The 2018 Florida Learners Permit Test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

The Florida learners permit test in 2018 is a written exam administered by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You answer 50 multiple-choice questions about Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to score at least 40 correct answers (80 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at your local DHSMV office, and you get your results when ready after you finish.

This test is the first step toward getting your learners permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test. The questions come directly from the Florida Driver License Handbook, so studying that handbook is your best preparation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must answer at least 40 of 50 questions correctly to pass the 2018 Florida learners permit test.
  • The test covers Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules found in the official Driver License Handbook.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DHSMV office, and you receive your score before you leave.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day, though some offices may have limits on same-day retakes.

What the test covers: signs, laws, and safe driving

The 50 questions on the 2018 Florida learners permit test are divided into three main areas. Questions about road signs ask you to identify what different signs mean—stop signs, yield signs, warning signs, and regulatory signs. You need to know what each sign tells you to do and what it looks like.

Traffic laws and rules of the road make up the bulk of the test. These questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, how to handle intersections, parking rules, and what to do at traffic lights. You will also see questions about seat belts, child safety seats, and distracted driving. Florida-specific laws—like the requirement to use headlights when windshield wipers are on—appear on this test.

Safe driving practices round out the test. These questions ask about how to handle bad weather, how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists, and what to do in an emergency. You may also see questions about impaired driving and how alcohol and drugs affect your ability to drive safely.

How to study for the test

The Florida Driver License Handbook is the official source for everything on the test. You can get a free copy at any DHSMV office or read it from the DHSMV website. Read through the entire handbook at least once, paying close attention to sections on traffic signs, speed limits, and right-of-way rules.

Many people find it helpful to take practice tests before the real exam. Several websites and apps offer Florida learners permit practice questions based on the 2018 test format. These practice tests let you see which topics you need to study more and get used to the computer-based format you will face at the DHSMV office.

Focus extra time on areas where you feel weak. If road signs confuse you, spend time drilling those. If right-of-way rules are unclear, go back to the handbook and work through examples. Most people who fail the test did not spend enough time on the handbook before taking the exam.

What to bring and what to expect on test day

Bring a valid form of identification to the DHSMV office. If you are under 18, bring your birth certificate or passport and proof of your Social Security number. You will also need to bring proof of your Florida residency—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The DHSMV office will check your documents, take your photo, and collect any fees. You will then sit at a computer terminal to take the test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. You cannot use notes, phones, or any other materials during the test.

After you finish, the computer tells you whether you passed or failed and shows your score. If you pass, you will receive your learners permit that same day. If you fail, you can usually retake the test when ready or come back another day, though policies vary by office.

If you fail the test: retaking it

Failing the 2018 Florida learners permit test is not permanent. You can retake it as soon as you are ready. Many people retake it the same day they fail, while others study for a few more days and return later.

When you retake the test, you will see different questions, though they cover the same topics. Go back to the Driver License Handbook and focus on the areas where you struggled. If you failed because you did not know road signs, spend time on that section. If you missed questions about speed limits and right-of-way, review those rules carefully.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, though you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the handbook between tries.

Differences between the learners permit test and the road test

The learners permit test is written and computer-based. The road test, which you take after you have held your learners permit for a certain time, is a practical driving exam where a DHSMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive. The road test checks whether you can actually operate a vehicle safely, while the learners permit test checks whether you know the rules.

You must pass the learners permit test before you can schedule a road test. The learners permit shows that you understand Florida traffic laws and are ready to practice driving with a licensed adult. Once you have practiced enough and feel confident, you can take the road test to earn your full driver license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the 2018 Florida learners permit test?

There are 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. Each question has four answer choices, and you select your answer on a computer screen.

Can I use the Florida Driver License Handbook during the test?

No. You cannot bring any materials into the testing area, including the handbook, notes, or your phone. You must rely on what you studied beforehand. This is why studying the handbook before you go to the DHSMV office is so important.

What happens if I fail the test on my first try?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. You will pay the test fee again. Study the handbook between attempts, focusing on the topics where you had trouble. Most people pass on their second or third try.

How long does the test take?

The actual test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. However, plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the DHSMV office total, including time for check-in, photo, and waiting.

Is the 2018 test different from tests in other years?

The format and question types are the same from year to year. The Florida Driver License Handbook is updated occasionally, so some specific rules may change, but the test structure and passing score remain consistent.