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Office Hours
Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
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First-Time Learner License

You must be at least 15 years old or older and must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for a Learner License.
 
Step 1. Take and Pass Required Testing
 
You must take and pass the following exams.  We recommend that you study the handbook prior to taking any exams. 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.
 
Step 2. Proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence (Identity) – Bring One
 
Bring one of the following documents for proof of your citizenship or legal presence (identity) unless you have previously been issued a Real ID compliant Florida issued ID card:
Step 3. Proof of Name Change (if applicable) – Bring ALL
 
If your current name is different than the name as listed on your proof of citizenship/legal presence, bring all that apply for proof of your legal name change (if applicable): Note: You must report any name change to Social Security at least 48 hours before visiting our office so that your name verifies in the State driver license system and the Social Security Administration’s database.
 
Step 4. Proof of Social Security Number – Bring One
 
Sections 322.051 and 322.08, Florida Statutes, require customers to present proof of social security number (SSN). Proof must list full name and full SSN. Bring one of the following documents for proof of your SSN: 
Step 5. Proof of Residential Address – Bring Two
 
Bring two documents for proof of your residential address – it cannot be a PO Box. The documents must show your name and your complete residential address.
 
Any postmarked mail w/ sender information listed Screen print from car insurance or other bill or business account
Rental/lease agreement Federal/State EBT account printout
Voter registration card Federal/State/County – mail or account 
Car/boat registration  Homeless – Letter from authorized Manatee County Non-Profit Agency serving the homeless indicating that you are a client receiving services is required
Cell phone/cable bill If you live with the individual signing for parental consent in Step 6, you may bring two proofs of address (as detailed above) in their name
Bank/financial statement If you live with someone other than the individual signing for parental consent in Step 6 and you cannot provide a signed lease, or other documents, both parties must visit our office to sign affidavits/statements. Two proofs of address in the other individual’s name will be required.
 
Step 6. Visit Our Office to Obtain Your Learner License
 
An Online Application is REQUIRED for all transactions! To complete your driver license or ID card transaction at one of our offices, you must complete the Online Driver License & ID Card Application  (https://taxcollector.jotform.com/210103795736152) – or scan the QR code to access the application – prior to your appointment. Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.

 Schedule an appointment online at taxcollector.comWe only serve Manatee County residents. 

 Your parent, guardian, or another responsible adult must be present with their identification to give their parental consent.  This person must be willing to assume the obligation imposed by s. 322.09 F.S. and they must verbally certify that they assume joint responsibility with you for damages caused by negligence or willful misconduct.  If such person cannot be present for whatever reason, they must complete Form HSMV 71142 and this form must be turned in with your application for a Learner License. (See below for additional information regarding parental consent.)

Exceptions for parental consent:
 Take and pass a Vision and Hearing exam – These exams are administered in our office. 
 
Learner License Driving Restrictions and Information
These requirements apply to all Learner License holders, regardless of age.
 
*If 18 years of age or older, you have the option of completing the Learner License requirements and upgrading it to a Class E License without first being issued a Learner License.  If you opt to do so, it must be completed in two steps. You would first be required to pass all written exams after which you would be able to schedule an appointment on taxcollector.com to take the Driving Skills Road Test.
 
Parental Consent Information
Acceptable Methods of Payment and Estimated 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 your original Florida Learner License:
 
Service Fee                        $6.25           
Learner License                 $48.00
Written Exam Re-Take       $10.00 (each)

 
Not a Manatee County Resident? Our offices are open by appointment only for Manatee County residents/businesses only.  All out-of-county residents must visit their home county for information and processing.  To find a location visit flhsmv.gov/locations.

First-Time Learner License – Last Update: 03/06/2024