Chapter 11 · Topic 11.2 · Driving in Florida
Florida Class E driver's licence — complete guide for Canadians
Class E is Florida's standard driver's licence for passenger vehicles. Here's how to apply, what to bring, what tests to expect, and what the REAL ID gold star means.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
Florida's standard driver's licence is the Class E (covers vehicles under 26,001 lbs without special endorsements). Key facts: Fee: $48 for 8-year licence. Tests: (1) vision test (20/40 acuity), (2) 50-question written test on traffic laws (40 correct needed), (3) road test waived if you hold a valid Canadian licence. Documents: proof of identity (passport), SSN or ITIN, two Florida address proofs. REAL ID gold star requires proof of lawful US status — get it if you plan to fly domestically in the US. Visit the FLHSMV office or county Tax Collector (varies by county). Appointments strongly recommended at flhsmv.gov.
Acronyms used in this guide
- FLHSMV — Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- REAL ID — Federal standard for state IDs (for domestic flights, federal facilities)
- CDL — Commercial Driver's Licence (not covered here — for trucks/buses)
What is Class E?
Class E is Florida's standard, non-commercial passenger vehicle driver's licence. It authorizes operation of:
- Passenger vehicles (including trucks, vans, SUVs) under 26,001 lbs GVWR.
- Recreational vehicles (RVs) and motorhomes under the weight threshold.
- Motorcycles require a separate Class E with a motorcycle endorsement (or Class A/B/C with endorsement).
Eligibility
- Must be 16+ years old.
- Must establish Florida residency/domicile. Non-residents (visitors on B-2) should not apply — use your Canadian licence instead.
- Must have lawful presence in the US (LPR card, visa, I-94 admission record, etc.).
Required documents
Florida uses a point system (need 6 points total). Common documents for Canadians:
| Document | Points |
|---|---|
| Valid Canadian passport | 3 points |
| Canadian birth certificate | 3 points |
| Canadian provincial driver's licence (to surrender) | 3 points |
| Social Security card / SSN document | 1 point |
| Proof of Florida residential address (utility bill, bank statement) | 1 point each (need 2) |
Typical combination for Canadians: passport (3) + Canadian licence (3) = 6 points + SSN document + 2 address proofs.
Tests
Vision test
Minimum 20/40 visual acuity in each eye, with or without correction. Performed at the FLHSMV office using a vision machine.
Written knowledge test
- 50 questions on Florida traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- Pass score: 40 out of 50 (80%).
- Study resource: the free Florida Driver Handbook at flhsmv.gov — covers all test topics.
- Test available in multiple languages including French.
Road/driving test
Waived for applicants who present a valid Canadian driver's licence. You must surrender the Canadian licence when receiving the Florida licence.
Fees and validity
- Standard 8-year Class E licence: $48.
- Issued on the spot (temporary paper licence). Permanent card mailed within 10–14 business days.
- Renewal: every 8 years (or 6 years if over age 80). Can renew online if no changes.
REAL ID compliance
Florida offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licences. The REAL ID-compliant version has a gold star in the top right corner.
Required since May 7, 2025 for:
- Boarding domestic US commercial flights.
- Accessing certain federal buildings, military bases, nuclear power plants.
To get the REAL ID version, add to your standard application:
- Proof of lawful US status (I-94, LPR card, visa stamp in passport).
- SSN card or equivalent (not just a statement).
If you don't have the REAL ID, you can still fly domestically with a valid passport.
Where to apply
- Find your nearest FLHSMV service centre or county Tax Collector office at flhsmv.gov/offices.
- Make an appointment — walk-in wait times can be 2–4 hours.
- Bring originals of all documents (photocopies not accepted for identity documents).
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date.
- FLHSMV — Class E Driver's Licence. flhsmv.gov/class-e
- Florida Driver Handbook. flhsmv.gov/handbook
- DHS — REAL ID. dhs.gov/real-id
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Figures, rules, and procedures are sourced from public sources as of the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult the relevant official agencies and, if needed, a licensed professional (attorney, accountant, insurance broker).