How to Get A CDL License in Florida

A CDL License in Florida opens you new job opportunities in the transportation industry. With a bit of training and hard work, you can quickly get a CDL license in Florida. For those who already have a CDL license, Florida reciprocates CDL licenses from other states so you don't need to take the tests except for hazmat.

Things You'll Need

• Age 18 (age 21 if driving interstate)
• Florida driver's license

Instructions

1. Get a job at a transportation employer willing to train you to get a CDL License in Florida. You can also enroll if a truck driving school or bus driving school if you cannot find an employer at this time. You will need a commercial driving school or job because you need to gain the skills somewhere and you will need a truck for the road test. The state of Florida will not give you a truck to practice or take the road test.

2. Decide between you and your employer/ truck driving school the endorsement and CDL license class you need.

   CDL license classes in Florida:
   Class A - truck combination over 26000 lbs.
   Class B - straight trucks and buses
   Class C - transport hazardous materials or 15+ people

   Endorsements:
   H - hazmat
   N - tank
   P - passenger
   S - school bus
   T - double trailer and triple trailer
   X - combination of N and H

3. Go to the nearest Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle office to apply for a CDL license in Florida. On this visit, you will take a knowledge test based upon the endorsements you need. Passing this test will give you a learner's permit necessary to practice for the road test.

4. Practice commercial driving skills with your employer or truck driving school in preparation for the Skill Test.

5. Take the Skills test.

   There are many privately run sites (usually at trucking employers or schools in Florida) that do the CDL skill tests and a very few public sites. The locations and phone numbers can be found on the Florida DHSMV website.

   The road test involves three parts:

   1) - Pre-trip vehicle inspection (eg. check lights, check brakes, check for leaks, etc.)
   2) - Basic vehicle control test (drive in a confined area around cones both forwards and backwards)
   3) - On the road test

   After you pass the Skills test, you will have earned your CDL license in Florida.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get two traffic violations within 3 years in Florida, you will lose your CDL license for 60 days, which is more than long enough to cost you your job.

Resources

• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Handbooks
• FL HSMV main web site