Operating a Vehicle without a Valid Driver License
Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license might result in a charge of “No Valid Driver License (NVDL),” a second degree misdemeanor.
A person who drives a motor vehicle without ever having been issued a valid driver license commits an offense of NVDL under s. 322.03(1), F.S. A person commits a:
- Second degree misdemeanor, upon a first conviction;
- First degree misdemeanor, upon a second conviction;
- First degree misdemeanor, and must serve 10 days in jail for a third or subsequent conviction.
The penalties under Florida Statute Section 322.03(1), F.S., for a violation of NVDL, do not apply to a violation of 316.212, F.S., relating to the
operation of golf carts. A golf cart is a type of motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01, F.S. Under s. 316.212(7), F.S., a golf cart may be operated on public roads or streets by a certain person not possessing a valid driver license, including a person:
- who is under 18 years of age and possesses a valid learner’s driver license or valid driver license; or
- who is 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid form of government-issued photographic identification.
A person who violates s. 316.212, F.S., commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as a nonmoving violation
Requirements to Obtain a Driver License In Florida
Unless exempted, a person may not drive a motor vehicle5 upon a highway unless he or she has a valid driver license issued under chapter 322, F.S. Generally, to obtain a Florida driver license, a person must:
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Complete a drug, alcohol, and traffic awareness course; and
- Pass a driving knowledge exam and driving skills test.
A person younger than 18 years of age must also hold a learner’s permit for a specified period of time, not be convicted of traffic infractions, and complete a specified amount of driving experience.
Learn more about how to get your Florida Driver’s License.
Other offenses related to not having a valid driver’s license include:
- A person who operates a motor vehicle when their license has been expired for more than six months commits a criminal offense for which no points are assessed. See Section 322.03(6), F.S.
- A person whose driver license has been expired for six months or less and who drives a motor vehicle commits an infraction and is subject to the penalty provided in s. 318.18, F.S. See Section 322.065, F.S.
