Step 1 // Learning To Drive Series

In order to get a permit the first step is the DATA or Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course. These can be taken online or at an actual location. If it is done online then the certificate of completion will go directly to the DMV. 

We are going with an online course. We recently went through the list of providers (listed below) and are going with one that offers the Traffic and Substance course along with the actual Permit Exam. I was not even aware that an online Permit Exam was an option until doing a little research. Good to know! 

The course curriculum of the following providers has been approved by the Department. While some course providers offer in-person courses themselves, most contract with local traffic schools to provide these services. Always ensure that the course meets your specific needs for attendance. Please refer to your local phone directory or use an Internet search engine to locate traffic schools in your area.

Again, here is the List of DATA or Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course Providers --> here.

The courses range from $$7.95 and go up to $39.95 which includes the course and the learners permit exam.

What to take with you to the Driver License office after completing your courses and exams: 

Proof of Identification. Your birth certificate or US Passport. If you do not have your original birth certificate then you may bring a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the state you were born in. 

• Proof of Identification bring your birth certificate or United States Passport. If you do not have your original birth certificate (a copy is not acceptable) then you may bring a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the state you were born in.
• Proof of Social Security Number bring your original social security card or your W-2 showing your social security number. I called the location near us and asked if I could bring in a copy of Glenns shot record or if it had to be the actual SS card or letter from the SS office and was told if he could give them his social and sign a paper stating it is his they could run it and if it comes back his then he would not need anything else. If you do not have the SS card please call the location near you to see if that is an option. 
• Proof of Residential Address such as your home utility bill, cable bill, home telephone bill, etc. This is the parents proof of address. 
• Parent/Guardian On-line Test Proctoring Form which must be signed in the presence of a driver license examiner or notarized if parent or guardian will not be present.
• Parental Consent Form - Minor Driver Applicant Form. If you are under 18 and are not married one parent or legal guardian must sign your license application. Step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted you.
• The eligible ages for the online driver license exams are 14 years, six months , 15, 16, and 17.
• No additional certificates needed! Once you complete a Driver License Online Exam through a registered provider your completion information is automatically submitted to our department and this information is available at all Driver License Offices! Paper certificates are no longer required at the driver license office.
• Per Florida Statute 322.56(3)(b)(e), a customer passing the learner license exam(s) through an approved provider may be randomly selected for a mandatory re-test without  prior notice. Once a re-test with a passing score is completed a driver license or tax collector office, our system will allow for the issuance of a learner license. A failed mandatory re-test will require a re-exam fee be collected at the next exam attempt. 

All of the above information and more can be found on the Florida DMV website here.

And now on to Step 2.
Good luck for anyone else taking the DATA!