Florida CDL Test Requirements and Endorsements

Discover what you need for the DMV
Become familiar with the skills you'll be tested on
The various types of CDLs to choose from

Starting at

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Become a Commercial Licensed Driver

Are you ready to earn your Florida commercial driver's license? This resource guide will conveniently show you the ins and outs of the process, as well as inform you about the different types of licenses to choose from. Before you can earn your CDL, you will have to successfully pass knowledge and skills tests.

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Do You Need a CDL?

In the State of Florida, if you plan on driving a Class A, B, or C commercial vehicle, then you will have to obtain a Florida commercial driver's license - it's the law. If you wish to operate double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles, and/or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, then you will also need to gain specific endorsements. If you wish to operate a commercial vehicle in one of the following categories, you will need to have a Florida CDL Endorsement:

Class A License - Any tractor or trailer combination that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B License - Any single motor vehicle that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as well as any such vehicle towing a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less.
Class C License - Any motor vehicle that has a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds when endorsements "H" or "P" would be required on the driver license or any combination of motor vehicles where the towing vehicle is less than 26,001 pounds and the towed vehicle has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, but together weigh 26,001 pounds or more.

There are some exemptions to the law, including: military personnel driving military vehicles, drivers of recreation vehicles used for recreational purposes, and drivers who operate straight trucks that are exclusively transporting their own tangible personal property that is not for sale.

The Skills Tests

After you've successfully completed a knowledge test, you will be permitted to partake in a skills test. The skills test, which must be taken in the vehicle in which you hope to secure a license for, consists of three parts: pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection - You need to know if your vehicle is safe to drive. You will need to know what to inspect on the vehicle and why.
Basic Vehicle Control - You need to be able to control your vehicle. During this test, you will have to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn within a defined area.
On-Road Test - It's important to be able to drive your vehicle in various traffic situations, such as: railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and more.

Further CDL Requirements

You must be 18 years old to obtain a commercial driver's license. If you are under 21, then you will be restricted to intrastate operation only. Your vision must be 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. Your hearing will also be tested.

Going to the DMV

There are specific items you will need to take to the DMV. These documents include your current driver's license and your social security card.
Florida ID and Required Documents

The Fees

The various fees include:

Commercial Driver License: $50.00
Endorsements: $5.00
Written Examination Re-Test Fee: $5.00
Skill/Driving Examination Re-Test Fee: $10.00

Fees may change according to the county you live in. For a current list of fees, visit the Florida DMV.

Driver's License Info on Florida's Official DMV website

More Information

Florida CDL Manual: Download Florida CDL Driver's Handbook

For Federal Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm

For Medical Requirements for a CDL: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/medical.htm