Florida CDL requirements come in two layers: what the license is for and what you must show to get it. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) defines three classes by weight and passengers, then adds tests, training, endorsements and proof-of-address rules on top. Start with the classes, because the one you need decides everything that follows.
Which Florida CDL class do you need?
- Class A: a truck or combination of 26,001 pounds or more that tows a unit over 10,000 pounds.
- Class B: a straight truck or bus of 26,001 pounds or more.
- Class C: a vehicle that carries placarded hazardous materials, or one designed for 16 or more people including the driver, under 26,001 pounds.
A Class A holder may drive any class of vehicle, subject to restrictions and endorsements. Florida law also sets out drivers who need no CDL, such as drivers of authorized emergency vehicles, military personnel on military duty and recreational vehicle drivers. Farmers hauling farm products, supplies or machinery to or from their farms are exempt within 150 miles, as long as the vehicle is not used as a common or contract carrier.
What are the basic Florida CDL requirements?
- You must be at least 18. Drivers under 21 are limited to intrastate operation.
- You must hold a Florida operator's license, pass the vision requirements and pass the knowledge and skills tests.
- First-time Class A or B applicants, Class B to A upgrades and first-time S, P or H applicants need ELDT from a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry.
FLHSMV allows you to schedule a skills test before your ELDT is complete, but the training must be met before the test. For a first-time hazmat endorsement, training must be verified before the knowledge exam.
Do you need proof of address for a Florida CDL?
Yes. Florida CLP and CDL applicants must show two acceptable proofs of residential address in their own name: one document from List A and one from List B. List A includes a lease of at least six months, a current Florida voter registration card, a Florida vehicle registration or title, a homeowner's insurance policy or bill, or a recent utility, phone or internet bill. List B includes a recent W-2 or 1099, a bank or credit card statement, military orders, a pay stub or an official government document. Ask your local office for the current lists.
What tests does Florida require?
All classes take the General Knowledge test, and Class A applicants add Combination Vehicles. Air Brakes applies if your vehicle has them, and each endorsement has its own exam. Skills tests for all classes have three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control and an on-road test.
Knowledge tests are offered in multiple languages, and oral testing is available in English or Spanish, except the hazmat test. The skills test must be in English, and interpreters are not allowed for any test.
What do Florida CDL endorsements require?
- H (placarded hazmat): a written test. Out-of-state hazmat holders must reapply, including a background check and tests.
- N (tank vehicles): a written test.
- P (passengers): written and skills tests, for vehicles designed for more than 15 persons including the driver.
- S (school bus): written and skills tests, and it also requires the P endorsement.
- T (double and triple trailers): a written test. Triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roads.
- X: covers both hazmat and tank.
What if your Florida CDL expires or you are a veteran?
A CDL expired for one year or more requires all the applicable knowledge and skills exams for an original CDL. Out-of-state and Canadian CDLs are recognized, with extra requirements possible.
Military applicants can use a waiver of the skills test, but they must pass all required knowledge and endorsement tests. The Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form is completed by a commanding officer or designee while on active duty or within 90 days of separation, and the CDL must be issued within 120 days of separation.
Florida uses four self-certification categories: A for non-excepted interstate, B for excepted interstate, C for non-excepted intrastate and D for excepted intrastate. Drivers under 21 cannot self-certify in Category A.
Florida's online CDL page does not state how long the permit lasts, so ask the office when you get yours and write down the expiration date.
What are the Florida CDL requirements?
You must be 18, hold a Florida operator's license, pass vision, knowledge and skills tests, complete ELDT when it applies and show two proofs of residential address.
Can I drive a CDL vehicle at 18 in Florida?
Yes, but drivers under 21 are limited to intrastate operation.
Are triple trailers allowed in Florida?
No. Triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roads.
Can I take the Florida CDL skills test in Spanish?
No. Skills tests must be in English, and interpreters are not allowed. Knowledge tests can be given orally in English or Spanish, except the hazmat test.
What if my Florida CDL expired a year ago?
A CDL expired for one year or more requires all applicable knowledge and skills exams for a new original CDL.
Florida rules change. Confirm all requirements with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles before you apply. DMVZone is a study resource and not the state agency.
