Driver license in Florida as tourist
Many tourists from overseas arrive in Florida on vacation every year, and many of them wish to use a vehicle to get as much enjoyment as they can from their trip. It’s not too surprising, then, that so many of them wonder whether tourists can get a driving license in Florida.
The good news is that if you’re in Florida on a tourist visa you won’t need to obtain a Florida driving license. You are permitted to drive in the state using your valid license from your home country. Nevertheless, if you don’t have a license in your home country you can apply for a driving license in Florida.
How To Get A Florida License As A Tourist?
If you’re visiting Florida as an overseas tourist and want to drive during your trip but have no license in your home country, you can make an application for a driving license in the state. You will need to supply the following documents:
- An ID document with a photograph
- A document to verify your date of birth
- A document to verify that you are legally in the country
- A document to verify that you are resident in Florida
A passport and valid visa, two documents to confirm you residency and mailing address in Florida and your printed I-94 form should meet these requirements.
Preparing For Your Test
You’ll need to do a practical and written test as part of the exam so you’ll need to download a Driver’s Manual and familiarize yourself with questions. You’ll need to have your eyesight checked too as part of the process.
Read more: Florida driving test
Once you’ve passed the written test (which is done on a computer) you’ll need to take your road test. This shouldn’t be too difficult if you have prior driving experience, but if you’ve never driven before you’ll need to obtain a learner’s permit and practice for a while first with someone who has a valid Florida license and who is over 21. The test will require you to do maneuvers like U turns and parking as well as driving on regular public roads. If you pass the road test you will then be given your Florida driving license however it’s important to note it will only remain valid for the period that is specified on your I-94 form.
Will I Need Any Other Documentation To Drive Legally In Florida As A Tourist If I Already Have A Foreign License?
Any visitors to the Sunshine State who are keen to drive on the roads during their vacation must carry their valid driving license in their own name issued in their home country. They must usually also carry their passport along with it.
Although at one time overseas drivers who wished to drive in Florida had to obtain an International Driving Permit, this is no longer the case. While several other US states still require drivers from abroad to obtain the IDP, the Sunshine State has eliminated this requirement for tourists.
How Long Can A Tourist Drive On A Foreign License In Florida?
Drivers can only drive using a foreign license in Florida for a maximum of a year after they have entered the country. After that point, they need to obtain a Florida driving license to be permitted to remain on the roads legally. Since tourists are usually required to leave the country within 3 months of entry, they should be able to use their foreign license throughout the duration of their trip without difficulty.
