How To Get A Cdl In Florida

How to Get a CDL in Florida

Get a CDL in Florida FLCDLPhysicals

Recently, we published a piece on the requirements and steps for becoming a school bus driver in the state of Florida. One of these requirements is getting a CDL in Florida - a Florida CDL.

In response to that post, we received several questions about the Florida CDL license and the process to get a Florida Commercial Driver's License. Therefore, this article addresses just that.

Below, we provide a quick-and-easy overview of the get a CDL in Florida process in Florida.

First, before you can get a Florida CDL, you must have a valid FL Operator's License (a 'regular' driver's license), including passing the vision exam. The minimum age for the CDL is 18 but if you're under 21, you can drive intrastate (inside the state) only.

The oral exam portion of the CDL process can be given in Spanish or English. On the other hand, the skills test and any Hazmat endorsement exams will only be in English. Interpreters cannot ever be used in any of the exams.

There are 3 CDL classes and there are specific requirements and exams for each class.

Class A CDL – Florida – is needed to:

Operate trucks and truck combinations of 26,001 pounds or more
Tow a trailer of 10,000 pounds or more

Class B CDL – Florida – is needed to:

Operate straight trucks and busses more than 26,001 pounds

Class C CDL – Florida – is needed to:

Operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials
Operate vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs.

The tests needed for all Classes of FL CDL are the same, with the exception of any additional endorsements. These tests are:

General knowledge test
Combination vehicles test
Air brakes (only if applicable for Classes B and C), pre-trip, basic skills tests
CDL road test
Any endorsement tests

Additional endorsements include:

Placarded Hazmat
Tank Vehicles
Passenger
School Bus
Double / Triple Trailers
Placarded Tank and Trailer

The DOT physical and Florida CDL

The DOT physical – and DOT medical card for passing – is required for all Florida CDL holders, unless the type of commerce driven counts as "Excepted."

Prior to the action CDL being issued or renewed, FL law requires all CDL holders to self-certify as to the type of driving he or she plans to do including:

(information below from http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/cdlmedicalcert.html )

A) Non-excepted Interstate- I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification. (Medical Card Required)
B) Excepted Interstate- I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce, but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from the requirement to maintain federal medical certification.
C) Non-excepted Intrastate- I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce and am required to meet state of Florida medical certification requirements. (Medical Card Required)
D) Excepted Intrastate- I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce, but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from state of Florida medical certification requirements.

If not specifically included in B or D above, DOT medical certification must be obtained and maintained. Also, if you self-certify in an excepted category and this changes, you must re-certify.

Reciprocity of CDL from other states

Florida does offer reciprocity for CDLs obtained in other states or Canada. However, any HAZMAT endorsements must be applied for in FL and include necessary tests, exams, and fees

Military CDL qualification

Military – or recently separated military – who wish to receive 'credit' for the skills portion of the CDL based on military driving experience must:

Pass knowledge and endorsement exams for the CDL they wish to obtain
Produce a Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel completed by their Commanding Officer if on active duty or if separation was less than 90 days prior

Note: The entire CDL process, culminating in obtaining the CDL, must occur within 120 of separation.