As of February 7, 2022, all new applicants are required to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) before obtaining their CDL. The entry-level driver’s training program consists of a knowledge and skills examination and applies to those:

Obtaining a Class A or Class B commercial driver’s license for the first time

Upgrading existing Class B CDL for the first time

Obtaining a school bus, passenger, or hazardous material endorsement for the first time

What disqualifies someone from getting a Florida CDL?

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, and erratic lane changes, can disqualify you from obtaining a CDL. You will also not be qualified for a CDL if you have been under a license suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification in Florida or any state.

Other crimes, such as transporting aliens across the U.S. border, could disqualify you from commercial motor vehicle driving privileges. More serious convictions, such as multiple DUI offenses or using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, could prevent you from getting a CDL for life.

If you’re unsure if you have any outstanding infractions that may cause you to be disqualified for a CDL, obtain a copy of your driving record either online or in person from your local DMV.

MORE:

If my license was suspended, can I get a CDL?

2. Find out what type of Florida CDL you need

There are three types of CDL license classes in Florida: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class C is the most comprehensive license, and a Class A CDL is the least. Below is a breakdown of what vehicles you can operate with each class along with their exam requirements:

Florida CDL Classes

CDL Class	Vehicles Driven	Exam Requirements
Class A	Any trucks or truck combinations that have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,0001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle or unit over 10,000 lbs (i.e. tractor-trailers, triple-trailers, and livestock carriers).	General knowledge test Combinations vehicle test Air brakes Pre-trip Basic skill test CDL road test Applicable exams for endorsements
Class B	Any straight trucks and buses weighing 26,0001 lbs or more (i.e. regular truck or school bus).	General knowledge test Air brakes Pre-trip Basic skill test CDL road test Applicable exams for endorsements
Class C	Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 26,0001 lbs transporting placarded amounts or hazardous materials, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver (i.e. passenger van or HAZMAT vehicle).	General knowledge test Air brakes (if applicable) Pre-trip Basic skill test CDL road test Applicable exams for endorsements

The exact requirements for a Florida CDL are dependent on which class of CDL you’re applying for. There may be additional requirements, such as medical documentation for some of the endorsements you’ll need to operate specific vehicles.

To apply for a Florida CDL, you will need identification documents, a valid Florida Class E license, a clean driving record, and a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that can be used to complete your CDL skills test.

Keep in mind: If you obtain a Florida CDL under the age of 21, you are only permitted to drive in-state, regardless of which class you hold.

3. Pass a DOT physical exam

Before you can attain any commercial driver’s license, you need to pass a department of transportation (DOT) physical. This can be completed by any DOT certified medical professional in your area.

The DOT physical typically includes:

Vision test

Vital check

Blood pressure test

Mobility exam

After you obtain your CDL, you will need to return for a DOT physical on a routine basis to ensure you’re in top health. For a healthy individual, a physical is typically required every 2 years; for someone less healthy, the expiration date is between once a year to every 6 months to maintain your CDL.

4. Take your written exam to get a CLP

If your license and record are clear, there are a few more requirements you’ll need to meet. To apply for a full CDL, you must first apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You will need:

Proof of ELDT completion

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency

Proof of Florida residency

Birth certificate

Valid passport

Self-certification of medical status or medical examiner’s certificate

Completed CDL application

Class E driver’s license without authorization status

Right to work documents approved by Homeland Security

Once you have applied, you will then take the following tests to acquire a permit at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In order to pass the examination, you need to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly:

General knowledge test: Around 50 questions

Combination vehicles test: Around 20 questions

Air brakes test: Around 25 questions

Tanker endorsement test: Around 20 questions

HAZMAT endorsement: Around 30 questions

You are required to hold the CLP for at least 14 days before completing a series of exams for your CDL. The CLP will be valid for one year from the date it is issued. Within this time, you are authorized to practice in a CMV on public roads while accompanied by a qualified CDL holder who is 21 or older.

5. Take a 2.5 hour road test

After the 14 day time period passes, you can apply for the CDL. Permitted you pass the general knowledge and written test, you will then need to complete a 2.5 hour road test.

This test will typically include the following sections and must be completed using the same type of vehicle you are seeking a Florida CDL for:

Vehicle inspection, inside and outside

Parking and basic controls test

Driving a truck on the road itself

Your parking and basic controls portion of the skills test will generally include:

Straight line backing: Backing your vehicle in a straight line in between cones.

Offset back/right and offset back/left: Backing into a space to the left or right of your vehicle.

Parallel park for driver side and conventional: Parking into a space on your left (for driver side) or on your right (conventional).

Alley dock: Backing your vehicle into an alley using side-sights.

While driving on road, you will typically be tested on:

Turns

Intersections

Urban business

Lane changes

Expressway or limited access highway

Curves

Stopping and starting

Railroad crossing

Student discharge

Bridge/overpass

When taking your driving test, your instructor will score you base

Clutch usage

Gear usage

Brake usage

Steering

Lane usage

Regular traffic checks

Use of turn signals

If you don’t have a commercial vehicle on hand to practice for your driving test beforehand, there are some other strategies you can use, including reviewing the CDL manual or watching informational videos.

