Florida Learner's Permit Test Passing Score

To pass the Florida learner permit test, you must answer 40 out of 50 questions correctly-an 80% pass rate-to get your Florida learner's permit. You can miss a maximum of 10 questions. The test uses a fail-fast system: answering your 11th question wrong ends the exam immediately, regardless of how many you got right. Getting 39 correct (78%) is a fail.

Florida Learner's Permit Test Passing Requirements

The Florida Class E Knowledge Exam requires 40 correct answers out of 50 questions-an 80% pass rate. You are allowed 10 incorrect answers. One question short (39 correct, 78%) is a fail. The scoring is automated and immediate.

• Passing Percentage: A minimum score of 80% is required.
• Calculation: 80% of 50 questions equals 40 correct answers.
• Margin for Error: You are allowed 10 incorrect answers maximum.
• Online vs. In-Person: The 80% requirement is identical whether you take the test online (for those under 18 via approved providers) or in-person at a service center.

Vision requirement to receive your permit: 20/40 acuity in each eye, with or without correction. Wear your glasses or contacts to the appointment. Complete the 6-hour DETS course (under 18) or 4-hour TLSAE (18+) before booking-effective since August 2025 for under-18 applicants.

Does Every Question Count Equally Toward the Passing Score?

The Class E knowledge exam is a 50-question multiple-choice test. FLHSMV describes the result by the number of correct answers, not by weighted question categories, so prepare for every question to matter.

If You Pass With the Minimum Score, Is It Treated Differently?

No separate license status is awarded for a higher passing score. Once you meet the required passing result, you move on to the other learner-license requirements that still apply to you.

Can Your Score Change After the Test Ends?

The submitted attempt produces the result for that exam. FLHSMV can require a re-examination in some situations, including certain third-party test results, but that is a new exam rather than a later re-weighting of the completed attempt.

Near-Pass and Near-Fail: How Florida's Fail-Fast System Works

The exam stops automatically the moment you answer 40 questions correctly (pass) or your 11th question incorrectly (fail). You don't need to answer all 50 to pass or fail. On difficult questions, avoid random guesses; if the interface allows it, skipping and returning later is safer than unnecessarily risking an 11th wrong answer.

• A student in Tampa answered 40 questions correctly but was unsure about the last 5. The test ended after their 40th correct answer-a pass. They never had to answer those final uncertain questions.
• An applicant in Orlando missed 10 questions early on but answered every subsequent question correctly, reaching the required 40 correct answers and passing.
• In Jacksonville, a test-taker answered 11 questions incorrectly before reaching 40 correct, triggering an automatic fail. The exam ended mid-test.

At the St. Petersburg DHSMV, one applicant skipped a question planning to return, then forgot entirely. That single unanswered question cost the 1-point margin, triggering a mandatory 7-day wait before retesting. The Florida test interface marks skipped questions in red; review that list before submitting.

Visit the Florida learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

What Happens After You Pass the Florida Permit Test?

Passing the knowledge exam completes the test requirement, but permit issuance still depends on the separate age, education, vision, and document requirements. The original Class E license fee is $48; a tax collector office adds the $6.25 service fee where applicable. For the full post-test process, see the Eligibility & Documents guidance.

What Happens If You Fail the Florida Permit Test?

If you do not pass, the detailed attempt limits and retake process belong to the Failed & Retakes guide. Florida's state knowledge re-examination fee after a failed initial exam is $10; when the re-exam is handled by a tax collector office, the separate $6.25 service fee may also apply.