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.