Florida CDL Requirements

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Florida CDL Requirements

To acquire a CLP in the state of Florida, you must pay the required license fee and provide the following:

  • a Florida driver's license
  • passing score on the required knowledge exams
  • passing score on vision test
  • proof of identity and residency
  • proof of permission to work in the United States
  • proof that you have no previous CDL disqualifications
  • passing score on Division of Driver Licenses medical exam
  • completed review of your driving record for the past 10 years

After you have successfully obtained your CLP and fulfilled the 14-day practice period, you will be eligible to take the tests required for a CDL, which consist of three basic areas: vehicle inspection, understanding of basic controls, and a driving test.

The requirements for drivers differ slightly, depending on whether you are testing for a Class A license or a Class B license.

Class A CDL drivers are qualified to drive trucks or truck combinations that weigh 26,001 lbs. or more and tow a vehicle or unit that weighs more than 10,000 lbs. You will be tested in the following areas if you are applying for a Class A CDL:

  • General knowledge
  • Combinations vehicles
  • Air brakes
  • Pre-trip
  • Basic skills
  • Road test

Class B CDL drivers are qualified to drive straight trucks and buses weighing 26,001 pounds or more. You will be tested in the following areas if you are applying for a Class B CDL:

  • General knowledge
  • Air brakes (if applicable)
  • Basic skills
  • Road test

If you are applying for any additional endorsements on either a Class A or Class B CDL, you will be tested on additional subject matter specific to those endorsements. Endorsements are special authorizations to transport certain materials or a certain number of passengers. These include hazmat vehicles, tank vehicles, vehicles transporting more than 15 persons, school buses, and double or triple trailers.