Lana Oconnell
International students in Tallahassee who want to get their driver's license will need to apply for a Florida driver's license. They can do this through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which has offices throughout Leon County. Students will need to submit various documents, including proof of identity and legal status, and pass several tests, including vision and hearing screenings, road rule and road sign tests, and a driving test. Before applying, students should ensure their records are up to date, especially if they have recently changed their name. Additionally, they may need to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course, which can be done online or in-person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving without a US license | International students, scholars, and employees may legally drive in Florida for 30 days with an unexpired, valid driver's license and international driver's license issued from their home country. |
| Getting a US license | A Florida driver's license is required after 30 days of driving with an international license. |
| Immigration status | Students' or scholars' F-1 or J-1 immigration records need to be registered/validated in SEVIS by their immigration advisor at least 10 days before applying for a learner's permit or driver's license. |
| Learner's permit | Those who have never held a driver's license will need to obtain a Restricted License or Learner's Permit. They must always drive with a licensed driver in the car before obtaining an unrestricted driver's license. |
| Driving classes | There is one driving school in Tallahassee that offers "behind the wheel" driving classes, teaching students how to drive in one of their vehicles. |
| License application | International students, scholars, or employees can apply for either a Florida Driver License or a State of Florida ID card, but not both. |
| Required tests | All applicants must show proof of completion of a traffic law and substance abuse education course and pass vision and hearing tests, road rules and road sign tests, and a driving test. |
| Temporary permit | Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license will be issued a 30-day, no-photo, paper temporary permit and a receipt. |
| License issuance | Upon identity and legal status verification, a driver's license will be issued within 30 days and mailed to the applicant's address. |
| License duration | The license will be issued for the period specified on the USCIS document, up to a maximum of four years. |
| License renewal/replacement | Non-US citizens holding a driver's license who need a renewal or replacement must apply in person at a driver license office and present the required supporting documents. |
| Address change | To change an address on a driver's license, visit a Driver License Service Center or the MyDMV Portal. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can drive in Florida with an international license for 30 days
- After 30 days, a Florida driver's license is required
- Students must pass a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse course
- A driving school in Tallahassee offers behind the wheel classes
- Non-US citizens must apply in person with supporting documents
International students can drive in Florida with an international license for 30 days
International students can drive in Florida for 30 days with a valid driver's license and an international driver's license from their home country. After 30 days, a Florida driver's license is required. International students can apply for a Driver License or a State of Florida ID card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but not both.
To obtain a Florida driver's license, international students must submit several documents, including:
- Valid employment authorization card issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) form I-668B or I-766.
- Non-expired proof of non-immigrant classification provided by DHS form I-94 with required supporting attachments.
- Valid international driver's license issued from the student's home country.
- Proof of legal name, lawful presence, Social Security Number, and two forms of residential address.
It is important to note that the international driver's license cannot be issued to non-U.S. citizens inside the U.S. Additionally, students with F-1 or J-1 immigration records must have them registered or validated by their immigration advisor at least 10 days before applying for a Florida driver's license.
The Florida DMV has offices throughout Leon County, including in Tallahassee, that offer services related to driver's licenses and ID cards. These offices are typically open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and appointments are provided at all full-service offices. Students can visit these offices to obtain their Florida driver's license after the initial 30-day period.
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After 30 days, a Florida driver's license is required
International students in Tallahassee can drive with an international driver's license and a valid driver's license from their home country for 30 days. After this 30-day period, a Florida driver's license is required.
To obtain a Florida driver's license, non-US citizens must submit the following documents:
- Identification
- Proof of date of birth
- Proof of residential address
- Proof of social security number
The name on the social security number must match the name that will appear on the driver's license. If you have changed your name, you must update your records with the Social Security Administration before applying for your license.
- A recent lease or rental agreement for a residence with a term of 6 months or more in the name of the driver
- Florida vehicle or vessel registration or title
- Current homeowner's insurance policy or bill
- Current utility bill (water, gas, electricity, cell phone, cable) dated within the last 60 days
- Recent cellular or landline telephone bill dated within the last 60 days
- Recent internet service provider bill dated within the last 60 days
In Tallahassee, international students can apply for a driver's license at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV has offices throughout Leon County, and appointments are provided at all full-service offices. These offices are open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Students can also find a guide to the Florida DMV at www.dmvflorida.org, which offers information on driver's license renewal, license plate renewal, and obtaining a learner's permit.
