Florida Driver's License

Driving in Florida – Easy Guide for International Students

✅ Quick Checklist Before You Drive

• Driver’s License from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) OR

• Driver’s License from another U.S. state OR

• Florida Driver’s License

• Car Registration

• Car Insurance Card

• Seatbelt on!

📋 What You Must Carry When Driving

When driving in Florida, you must always have one of the following:

• Home country license + IDP

• License from another U.S. state

• Florida driver’s license

💡 Tip: Licenses from other countries, other U.S. states, and International Driving Permits are legal to use in Florida.

Example:

• If you are from Brazil, you need your Brazilian license and your IDP.

• If you moved from California, you can still use your California license for now.

🌟 Why It’s Better to Get a Florida Driver’s License

Even though you can drive with a foreign or out-of-state license, getting a Florida license can:

• Avoid problems if you are stopped by the police.

• Allow you to register a car and get license plates (required in Florida).

• Save you money with cheaper car insurance (some companies charge more or refuse coverage without a U.S. license).

⚠️ Important Rule for All Drivers

• All drivers must follow Florida’s driving laws, no matter where their license is from.

• Example: Even if you are used to driving in Germany, you must follow Florida’s speed limits and traffic signs.

📚 Read the Florida Driver’s Handbook here: Florida Driver’s Handbook 

Getting a Florida Driver’s License for International Students

International students who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver’s license. You can get a Florida driver’s license or a Florida State ID card at any Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office.

License Validity

• Florida driver’s licenses are issued for one year at a time, and you can renew them until your student program ends.

• If you have finished your course or Optional Practical Training (OPT), you can get an extra 60-day license to help with your departure or transfer.

• Dependents on F-2 visas get the same license validity as the F-1 student.

Where to Get a License

You can visit FLHSMV offices in person, but many require appointments. Check their website or call before going.

Closest offices to SFBC campus:

Palm Beach County – Delray Beach
501 S. Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
Phone: 561-355-2264
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM (By appointment only)

Broward County – Deerfield Beach
2265-A W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Phone: 954-596-2110
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Steps to Get Your Florida Driver’s License

Step 1:
If you do not have a driver’s license from your home country, you must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course before applying.

• Find approved TLSAE course providers here.

• Once you finish the course, your completion is automatically sent to FLHSMV—no paper certificate needed.

• If you have a foreign license, bring it with you. You may be exempt from parts of the TLSAE or driving test.

Step 2:
Study the Florida Driver’s Handbook here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/handbooks/

Step 3:
If you have never had a Social Security Number (SSN), go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to request a “Letter of Ineligibility.”

Closest SSA offices:

• Margate: 5195 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Margate, FL 33063
  Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
  Phone: (800) 772-1213

• Boca Raton: 621 NW 53 Street Suite 400, Boca Raton, FL 33487
  Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM
  Phone: (800) 772-1213

Step 4:
Bring these documents to the FLHSMV office:

• Valid passport

• F-1 visa status documentation (Form I-20)

• Proof of non-immigrant status (Form I-94)

• Social Security Number card OR Letter of Ineligibility from SSA

• $48.00 processing fee

• Two original proofs of Florida residence, such as:

  • Current school transcript

  • Utility bill (cable, electric, cell phone) dated within 2 months

  • Bank statements

  • Address verification letter from ISSD (You can request one here)

Step 5:
Pass these exams:

• Hearing Test: If you are deaf or hard of hearing, special rules apply (you may need an outside mirror or hearing aid).

• Vision Test: Must pass basic eye exam (worse than 20/40 requires specialist). Color blindness is not a problem.

• Knowledge Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions on traffic laws and signs. Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Russian, and Spanish. Study with the handbook and practice tests.

• Driving Test: Bring a vehicle with valid tags, insurance, and inspection sticker. The examiner watches your driving skills and rule-following.

Car Insurance Requirements in Florida

Important: It is illegal to drive in Florida without auto insurance.

Florida Minimum Liability Insurance Coverage

If you buy traditional liability insurance, your policy must include at least:

• $25,000 injury coverage for one person injured in an accident

• $50,000 total injury coverage for all people injured in one accident

• $25,000 property damage coverage per accident

This basic coverage meets Florida’s minimum legal requirements. However, it’s a good idea to consider additional protection such as:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — protects you if someone hits you and they don’t have insurance.

Proof of Insurance – What to Carry While Driving

You must always keep proof of insurance in your vehicle when driving. Acceptable proof includes:

• Insurance card, premium receipt, binder, declarations page, or certificate of liability insurance from your provider

• A copy of your liability insurance policy

• Proof of vehicle purchase plus old insurance card (valid for 60 days after buying a new car)

• Rental agreement if you are renting the vehicle

• Motor Vehicle Liability Bond or Certificate of Cash Bond

Penalties for Not Having Insurance

If you do not maintain insurance, the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your vehicle’s registration (license plate). Here is what happens depending on the offense:

1. First Offense:

   • You must get insurance and provide proof

   • Pay a $100 reinstatement fee

2. Second Offense:

   • Registration is suspended for 4 months

   • You must get insurance and provide proof

   • Pay a $200 reinstatement fee

Need More Information?

For more details about Florida’s insurance rules, penalties, and how to reinstate your registration, visit the Florida DMV website.

Getting to South Florida Bible College from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Most international students arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The college campus is about 20 miles from the airport in Deerfield Beach.

How to Get from FLL to Deerfield Beach / SFBC Campus

🚐 Airport Shuttles

• Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle
  Website: fortlauderdaleairportshuttle.com
  Phone: 954-688-7738

🚗 Rideshare Options

• Lyft: lyft.com/rider/airports/fll

• Uber: uber.com/global/en/r/airports/fll/

🚌 Bus Services (Less Reliable)

• Served by Broward County Transit bus line

• Fares and schedules vary and can change without notice

• Check local schedules before traveling

🚆 Train Services (Recommended)

• Tri-Rail:

  • Free shuttle buses connect FLL terminals to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Station in Dania Beach (a short shuttle ride away).

  • Take the Tri-Rail train north and get off at Deerfield Beach station, the closest stop to SFBC.

  • Visit Tri-Rail or call 800-874-7245 for schedules and info. Tri-Rail runs daily.

• Brightline:

  • A fast train service connecting major South Florida cities.

  • Students arriving via Brightline can get off at the Boca Raton station, which is another option when traveling to the area.