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.
Instructions
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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.
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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+ peopleEndorsements:
H - hazmat
N - tank
P - passenger
S - school bus
T - double trailer and triple trailer
X - combination of N and H -
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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.
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Practice commercial driving skills with your employer or truck driving school in preparation for the Skill Test.
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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 testAfter you pass the Skills test, you will have earned your CDL license in Florida.
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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
- Photo Credit jw