Commercial Driver License

All applicants for a Commercial Driver License are required to have an Operator’s License, pass the vision requirements, and pass knowledge and skills tests. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If they are under 21, they will be restricted to intrastate operation only.

Knowledge tests are offered in multiple languages and may be taken orally in English or Spanish with the exception of the hazardous materials test. Skills tests must be conducted in English. Interpreters may not be used during the administration of any tests. Review the CDL Handbook.

Class A Requirements – To operate trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is required. The following tests are required:

• Knowledge Tests
  • General Knowledge Test
  • Combination Vehicles Test
  • Air Brakes Test (if applicable, most Class A vehicles are equipped with Air Brakes but not all)
  • Applicable exams for desired endorsements
  • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • On-road Test

  Class B Requirements – To operate straight trucks and buses 26,001 lbs or more, a Class B license is required. The following tests are required:

  • Knowledge Tests
    • General Knowledge Test
    • Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
    • Applicable exams for desired endorsements
    • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
    • Basic Vehicle Control
    • On-road Test

    Class C Requirements – To operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, a Class C license is required. The following tests are required:

    • Knowledge Tests
      • General Knowledge Test
      • Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
      • Applicable exams for desired endorsements
      • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
      • Basic Vehicle Control
      • On-road Test

      Already have an out of state CDL?

      We will reciprocate an out of state or a Canadian commercial driver license. However, an out of state applicant with a hazmat endorsement will have to reapply for a hazmat endorsement, which will include a background check, appropriate tests and fees.

      Already have a Military CDL?

      Military or prior military customers requesting to be issued a CDL due to qualifications of experience while serving on military duty must:

      • Pass all required knowledge and endorsement tests for the CDL license class and endorsements they are applying to obtain, and
      • Present the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form completed by their commanding officer or designee while on active duty or within 90 days of separation from service in order to be exempt from taking the skills tests.

      The process must be completed and the CDL issued within 120 days of separation from service.

      What are Endorsements?

      An “Endorsement” is a special authorization, which permits a driver to drive certain types of vehicles, to transport certain types of property, or a certain number of passengers. The following endorsements can be placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses.

      1. Placarded Hazmat (H) – Issued to those who have passed the required written test and who will transport placarded hazardous materials.
      2. Tank Vehicles (N) – Issued to those who have passed the required written test and who will drive tank vehicles.
      3. Passengers (P) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will drive passenger vehicles. A passenger vehicle is any vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver.
      4. School Bus (S) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will transport pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events (does not include a bus used as a common carrier). The P endorsement is also required.
      5. Double/Triple Trailers (T) – Issued to those who have passed the required written test and who will drive double or triple tractor- trailer vehicles. Triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roads.
      6. Placarded Hazmat & Tank Vehicles (X) – Issued to those who qualify for the H and N endorsements.

      Commercial Driver License

      • General Information
      • Do I need a CDL?
      • CDL Medical Information
      • Hazmat Information
      • Military Drivers
      • Third Party Skill Test Sites
      • Return to Commercial Motor Vehicle Home

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