The knowledge exam and the driving skills test

Key points

1. The Class E Knowledge Exam has 50 multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, safe driving and identifying traffic controls.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “The Class E Knowledge Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions about: 1. Florida traffic laws, 2. Safe driving practices, and 3. Identifying traffic controls.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 20

2. Students under 18 may take the knowledge exam online.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Students under 18 may take the knowledge exam online.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 19

3. If you are under 18, to move up to a driver license you need no moving violation convictions for 12 months from the learner's license issue date.

   Source: Handbook p. 8

   “If under age 18: ◆ Must hold a learner’s license for 12 months or until the 18th birthday, whichever comes first. ◆ Must have NO moving traffic violation convictions for 12 months from learner’s license date of issue.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 8

4. You must bring a vehicle with a valid plate and insurance for the driving skills test.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “You must provide a vehicle (with a valid license plate and insurance) for the driving skills test.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 20

5. You will back up 50 feet slowly while looking to the rear, without the mirror or camera.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Back up a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed while looking to the rear. Do not use the rear-view mirror or rear-view camera monitor.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 20

6. Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds during the test.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 20

7. Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 20

8. No other passengers are allowed during the exam unless a language interpreter is needed.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “No other passengers are permitted during the exam (unless a language interpreter is necessary).”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 20

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Florida practice test

1. 1. How many multiple-choice questions are on Florida's Class E Knowledge Exam?

   1. 30
   2. 40
   3. 60
   4. 50
   Show answer

   50. Florida's Class E Knowledge Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The 40 and 30 choices can be confused with passing-score figures used in descriptions of the test, but they are not the exam's total. Sixty is also not the handbook number. Read the wording carefully: this item asks how many questions are presented, not how many correct answers are required or what percentage constitutes a pass. The handbook organizes those 50 questions around traffic laws, safe driving practices, and traffic controls.

2. 2. If a Florida applicant is under 18, how long must the learner’s license be held before a Class E license, unless the applicant turns 18 sooner?

   1. Until age 21 regardless of when the license was issued
   2. 6 months in every case
   3. 12 months or until the 18th birthday, whichever comes first
   4. Only until the applicant passes the vision exam
   Show answer

   12 months or until the 18th birthday, whichever comes first. An applicant under 18 must hold the learner’s license for 12 months or until reaching the 18th birthday, whichever comes first. That means turning 18 can end the waiting period before a full year has elapsed. Six months is shorter than the stated period, and age 21 is unrelated to this licensing step. Passing the vision exam is an exam requirement, not a substitute for the holding period. When reading a question about a minor applicant, check both parts of the rule: the 12-month period and the earlier birthday cutoff.

3. 3. For how long must a person under 18 hold a Florida learner’s license before advancing, absent an earlier 18th birthday?

   1. 3 months
   2. 6 months
   3. 12 months
   4. 24 months
   Show answer

   12 months. Florida requires a person under age 18 to hold a learner’s license for 12 months or until the 18th birthday, whichever comes first. The three-month period concerns the initial daylight-only driving restriction, not the full learner stage. Six months and 24 months are not the period stated for advancing under this rule. The driver must also meet the handbook’s moving-violation and supervised-practice requirements. Track the learner’s issue date, follow the time limits, and complete the required experience before seeking the Class E driver license.

Source: the Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Driving Schools & Test Providers. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.