Updated for 2026

Florida FLHSMV (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$48

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

A significant number of applicants fail the Florida Class E Knowledge Exam due to a lack of understanding of the 'Move Over' law specifics, the nuances of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) time restrictions for 16 and 17-year-olds, and the specific point system penalties for various infractions.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Florida traffic laws are strictly enforced under the Florida Statutes, specifically Chapter 316 (State Uniform Traffic Control). One of the most critical regulations is the 'Move Over Act' (Statute 316.126), which requires drivers to vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles, sanitation vehicles, utility service vehicles, and wreckers when they are displaying warning lights. If moving over is not safe, drivers must reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Another major component of Florida law is the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. For a learner's license, drivers must be at least 15 years old and complete the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. Drivers with a learner's license may only drive during daylight hours for the first three months and must always be accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. For 16-year-old licensed drivers, driving is prohibited between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. For 17-year-olds, the restriction shifts to 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Furthermore, Florida has strict DUI laws; the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. However, Florida enforces a 'Zero Tolerance' policy for drivers under 21, where a BAC of just 0.02% results in an immediate license suspension. Regarding insurance, Florida is a 'No-Fault' state, mandating that all vehicle owners carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). Failure to maintain this insurance can result in the suspension of the driver's license and registration for up to three years. Lastly, regarding school buses: you must stop upon approaching any school bus displaying a stop signal. The only exception is if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least 5 feet, a raised median, or a physical barrier.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Florida presents unique environmental challenges and statistical realities that every prospective driver must understand. Florida is widely known as the 'Sunshine State,' but it poses a severe hydroplaning risk due to sudden, intense tropical downpours. It is a specific fact of Florida driving that you must turn on your headlights (low beams) whenever you turn on your windshield wipers due to rain, smoke, or fog; failing to do so is a ticketable offense. Historically, Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of distracted driving accidents, partly due to the high volume of tourists who are unfamiliar with local roads. Another unique hazard involves wildlife; specifically, Alligator Alley (I-75) and other rural roads often see collisions involving large animals like alligators, deer, or black bears, which are most active at dawn and dusk. Statistically, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there are over 15 million licensed drivers in the state. Interestingly, Florida has one of the highest percentages of uninsured motorists in the United States, estimated at over 20%, which underscores the vital importance of carrying Uninsured Motorist coverage, even though it is not legally mandatory. Furthermore, sun glare is a genuine safety hazard in Florida, contributing to thousands of accidents annually, particularly during sunrise and sunset hours on east-west roadways. When taking the test, remember that the passing score requires 40 correct answers out of 50, meaning you can only miss 10 questions. The questions are randomly selected from a large pool, covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. A little-known fact is that if you are under 18, you can take the knowledge exam online via an approved third-party administrator, but you may be subject to a random re-test at the DMV office to verify your results.