Florida CDL Requirements at a Glance

To get a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Florida driver's license, pass a written knowledge test specific to the class of vehicle you want to drive, and pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test. You'll also need to pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish.

Florida's CDL process is handled through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You cannot skip steps or test out of requirements — every applicant follows the same sequence, and you must complete them in order. The written test comes first, the medical exam can happen anytime, and the skills test comes last.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Florida driver's license before you can test for a CDL, and you must be at least 18 years old (or 21 if you plan to drive interstate).
  • A Medical Examiner's Certificate from a FMCSA-certified doctor is required before you can be issued a CDL, and it must be current when you take your skills test.
  • The written knowledge test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and cargo handling rules specific to your CDL class, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control maneuvers in a closed course, and a road test with an examiner, and you must pass all three parts on the same day to pass the test.
  • You can test for multiple CDL classes and endorsements, but each requires its own written and skills test.

Age, License, and Residency Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL in Florida for intrastate driving (driving within Florida only). If you want to drive interstate (across state lines), you must be at least 21 years old. This is a federal requirement, not a Florida choice, and DHSMV cannot waive it.

You must already hold a valid Florida driver's license before you can test for a CDL. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot test. You do not need to be a Florida resident, but you do need a valid Florida driver's license — if you hold a license from another state, you'll need to transfer it to Florida first.

The Medical Examiner's Certificate

Before you can be issued a CDL, you must obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate from a doctor certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This is not your regular doctor's checkup — it's a specific medical evaluation that confirms you meet federal health standards for commercial driving. The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other factors that affect safe driving of large vehicles.

You can schedule this exam at any FMCSA-certified medical examiner's office in Florida or any other state. The certificate is valid for two years from the date of the exam. You must have a current certificate when you take your CDL skills test, and you'll submit it to DHSMV when you explore for your license. The cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $75 to $150.

To find a certified examiner, use the FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners on their website. You can search by location and schedule directly with the office. Bring your driver's license and be prepared to answer questions about your medical history.

The Written Knowledge Test

The written test is your first major step and must be passed before you can schedule a skills test. You'll take this test at a Florida DHSMV office, and it covers the Commercial Driver's Manual, which DHSMV provides free online and in print. The test is specific to the class of vehicle and any endorsements you're testing for — a Class A test is different from a Class B test, and adding a hazmat endorsement adds more questions.

You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is multiple-choice and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the class and endorsements. You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before your next attempt. Most people study the manual for two to four weeks before testing.

The test covers vehicle inspection (knowing what to check before driving), safe driving practices (speed, braking, turning with a large vehicle), and cargo handling rules. If you're testing for hazmat, tanker, or passenger endorsements, those sections have their own questions. Bring your driver's license and any required endorsement documents to the test center.

The Skills Test: What Happens and How It's Scored

The skills test has three parts — pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test — and you must pass all three on the same day to pass the overall test. You cannot pass two parts and come back for the third; if you fail any part, you fail the entire test and must retake all three parts on your next attempt.

The pre-trip inspection is a verbal walkthrough where you explain to an examiner what you would check on the vehicle before driving it. You don't actually touch the vehicle — you describe the inspection. The examiner asks you to identify specific components and explain what you're looking for. This typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The basic control test happens in a closed course (usually a large parking lot or training facility) where you perform maneuvers like backing in a straight line, backing into a 90-degree angle, and parking between two lines. The examiner watches for smooth control, proper mirror use, and accuracy. This takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The road test is a 30 to 45-minute drive on public roads with an examiner in the passenger seat. You'll encounter various traffic conditions, turns, hills, and stops. The examiner watches for safe speed, proper signaling, smooth braking, lane control, and awareness of other vehicles. You must follow all traffic laws and the examiner's directions.

Where to Test and How to Schedule

You take both the written test and skills test at a Florida DHSMV office. Not all offices offer skills testing — only certain locations have the equipment and examiners. You can find the nearest testing location and hours on the DHSMV website. Some offices have long wait times, especially in urban areas, so call ahead or check online before you go.

For the written test, you can usually walk in during business hours, though some offices accept appointments. For the skills test, you must schedule in advance — walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule by phone or online through the DHSMV website. Wait times for skills tests vary from one week to several months depending on your location.

Bring your valid driver's license, your Medical Examiner's Certificate, and any documents required for endorsements (hazmat background check clearance, for example). Arrive 15 minutes early. If you fail the skills test, you can usually schedule your next attempt when ready, though the next available date may be weeks away.

CDL Classes and Endorsements in Florida

Florida recognizes three CDL classes: Class A (combination vehicles over 26,001 pounds), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 pounds), and Class C (smaller commercial vehicles, usually used for passenger transport). You test for the class of vehicle you plan to drive. Each class has its own written and skills test.

You can also add endorsements to your CDL, which allow you to drive vehicles carrying specific cargo or passengers. Common endorsements include Hazmat (hazardous materials), Tanker (liquid cargo), Passenger (buses or vans with 16 or more seats), and Double/Triple (multiple trailers). Each endorsement requires its own written test. Some endorsements also require a background check or additional documentation.

You can test for multiple classes and endorsements, but you'll take a separate written test for each one. Your skills test covers the highest class you're testing for, and passing it counts toward all classes you're testing for that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test for a CDL if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?

No. You must have a valid, unrestricted Florida driver's license to test for a CDL. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot test until it is reinstated. Contact DHSMV to find out how to restore your license.

How long does it take to get a CDL from start to finish?

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and how fast you can schedule tests. Most people take four to eight weeks from the day they start studying to the day they receive their CDL in the mail. The written test can happen within days of studying, but the skills test often has a wait of several weeks depending on your location.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You must retake all three parts (pre-trip, basic control, and road test) on your next attempt — you cannot retake just the part you failed. You can schedule your next test when ready, though the next available date may be weeks away. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to attend a CDL school or training program?

Florida does not require formal training, but most people attend a CDL school because it significantly increases the chance of passing the skills test on the first attempt. Schools teach you how examiners expect you to perform and give you practice in a vehicle similar to what you'll test in. Training programs typically cost $3,000 to $7,000 and take three to six weeks.

Can I test for multiple endorsements at the same time?

Yes. You can take written tests for multiple endorsements on the same day, and you take only one skills test that counts toward all the classes and endorsements you're testing for. However, some endorsements require additional documentation or background checks before you can test.