Florida CDL Requirements

Quick Facts - Florida CDL Requirements

• Minimum Age: 18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate
• CDL License Fee: $75 (8-year term)
• CLP Application Fee: $7
• Knowledge Test Fee: $6.25 per test
• Skills Test Fee: Set by third-party examiner
• Medical Exam: Required for most CDL holders
• ELDT Training: Required for Class A/B and certain endorsements

Florida CDL Classes and Age Requirements

Florida issues three classes of Commercial Driver's Licenses, each with specific vehicle weight and type requirements administered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

CDL Classes

• Class A CDL: Combination vehicles with GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, towing vehicles over 10,000 lbs
• Class B CDL: Single vehicles with GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,001 lbs
• Class C CDL: Vehicles under 26,001 lbs GVWR designed to transport 16+ passengers or hazardous materials

Age Requirements

18 Years Old: Eligible for Florida CDL with intrastate operation only (within Florida borders)

21 Years Old: Eligible for interstate CDL operation and hazardous materials endorsement

Florida CDL Fees and Costs

Note: Skills test fees are set by approved third-party examiners and paid directly to them, not to FLHSMV.

Knowledge Test Requirements

Before obtaining your Commercial Learner's Permit, you must pass required knowledge tests based on your desired CDL class and endorsements.

Required Tests

• CDL General Knowledge: Required for all CDL classes
• Air Brakes: Required if operating vehicles with air brakes (failure results in L restriction)
• Combination Vehicles: Required for Class A CDL
• Passenger (P): For vehicles carrying 16+ passengers
• School Bus (S): For school bus operation (requires P endorsement first)
• Hazardous Materials (H): For transporting hazmat (requires TSA background check)
• Tank Vehicles (N): For liquid cargo tanks
• Double/Triple Trailers (T): For multiple trailer combinations

Test Topics Covered

The General Knowledge exam covers essential commercial driving topics including:

• Pre-trip vehicle inspection procedures
• Basic vehicle control and safe driving techniques
• Speed and space management
• Hazard awareness and emergency procedures
• Hours of service regulations
• Cargo securement requirements
• Vehicle systems and maintenance

Skills Test Requirements

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you must pass a comprehensive three-part skills test using a vehicle representative of the CDL class you're seeking.

Skills Test Components

1. Pre-Trip Inspection: Demonstrate ability to inspect critical vehicle systems including brakes, steering, lights, coupling devices, and emergency equipment
2. Basic Vehicle Control: Complete maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, parallel parking, and alley docking
3. On-Road Driving: Drive in various traffic conditions demonstrating proper lane changes, turns, speed management, and commercial vehicle handling

Florida uses approved third-party examiners for skills testing. You must schedule directly with these examiners and provide an appropriate test vehicle.

Medical Requirements

Most Florida CDL holders must meet federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical standards and maintain current medical certification.

Medical Certification Categories

During CDL application, you must self-certify in one of four categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate: Operate in interstate commerce, medical certificate required
• Excepted Interstate: Operate in interstate commerce but exempt from medical certificate requirements
• Non-Excepted Intrastate: Operate only within Florida, medical certificate required
• Excepted Intrastate: Operate only within Florida and exempt from medical certificate

DOT Physical Exam

If required, your medical exam must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry. The Medical Examiner's Certificate must be kept current with FLHSMV to maintain your CDL privileges.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal ELDT requirements apply to Florida CDL applicants seeking their first Class A or Class B license, or specific endorsements.

ELDT Required For:

• First-time Class A CDL applicants
• First-time Class B CDL applicants
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• First-time School Bus (S) endorsement
• First-time Passenger (P) endorsement
• First-time Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement

Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The provider electronically submits completion records to FMCSA before you can schedule your skills test.

Endorsements and Restrictions

Florida CDL endorsements allow operation of specialized commercial vehicles or transport of specific cargo types.

Available Endorsements

• P (Passenger): Vehicles designed to carry 16+ passengers
• S (School Bus): School bus operation (requires P endorsement)
• H (Hazmat): Hazardous materials transport
• N (Tank): Liquid cargo tank vehicles
• T (Double/Triple): Multiple trailer combinations
• X (Combination): Tank vehicle carrying hazardous materials

Special Requirements

Hazmat Endorsement: Requires passing Florida's hazmat knowledge test and completing TSA Security Threat Assessment, even if previously endorsed in another state.

Residency and Documentation Requirements

Florida CDL applicants must provide stronger proof of residency than regular driver's license applicants.

Required Documents

• Valid Florida Class E License: Must hold current Florida operator's license
• Proof of Florida Residency: Two documents from approved list (lease, mortgage, voter registration, utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
• Identity Documents: Birth certificate, passport, or other approved primary identification
• Social Security: Social Security card or W-2 form

Important: CDL applicants cannot use Certification of Address forms accepted for regular licenses.

Testing Locations and Scheduling

CDL services are provided through county tax collector offices and approved third-party testing facilities throughout Florida.

Knowledge Testing

Available at most county tax collector driver license offices. Many locations require appointments and have daily testing cut-off times (typically 3:00 PM).

Skills Testing

Conducted by FLHSMV-approved third-party examiners. You must:

• Schedule directly with the examiner
• Provide appropriate test vehicle
• Pay examiner's fee directly

Reciprocity and Transfers

Florida recognizes valid out-of-state CDLs but has specific requirements for new residents.

Out-of-State CDL Holders

• Must obtain Florida CDL when establishing Florida residency
• Standard endorsements transfer through reciprocity
• Hazmat Exception: Must retake Florida hazmat knowledge test and complete new TSA background check

How to Apply for Your Florida CDL

Step 1: Prepare and Study

• Download the Florida CDL Handbook from FLHSMV website
• Study for required knowledge tests based on your desired CDL class
• Locate ELDT training provider if required

Step 2: Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit

• Visit county tax collector office with required documents
• Pass vision screening
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay $7 CLP fee plus $6.25 per knowledge test

Step 3: Complete Training (if required)

• Complete ELDT training through registered provider
• Ensure training completion is submitted to FMCSA

Step 4: Schedule and Pass Skills Test

• Hold CLP for minimum 14 days
• Schedule skills test with approved third-party examiner
• Provide appropriate test vehicle
• Pass all three components of skills test

Step 5: Obtain CDL License

• Return to tax collector office with skills test completion
• Complete medical self-certification
• Pay $75 CDL license fee
• Receive your Florida CDL

For office locations, appointments, and current information, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website or contact your local county tax collector office.