Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Florida involves several steps to ensure drivers are qualified to operate large commercial vehicles safely. Knowing the exact requirements and procedures can save you time and effort, whether you are aiming to drive big rigs, buses, or other commercial vehicles.
This guide breaks down the process into manageable parts so you can understand what’s needed to get your CDL in Florida. Before starting, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Florida CDL requirements for truck drivers. These requirements set the foundation for what you must do to operate commercial vehicles legally in the state.
Florida follows federal regulations, which means you must be at least 18 years old to drive commercially within the state. If you’re under 21, your driving is restricted to intrastate operations only. Also, you must hold a valid Florida Class E driver’s license before applying for a CDL.
Step #1: Meet Basic Eligibility Criteria
The first step is to ensure you meet the basic qualifications. You must:
- A minimum age of 18 years is required (21 years for interstate driving)
- Hold a valid Florida Class E driver’s license
- Test your vision to make sure it meets safety standards
- Submit a medical examination to prove you’re physically fit to drive commercial vehicles.
Step #2: Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
You need a Commercial Learner’s Permit before getting your full CDL. To get a CLP, you must pass a series of knowledge exams that cover general commercial driving rules, vehicle inspection, and any endorsements you plan to add (such as hazardous materials or passenger transport).
You’ll also need to pay the required fee and provide a driving record review that lasts 10 years. Once you have your CLP, there is a mandatory 14-day wait before you can practice driving under supervision. This period is crucial for gaining hands-on experience before taking the skills test.
Step #3: Complete the CDL Skills Test
After the 14-day practice period, you can schedule your CDL skills test. This test has three parts:
- Vehicle inspection: Demonstrate your ability to check the vehicle’s safety features
- Basic vehicle control: Show proficiency in controlling the car through maneuvers like backing up and turning
- Demonstrate your ability to drive safely on roads in traffic conditions.
You must take the skills test in the type of vehicle you intend to drive commercially. For example, if you’re applying for a Class A CDL, you’ll be tested in a combination vehicle weighing over 26,001 pounds with a trailer over 10,000 pounds. The car will be a straight truck or bus weighing over 26,001 pounds for a Class B CDL.
Step #4: Obtain Endorsements (If Needed)
Specific commercial driving jobs require additional endorsements. These include transporting hazardous materials, driving tank vehicles, or carrying passengers. Each endorsement requires passing a particular knowledge test related to that endorsement. You must add these endorsements when applying for your CDL if your job involves them.
Step #5: Finalize Your CDL
Once you pass all required tests and meet all conditions, you will receive your Florida CDL. Remember that if you took the skills test in a vehicle lacking specific equipment, your CDL permits you to drive only certain vehicles until you pass more tests.
Takeaway
Getting a CDL in Florida involves meeting age and medical requirements, obtaining a learner’s permit, completing a practice period, passing a skills test, and possibly adding endorsements. The process ensures that commercial drivers are well-prepared for operating large and potentially hazardous vehicles safely on Florida’s roads. Studying the Florida CDL manual and practicing thoroughly will help you navigate these steps successfully.
