Florida's commercial licenses are managed by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department (FLHSMV), and many steps happen at your county Tax Collector's office. Rules and fees change, so treat this guide as a starting point and confirm everything on the official site before you go.
Who can apply
- You must be at least 18.
- If you are under 21 you can drive only inside Florida, and you cannot get the hazardous materials endorsement.
- A first-time CDL needs a valid Florida Class E license.
Training comes first
First-time applicants who have never held a commercial license complete entry-level driver training with a registered provider before taking the knowledge and skills tests.
The knowledge tests and the permit
- You pass the CDL general knowledge exam before any other commercial exam.
- Knowledge tests need an appointment.
- If you pass all the exams and bring your documents, the commercial learner permit can be issued the same day.
- You hold the permit at least 14 days before the CDL is issued.
You must pass the skills tests and get your CDL within one year of passing the general knowledge exam. After that, you retest.
The skills test
Skills tests are taken at an FLHSMV-approved third-party testing site, so book that site early. Waiting lists can be long.
Medical certificate
You must keep a valid medical certification on file unless you are in an exempt category. Florida has moved to electronic reporting of medical certificates from your doctor, so ask your examiner to report it electronically.