Florida Learner's Permit with a Disability: Medical Review, ADA Accommodations, and Restrictions

Yes, you can get a Florida learner permit with a disability. The FLHSMV uses a Medical Review Program to assess each applicant individually-safety is the primary concern, not the diagnosis itself. Knowledge exam accommodations are available under ADA but must be requested in advance. As of February 6, 2026, all exams are English-only; no multilingual accommodations remain.

Can You Get a Florida Learner's Permit with a Disability?

FLHSMV handles disability and medical concerns according to how they affect driving safety and what information the department needs for the individual case. Medical documentation or review may be requested when a condition could affect safe driving.

• HSMV 72190 is a Medical Referral Form used to report a potentially unsafe driver or applicant. When FLHSMV requests a physician medical report, the applicable physician form is HSMV 72423.
• The Medical Review Board analyzes this report. They may grant a standard permit, assign restrictions, or request further evaluation by a specialist.

Submit your medical forms weeks before your permit appointment to avoid last-minute cancellations. A driver in Tampa had their appointment canceled because their doctor's form was faxed incomplete-they had to wait another month for a new slot.

Does Having a Disability Automatically Trigger a Florida Medical Review?

No. FLHSMV medical review is based on a condition or symptoms that may affect safe driving, not simply on having a disability diagnosis. A medical review may be requested when driving safety needs further evaluation.

HSMV 72190 vs. HSMV 72423

HSMV 72190 is a Medical Referral Form used to report a driver or applicant whose ability to drive safely may be in question. HSMV 72423 is the Medical Report completed by the treating physician when medical information is required for review.

ADA Accommodations for the Florida Permit Knowledge Test

The FLHSMV provides ADA-compliant accommodations for the Class E Knowledge Exam. Request most accommodations in advance when scheduling your test-same-day accommodation requests are rarely honored.

Full Florida permit rules are at the Florida learner's permit guide.

• Extended Time: Available with documented educational or medical need. Submit documentation before your appointment date-not on the day.
• Oral Exam: Available for applicants who cannot read. Request in writing when scheduling. All oral exams and road tests are conducted in English only as of February 6, 2026. ASL may be used when communicating in English.
• Large Print: Available at testing stations on request.
• ADA Paperwork: Confirmation must be on file at the specific branch before your test date. At the Orlando DHSMV, an applicant's ADA confirmation email had gone to spam, no record existed at the branch on the appointment day. The clerk granted only partial accommodation; full oral exam approval requires portal resubmission 5 business days before the next attempt. Whitelist fl.gov emails before filing any ADA request.

Learner's permit issuance fee: $48.00 state fee. Knowledge test retakes cost $10.00 per attempt at state or tax collector offices plus the $6.25 service fee. All Florida driver license written tests, oral exams, and road tests are English-only since February 6, 2026.

Adaptive Equipment on a Florida Learner's Permit

If FLHSMV determines that adaptive equipment is needed for safe driving, the credential can carry the applicable restriction. The exact restriction depends on the approved driving setup, such as hand controls, a pedal extension, or an automatic transmission.

Can a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Applicant Use ASL During the Permit Test?

Yes. Under Florida's current English-only exam policy, ASL may still be used to communicate in English during driver license testing. Confirm the accommodation with the testing office before the appointment.

What Adaptive Equipment Restrictions Go on a Florida Learner's Permit?

If you require vehicle modifications, the state may refer you to a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) for an on-road evaluation. Based on the assessment, your permit will list specific restriction codes.

The Medical Review Program is anchored in , Florida Statutes. Doctors, law enforcement, and courts may also report medical concerns to FLHSMV under

See full medical review and accommodation details at shoro.ai Florida Learner's Permit guide.