A Class E license in Florida is the standard driver license for everyday, non-commercial driving. It lets you drive cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and recreational vehicles that weigh less than 26,001 pounds. Almost every driver in Florida holds a Class E license. If you are getting your first license, this is the one you need.
The path to a Class E license depends on your age. Teens must hold a learner’s license for a year and log supervised driving hours. Adults 18 and older can skip the learner’s stage and test for a full license. This guide covers what a Class E license allows, the steps for each age group, the fees, and the rules young drivers in Deerfield Beach and Broward County must follow.
Quick Answer: What Is a Florida Class E License?
- What it covers: Non-commercial vehicles under 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating.
- Minimum age: 16, after holding a learner’s license for 12 months.
- Adults 18 and older: Can apply directly after the required course and exams.
- Cost: $48 for an original license, plus a possible $6.25 tax collector service fee.
- How long it lasts: Up to eight years before renewal.
What You Can Drive With a Class E License
The FLHSMV license classes page defines each Florida license type. This table shows where Class E fits.
| License class | What it allows | Commercial? |
|---|---|---|
| Class E | Cars, SUVs, pickups, vans up to 15 passengers, RVs and mopeds of 50 cc or less, all under 26,001 pounds | No |
| Class E learner’s license | Vehicles under 8,000 pounds with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat | No |
| Class C | Hazmat vehicles or vehicles that carry 16 or more people | Yes |
| Class B | Straight trucks of 26,001 pounds or more | Yes |
| Class A | Truck combinations of 26,001 pounds or more towing over 10,000 pounds | Yes |
| Motorcycle endorsement | Adds motorcycles to a valid license | No |
A Class E license does not cover motorcycles over 50 cc. To ride one, you need a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle-only license.
How to Get a Class E License as a Teen
Florida uses a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. Each step adds more freedom as you build experience.
- Complete the required course. Teens under 18 take the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course.
- Pass the knowledge exam. The Class E knowledge exam has 50 questions. You need 40 correct to pass.
- Pass the vision and hearing tests. These are done at the driver’s license office.
- Get your learner’s license. You must be at least 15, and a parent or guardian must sign a consent form.
- Practice for 12 months. Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
- Keep a clean record. You need no moving-violation convictions for one year from the date your learner’s license was issued.
- Pass the driving skills test. At 16 or older, take the road test to earn your Class E license.
Our Florida DMV permit test guide explains the knowledge exam step by step.
Why a Clean Record Matters for Teens
One ticket can delay a teen’s Class E license. FLHSMV allows one moving violation in the first year only if adjudication was withheld. Electing traffic school is what gets adjudication withheld. Learn how tickets turn into points in our guide to the Florida license points system.
How to Get a Class E License as an Adult
Adults 18 and older who have never held a license follow a shorter path.
- Take the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. Adults licensed in another country may be exempt.
- Pass the knowledge exam, vision test and hearing test.
- Schedule the driving skills test. Adults do not need to hold a learner’s license first.
- Bring the right documents. You need proof of identity, Social Security number and two proofs of Florida residential address.
New Florida residents with a valid license from another state can usually convert it to a Class E license without a road test.
Class E Driving Skills Test
The road test checks 14 maneuvers. These include a three-point turn, backing up 50 feet, parking on a hill, and keeping a safe following distance. Your test vehicle must have a valid registration, proof of insurance, and pass a basic safety check.
Practice with a professional instructor helps you pass the first time. Compare local options in our list of the top driving schools in Deerfield Beach.
Driving Hour Limits for Young Class E Drivers
Teens with a new Class E license still have time limits. These rules apply unless you are driving to or from work or have a licensed driver 21 or older with you.
| Driver age | Allowed driving hours |
|---|---|
| 16 | 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| 17 | 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. |
| 18 and older | No time limits |
Class E License Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Class E license (includes learner’s license) | $48 |
| Class E renewal | $48 |
| Replacement license | $25 |
| Tax collector service fee | Up to $6.25 extra |
Fees are set by FLHSMV. Veterans are exempt from the service fee on some transactions.
Keeping Your Class E License Current
A Class E license lasts up to eight years. Drivers 80 and older renew every six years and must pass a vision test. Our guide to Florida driver license renewal explains online and in-person options.
If you move, you must update your address within 30 days. Follow the steps in our guide on changing the address on a Florida driver license. If your card is lost or stolen, see our guide to replacing a lost Florida driver license.
Start Your Class E Journey With Boca Bay
Boca Bay helps new drivers in Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton and nearby cities prepare for their Florida license. Our ADAPT DMV Permit Prep course helps you get ready for the knowledge exam. Call 954-449-4762 or visit Boca Bay DUI Program to view class options and register.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Class E mean on a Florida driver license?
Class E is Florida’s standard non-commercial license. It covers cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, and RVs under 26,001 pounds.
Can I drive a motorcycle with a Class E license in Florida?
No, unless the motorcycle is 50 cc or less. For larger motorcycles, you need a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle only license.
How old do you have to be to get a Class E license in Florida?
You must be at least 16 and have held a learner’s license for 12 months. Adults 18 and older can apply without a learner’s license.
Do adults need a learner’s permit before a Class E license in Florida?
No. Adults 18 and older can take the TLSAE course, pass the exams and schedule the road test without holding a learner’s license first.
How much is a Class E license in Florida?
An original Class E license costs $48. Tax collector offices may add a $6.25 service fee.
How long is a Florida Class E license valid?
A Class E license is valid for up to eight years. Drivers 80 and older renew every six years and must pass a vision test.
