Question by liberateyourmind: New York resident with NYS Permit getting a Florida Drivers License and driving in NY?
Hello,

I’m a 17-year-old NYS resident who has a NYS learners permit.

My family owns an apartment in Florida which we travel to many times a year.

In New York, in order to get your NYS license under the age of 18, you must take a drivers education course. I never took this course. Why? I have outside of school obligations that require nearly all my free time.

During my next trip to Florida, can I take a road test in Florida and receive a drivers license from Florida? Can I then use it in New York? Do I have to be a resident of Florida? I don’t attend school in Florida so I don’t believe I’m a full resident. I don’t know what classification I would fall under, do you?

Please don’t simply quote the DMV website. I have looked at both New York’s DMV website as well as Florida’s DMV website and the wording is very vague.

Thanks for your help.
Just to clarify: I’m not moving to Florida. I don’t even know if I have residency. My family owns property in Florida and we travel there often.

User Free Thinker, thanks for the response. I’ll make sure to bring you some New York bagels, pizza, and canolis. ;)
sensible_man: So just to clarify, it can be done?

What’s the problem with driving with a Florida license and New York plates?

Best answer:

Answer by Free Thinker
As a native NYer and now a resident of Florida I will tell you that all you need is a pulse to get a permit or take a driving test here. I live in Ocala, north central Florida. If you take your test here it is likely that NY will accept it but then again it may be challenged. NY tends to be quite a bit more strict. If you were coming from NY and had your license already then all you would need to do is go to the DMV and get your license changed over for a small fee. Believe me they let the legally blind drive down here! As far as residency is concerned you do own a place down here and probably can use the address so I don’t think that is an issue. Do yourself a favor and call the local DMV here in Ocala it is (352) 732-1260 and ask questions.

A hint for you from a long time, born and raised NYer
When the man or woman answers the phone say “yes ma’am (or) sir” my name is… and throughout the conversation answer with yes ma’am/sir or no ma’am/sir it will get you a lot further than the NY demanding attitude which they detest down here. It is called respect!

Best Wishes
And could you bring me some really good NY canoli’s!
Thank you Sir : )

Go Ahead and Make My Day!!!

Add on: Florida cops realize that we have a lot of snowbirds here 6mths here 6mths up north. They don’t expect the snowbirds to change their licenses but in NY that is not necessarily the way they operate. You could easily get a ticket in NY with a Florida license. I think they give you 30 days to change your license.
Just out of curiosity, how close is your 18th birthday? I don’t really want an answer to that question but it may just be easier for you to wait. I know it seems like a million years away but it was only yesterday that I was 18 now I’m pushing 50. And just for the record, Women have short hair too! Like this woman does! : )

Answer by sensible_man
Free Thinker told you some of the (horrifying) truths about Florida licensees. He forgot about driving with the left turn signal continuously on. The problem you will have (since you are under 18) is that you need to have a Learners permit for at least one year to get a permanent licence. You also need paperwork certifying 50 hours of driving experience with at least 10 hours of night driving. Then comes the bigger problem. You go back to NY and are driving a vehicle with NY plates and a Florida drivers license. Thats where the hassle starts. Might just as well get the license in NY. I lived in Ocala for 11 years and had kids get their licenses there.

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