages 17: May not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. (with limited exceptions)
All time restrictions are automatically removed once the driver turns 18 years old, provided there are no suspensions or violations.
Typical documents include:
- Proof of identity and legal presence
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Florida residential address
- Completion certificates for required courses
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Document requirements may vary based on individual circumstances.
Yes. Florida driver licenses and ID cards are REAL ID–compliant. Teens must bring the required documents to receive a REAL ID credential.
Some services may be eligible for online processing through the MyDMV Portal; however, many teen driver transactions require an in-person visit.
Teens may retake the test after the required waiting period and payment of applicable fees.
Teen driver services are available at Hendry County Tax Collector locations in LaBelle and Clewiston.
Ready to Get Started?
Our team is here to help make your visit as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Visit one of our convenient Hendry County Tax Collector locations in LaBelle or Clewiston to complete your transaction, or contact us if you have questions about what to bring.