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Students must pass a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse course
International students in Tallahassee who want to get their driver's license must first ensure that their F-1 or J-1 immigration record has been registered or validated in SEVIS by their immigration advisor. This must be done at least 10 days before applying for a learner's permit or driver's license. Once this is complete, international students can apply for a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Students who have never held a driver's license before, or do not have one in their possession, must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course before applying for a license in Florida. This requirement can be substituted by completing a Driver Education Licensing Assistance Program (DELAP) course offered by some county school boards. The TLSAE course is a four-hour online program that covers Florida traffic laws and the harmful effects of alcohol and illicit drugs. It is designed to educate new drivers about the key traffic laws and the consequences of impaired driving, which is a major cause of fatal accidents. The course also addresses the effects of substance abuse on the body.
After completing the TLSAE course, students can then proceed with the application process for their driver's license. In Tallahassee, there is one driving school that offers "behind-the-wheel" driving classes, providing students with the opportunity to learn how to drive in a school vehicle. The DMV offices in Leon County are open from 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and appointments are provided at all full-service offices.
It is important to note that international students may legally drive in Florida for 30 days with a valid driver's license from their home country and an international driver's license. However, after this 30-day period, a Florida driver's license is required. Obtaining a U.S. driver's license may also lead to eligibility for lower insurance rates.
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A driving school in Tallahassee offers behind the wheel classes
International students in Tallahassee can legally drive in Florida for 30 days with a valid driver's license from their home country and an international driver's license. After 30 days, a Florida driver's license is required. Before applying for a learner's permit or driver's license, students must register their F-1 or J-1 immigration record with their immigration advisor.
There is one driving school in Tallahassee that offers "behind the wheel" classes, teaching students how to drive in one of their vehicles. Additionally, there are other driving schools in Tallahassee, such as Burgess Driving School and Pacosta Driving School, that offer behind-the-wheel driving lessons. These schools work closely with students to tailor each driving lesson and build their confidence.
Teens seeking a driver's license in Tallahassee must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours of night driving. They must also complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor before obtaining their license. Adults looking to obtain a driver's license should check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements and procedures.
The Florida DMV offers driver's licenses and ID cards, and students can apply for a learner's permit or driver's license at their offices. The DMV also provides driving tests and has offices throughout Leon County, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
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Non-US citizens must apply in person with supporting documents
International students in Tallahassee can apply for a driver's license or a State of Florida ID card at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, they cannot hold both a driver's license and an ID card. Non-US citizens applying for a Florida driver's license for the first time must apply in person at a driver's license office and present the required supporting documents.
Firstly, non-US citizens can legally drive in Florida for 30 days with a valid driver's license from their home country and an international driver's license. After 30 days, a Florida driver's license is required. Before applying for a learner's permit or driver's license, students' F-1 or J-1 immigration records must be registered and validated in SEVIS by their immigration advisor at least ten days in advance.
When applying for a driver's license in Florida, non-US citizens will be issued a 30-day, non-photo, paper temporary permit and a receipt. All records are transmitted to a database in Tallahassee, where the information is examined and verified. Upon identity and legal status verification, a driver's license will be issued within 30 days and mailed to the address on the driver record.
The required supporting documents for non-US citizens to obtain a Florida driver's license include proof of identity, completion of a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course, and a social security number. If you do not have a social security number, a list of alternate documents can be found on the Social Security Administration website. All applicants must also pass vision and hearing tests, road rules and road sign tests, and a driving test.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can legally drive in Florida for 30 days with a valid driver's license and an international driver's license from their home country. After 30 days, a Florida driver's license is required.
International students can apply for a driver's license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Tallahassee. The DMV has offices throughout Leon County, and appointments are provided at all full-service offices.
To obtain a driver's license in Florida, international students must submit proof of identity, completion of a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (also known as DATA or Drug and Alcohol Course), and a social security number or alternate documents.
Yes, all applicants for a driver's license in Florida must pass vision and hearing tests, road rules and road sign tests, and a driving test. Additionally, applicants must take a 4-hour Drug and Alcohol (DATA) course, which can be completed online or in-person.
In Florida, there are different requirements for obtaining a driver's license depending on age. For an intermediate license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for one year without any traffic convictions. For an unrestricted license for ages 18 and older, you need a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course completion or a license from another jurisdiction.
