Division of Driver Licenses
Driver license examiners test the skills of a wide range of highway users. They renew driver licenses, provide identification cards, sign organ donors and new voters, as well as administering a variety of tests including vision, road rules and road signs. Automated testing helps them provide more efficient service.
They administer driving, motorcycle knowledge and skill exams.
Testing commercial motor vehicle drivers is more involved. After giving the general and endorsement knowledge tests, the examiner accompanies the applicant on the pre-trip inspection of the vehicle. Finally, the examiner tests the applicant's basic and commercial driving skills.
When a customer passes the required tests, the examiner issues a Florida driver license using a tailored computer system developed by DHSMV. The system allows the examiner to instantly create the individual's driver license and driver history record in a statewide database. Once licensed, the driver is personally responsible for driving safely.
The Division of Driver Licenses (DDL) keeps this database updated based on tickets issued to the driver and any court action taken against drivers. DDL receives more than one million requests for driving record transcripts, mostly from insurance companies, law enforcement and courts.
Traffic citations are used to create records that monitor driver behavior and provide the basis for statistical studies and court evidence.
If a driver has his or her driving privilege suspended, revoked, canceled or disqualified, they must work with DDL staff to reinstate their privilege.
Field personnel identify and investigate problem drivers who may have vision or medical problems that make them unsafe drivers. In some cases drivers are referred to driver improvement courses.
Hearing officers conduct administrative hearings with problem drivers such as when an individual's driving privilege has been suspended following a DUI arrest.
Drivers who do not keep their vehicles properly insured also will deal with DDL staff who administer the state's financial responsibility and no-fault insurance laws. These laws generate about 830,000 new cases each year. As a last resort, staff suspend the driving privilege and tags when drivers fail to carry the required automobile insurance.
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