Driver License Tests

Our Lakewood Ranch, North River, and Palma Sola locations provide limited driver license services; these offices do not conduct any testing.

If your transaction requires the completion of any testing, you must visit the Specialized Driver License department at the DeSoto office.

Before visiting our offices, we strongly encourage you to check the status of your license to ensure you have all the documents required to complete your transaction. We will not provide this information over the phone.

If any of the following scenarios apply, refer to any of the applicable customer information publications listed below for more information and instructions.

Road Test Information & Instructions
Road Tests are administered by appointment only and will not be administered to walk-in customers. Appointments fill up fast, so call (941) 741-4800 up to 30 days prior to your eligibility date to reserve a day and time and ensure that you will be able to take the Road Test as soon as you become eligible to do so. Road Tests are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm, with limited Wednesday hours in some months. Appointment times must be kept on schedule; if you arrive for your appointment unprepared, you will forfeit your appointment. (CDL Road Tests are not offered at our office. If you would like to take the CDL Road Test, please contact a State Driver License Office.)

Written Exams
We offer written exams for Class E Learner Licenses, Commercial Licenses (CDL) and Commercial License Endorsements (with the exception of Hazmat). Audio exams are also available upon request. When you are ready to attempt your written exam(s), please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Written exams are administered by appointment only.

First Time Learner License
If you are applying for the first time for a learner license, there are certain documentation and testing requirements that must be completed before issuance.

Learner License to Class E
If you are applying to upgrade your learner license to a Class E license, there are certain documentation and testing requirements that must be completed before issuance.

Original ID Cards
Requirements and information for obtaining a first time ID card. (Never having held a license or ID prior)

Original Driver Licenses
Requirements and information for obtaining a first time driver license. (Never having held a license prior)

Motorcycle "Only" Licenses
A license that allows you to operate motorcycle-type vehicles only. You would not be entitled to operate Class E or higher motor vehicles with this license.

Failed To Meet Vision Requirements
Information on how to proceed when failing to meet the minimum vision requirements as mandated in Florida Statutes.

CDL

Classifications of Commercial Driver Licenses
Reference chart showing the classifications, endorsements, and restrictions for Commercial Driver Licenses.

CDL Road Skill Testing
The Specialized Driver License Department at the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office does not administer Road Skill Tests for Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL); therefore, you are being referred to a nearby county to complete the next phase of your testing.

CDL Upgrade from Class E License
All Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants must comply with the requirements listed below in order to upgrade their Florida Class E or equivalent out-of-state operator's license to a Florida CDL license.

CDL Federal Vision Waivers
Commercial driver license (CDL) holders are held to a higher standard of vision than that of other drivers. If you do not meet the minimum Federal vision requirement of 20/40 or better in each eye with or without best correction (glasses or contacts), you will be restricted to intrastate operation and a 2 restriction will be placed on your CDL license, or a Federal Vision Waiver will be required.