Note that unlike the written knowledge exam, which needs a completion score of 80%, the skill test in Florida must be successfully 100% completed in order to receive a CDL.

To complete your CDL road test or other CDL testings, you can visit a

third-party statewide CDL certified testing center

Military exemptions and waivers

For military members to obtain a CDL in Florida, the process is slightly different. Those requesting a CDL for military service are exempt from taking skills exams.

However, members must still pass all required knowledge and endorsement exams and present a

Certification for Waiver of Skill Test

signed by their commanding officer or designee.

Keep in mind: This process must be completed along with the CDL issued within 120 days of separation from service.

Who else is exempt from CDL requirements?

Along with military members, other Florida service members can be exempt from a Florida CDL, such as:

Florida farm equipment operators: This list includes vehicles used for transporting farm products and equipment, used in a nursery or agricultural operations, and used in 150 miles of the farm. This does not apply to commercial grain haulers. Drivers need to be 21 years of age and the operated vehicle must have farming license plates.

Florida firefighting equipment operators: Those who drive emergency vehicles for performing governmental functions or preserving life.

Florida recreational vehicle operators: Personal RVs do not need an operator with a CDL.

Florida CDL endorsements

Endorsements are also an option for you to add to your CDL test. They are essentially extra certifications you can earn so you can drive different types of commercial vehicles. There are 6 types of endorsements in Florida for CDLs:

Placarded hazmat (H): for transporting placarded hazardous materials

Tank vehicles (N): for driving tank vehicles

Passengers (P): for driving passenger vehicles with more than 15 people, including the driver

School bus (S): for transporting pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to and from home and school/school-sponsored events

Double/triple trailers (T): for driving double/triple-trailer vehicles. Note that triple trailers are not permitted on Florida roads

Placarded hazmat and tank vehicles (X): issued to those who qualify for H and N endorsements

You must pass a written test to receive CDL endorsements. You will also need to pass a skills test for the P and S endorsement.

How much does a Florida CDL cost?

Currently, the price for a Florida issued CDL is $75 for both renewal and new licensing.

Your initial written and road tests are free, but if you fail your knowledge or skill exam, it will set you back another $10-$20 for a retake.

Endorsements also come with a charge of $7 per endorsement.

How to prepare for Florida CDL exam

The Florida CDL examination is detailed and comprehensive. That’s why it’s best to know how to prepare and what is required of you when applying for a commercial driver’s license.

Collect study materials: Studying for the CDL is key. The most important thing you will need is a

CDL Manual

, which can be downloaded from Florida’s DHSMV website.

Test your knowledge: Quiz yourself and have others quiz you to really test your knowledge. Lots of websites offer free CDL flashcards and practice tests designed for specific subjects, and there are some apps, like CDL Prep.

Take a diagnostic exam: If you’re not sure what to study, take a diagnostic exam online. This will not only help you understand what could possibly be on the CDL test, but show you what you do and don’t know, so you can focus on strengthening your skills.

Practice: If you own a commercial vehicle, try practicing on the one you’ll use for your road test. The more practice, the better.

If you find you’re better suited for in-person learning and group learning, also consider enrolling in a CDL apprenticeship.

As of September 2022, new programs were added to the CDL training to better prepare new applicants for the examination process. Over $8.2 million was allocated to 5 state colleges to help expand CDL training initiatives.

Similarly, nearly $12 million was sent to Florida school districts, colleges, state universities, and private training companies to build upon registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.

Through these initiatives, tuition costs, driver training programs and more will be covered, allowing over 3,500 students every year to prepare for the CDL.

FAQs

Can you get a car insurance discount with a CDL?

Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not provide discounts for those with a CDL license. This is because those holding CDLs don’t necessarily reduce risk—meaning you’re no less likely to get in an accident or be a better driver.

Can you get your CDL online in Florida?

To obtain your CPL and CDL in Florida, you must go to a DMV. However, you can prepare for the written examination through online mock tests and test your knowledge with online apps.

How long does it take to get a CDL A license in Florida?

To earn your CDL in Florida, it will take approximately 2-6 months. This is due to a number of factors including receiving your CLP and completing your CDL testing.

Can you self-certify for the CDL?

Yes, you can self-certify for the CDL. In the state of Florida, all CDL holders need to declare which type of vehicle they will be or expect to be operating in one of the 4 following categories:

Interstate non-excepted: You are an interstate driver and meet the DOT medical card requirements and therefore, not excepted.

Interstate excepted: You are an interstate driver and do not have to meet the DOT medical card requirements for Florida.

Intrastate non-excepted: You are an intrastate driver and meet the DOT medical card requirements and therefore, not excepted.

Intrastate excepted: You are an interstate driver and do not have to meet the DOT medical card requirements for Florida.

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