Parent/Guardian Checklist for Learner License Applicants
Prior to your minor child scheduling their Learner License appointment at the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office, please ensure all items listed have been completed. Please have this signed form available to provide to the associate at the appointment. Refer to the First-Time Learner License publication (taxcollector.com/cip/cip-view.cfm?cip=94) for additional details.
1. Pre-Requisites
Your child must be at least15 years oldon or before the date of their appointment AND
Your child must be a US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident* or have a valid temporary status* with USCIS (taxcollector.com/cip/cip-view.cfm?cip=48) AND
Your child must be a Manatee County Resident. If your child is a resident of another county, they must visit their home county for processing and/or testing. To find a location, visit flhsmv.gov/locations/.
*Legal Permanent Residents and individuals with a valid temporary status with USCIS must schedule their appointments for the Driver License Office.
2. Testing Requirements
Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) is required to be completed prior to obtaining a first-time Learner License. (If completing Driver's Ed, TLSAE is included.) This course is not offered by the Manatee County Tax Collector's Office. AND
The Class E General Knowledge Written Exam (50 Questions - 45 road rules/5 road signs) is required to be completed. This exam is offered through Driver's Ed and by 3rd party providers*, as well at the Driver License Office.
*3rd party providers may charge fees for exams/courses.
Note: Per F.S. 322.56(3)(b) and (e), a customer who takes (and passes) the Class E General Knowledge Written Exam through a 3rd party provider (or Driver's Ed) may be randomly selected for a mandatory re-test without prior notice. After a re-test with a passing score is completed in a driver license or tax collector office, the learner license will be issued. A failed mandatory re-test will require a re-exam fee be collected at the next exam attempt.
3. Real ID Compliance
Your child must become Real ID compliant. To do this, you must present proof of your child's:
Citizenship or legal presence (whichever applies) AND Residential Address (two proofs) AND Social Security Number (SSN) AND Name change (if applicable)
4. Preparing for Your Visit
An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions. Complete the application online (or scan the QR code) at taxcollector.com prior to your appointment.
AND
Schedule an appointment online at taxcollector.com for one of the following services (whichever is applicable):
TESTING REQUIRED (Written Test & Driving Skills Road Test) > Written Testing - Learner License & Commercial - if needing to complete the Written Test in office
US Citizen Driver License/Learner License/ID Card (NO TESTING) > First-Time Learner License (Written Test Complete) - if the Written Test was completed through a third party provider
AND
You (or another responsible adult) must be present with valid identification at the appointment to take financial responsibility of the minor driver as imposed by F.S. 322.09. If you (or another responsible adult) cannot be present, the following forms must be completed and presented at the appointment:
HSMV 71144 (if the Written Test was completed online) AND
A vision and hearing exam will be conducted during the appointment. If your child needs glasses or contact lenses for distance vision, they must be available at their appointment.
5. Estimate of Fees
We accept cash, check, debit cards and credit cards. A $2.50 processing fee for debit cards and a 2.5% processing fee (minimum of $2.50) for credit cards will apply. Our office does not retain any portion of this fee.
Estimate of fees for the transaction:
Service Fee: $6.25*
Learner License: $48.00*
*Fees may be collected separately. Please be prepared to pay multiple times.
Note: Additional fees may be due if written exams are completed in office.