This is a guide on how to get a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL in Florida. There are requirements such as age, medical, vision, training and written and road tests that you need to meet in order to get your CDL.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class and Endorsements
CDLs come in three classes:
- Class A allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. If you need to tow a trailer or vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds, then this license is appropriate.
- Class B allows you to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle towing a vehicle with with a GVWR that doesn’t exceed 10,000 pounds.
- Class C allows you to operate any single or combination of vehicles, not classified as Class A or B vehicles, that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or transport hazardous materials.
CDL Endorsements
| CDL Endorsements | ||
|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | |
| P | Passenger Vehicles | |
| N | Tank Vehicles | |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Requires a security check |
| K | Intrastate Only | |
| X | Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials | Requires a security check |
| S | School Bus |
Florida Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
Before you can get your CDL in the state of Florida, you must first obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit or CLP. The CLP will permit you to drive a commercial motor vehicle accompanied by a CDL holder or operator of the same license class. The learner’s permit is valid for one year and you must wait 14 days from when the CLP was issued to when you take your Skills test.
Florida CLP Requirements
In order to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) in Florida, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Meet CDL age requirements: Be 18 years old to drive intrastate or within the state of Florida; be 21 years of age to drive interstate or across states, and to transport hazardous materials.
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Pass vision requirements
- Pass medical exam
- Pass applicable knowledge and endorsement tests
- Have a clean driving record in the last 10 years
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
How to Get Your CLP in Florida
- Go to a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office and show:
- Valid non-commercial driver’s license
- Proof of identity and residency
- Take and pass the appropriate knowledge and endorsement exams
- Pay CDL fee: $75
How to Prepare for the Florida CDL Knowledge Tests
To prepare for the CDL knowledge exams or CDL written exams, you will need to study the CDL Driver’s Manual (PDF), with a focus on the following:
Class A CDL
- General Knowledge Test
- Combination Vehicles Test
- Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
- Endorsements Test(s) (if applicable)
Class B CDL
- General Knowledge Test
- Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
- Endorsements Test(s) (if applicable)
Class C CDL
- General Knowledge Test
- Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
- Endorsements Test(s) (if applicable)
Florida CDL Requirements
- Meet CDL age requirements: Be 18 years old to drive intrastate or within the state of Florida; be 21 years of age to drive across and out of the country, and transport hazardous materials
- Pass the vision test
- Have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Complete the mandatory Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for those who want to:
- Get a Class A CDL or Class B CDL for the first time;
- Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL;
- Get a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the
first time
- Obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate for:
- Non-excepted Interstate – operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and is required to maintain federal medical certification.
- Non-excepted Intrastate – operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce and is required to meet state of Florida medical certification requirements.
- Pass the Skills / Road exam
Florida CDL Application Process
- Schedule a Skills Test appointment at a Commercial Motor Vehicle Test Site
- Bring the following:
- Driver’s license
- Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card
- Commercial vehicle registration and insurance if you’re bringing your own vehicle
- Pay applicable Skills Test fee (varies by test site)
- Pass the Skills test
How to Prepare for the Florida CDL Road / Skills Test
Upon completion of CDL training, you will be ready to take your Skills or Road exam, in which you will be tested on:
- Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- On-road Test
Florida CDL Fees
- CDL Fee (Original / Renewal): $75
- Endorsement: $7
- Skills Test: fee varies by testing site
- Knowledge Retest: $10
- Skills Retest: $20
Florida CDL Resources
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV)
- Florida CDL Manual [English] | [Spanish] (PDF)
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