How to Get a Commercial Driver's License in Florida

What you need to know before you start

A Florida commercial driver's license (CDL) is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and lets you operate commercial vehicles for pay — tractor-trailers, buses, hazmat trucks, and other vehicles above a certain weight. You cannot straightforward add a commercial endorsement to a regular driver's license; you must hold a valid Florida driver's license first, then pass a separate written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test specific to commercial vehicles.

The process takes several weeks from start to finish. You will need to visit a DHSMV office in person, pay testing fees, and schedule your road test through an approved third-party examiner. Most people complete the written test in one visit, but the road test may require a separate appointment weeks later depending on examiner availability in your area.

Key Takeaways

You must hold a valid Florida driver's license before you can test for a CDL; you cannot skip this step or hold both at the same time.
The written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and endorsement-specific rules; you study from the Florida CDL Handbook, available free from DHSMV.
You must pass the written test before you can schedule a behind-the-wheel road test with a third-party examiner.
Road tests are scheduled weeks in advance and must be taken in a vehicle that matches the class of license you are testing for.
Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, passenger) require additional written tests and fees on top of the base CDL cost.

Step 1: Hold a valid Florida driver's license

Before you do anything else, you must have a current, valid Florida driver's license in your possession. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain it first by passing the written test and road test for a regular (non-commercial) license. This is a separate process from the CDL and takes its own time.

Your regular driver's license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot test for a CDL until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Check your status through the DHSMV website or by calling your local DHSMV office.

Step 2: Get the Florida CDL Handbook and study

read or pick up the free Florida CDL Handbook from the DHSMV website (flhsmv.gov) or at any DHSMV office. The handbook covers general knowledge (vehicle inspection, braking systems, safe driving), air brake systems (if you will operate air-brake vehicles), and endorsement-specific rules if you are testing for hazmat, tanker, or passenger endorsements.

Study the handbook thoroughly. The written test is multiple-choice and covers real-world scenarios you will face on the road. There is no pass-and-retry limit published by DHSMV, but you must pass before scheduling a road test. Most people study for two to four weeks, depending on their experience with commercial vehicles.

Step 3: Visit a DHSMV office and take the written test

Go to your local DHSMV office with your valid driver's license, proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. Bring payment for the written test fee; as of 2024, the base CDL written test costs $10, and each endorsement test costs an additional $10. Fees may vary, so confirm the current amount when you call to schedule or visit.

You will take the written test on a computer at the DHSMV office. The test is timed and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or return another day. Once you pass, you will receive a temporary permit that allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.

Step 4: Schedule and take your behind-the-wheel road test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule a road test with a third-party examiner approved by DHSMV. You cannot take the road test at a DHSMV office; it must be administered by a private testing service. Common third-party examiners in Florida include Pearson VUE and other DHSMV-approved vendors. Search "DHSMV third-party CDL examiners" plus your county name to find examiners near you.

Call the examiner directly to schedule. Road test appointments fill weeks in advance, especially in busy areas. You will need to bring your temporary permit, a valid photo ID, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are testing in, and the commercial vehicle itself. The vehicle must match the class you are testing for (Class A for tractor-trailers, Class B for straight trucks, Class C for smaller commercial vehicles). The road test typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.

If you pass the road test, the examiner will notify DHSMV electronically. You will receive your CDL in the mail within two to three weeks. If you do not pass, you can retake the road test, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the testing fee again.

Adding endorsements to your CDL

Endorsements allow you to operate specific types of commercial vehicles: hazmat (hazardous materials), tanker (liquid bulk), passenger (buses and vans), and double/triple trailers. You can add endorsements at the same time you test for your base CDL, or you can add them later to an existing CDL.

To add an endorsement, return to a DHSMV office, pay the endorsement test fee ($10 per endorsement), and take the written test for that endorsement. Hazmat endorsements also require a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which costs extra and takes several days to process. Once you pass the endorsement written test, you do not need to take another road test unless the endorsement requires one (hazmat does not; passenger may, depending on DHSMV policy at the time you test).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test for a CDL if I have an out-of-state driver's license?

No. You must have a valid Florida driver's license before you can test for a Florida CDL. If you hold a license from another state, you will need to transfer it to Florida first. Visit a DHSMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to convert it.

How long is a Florida CDL valid?

A Florida CDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue, the same as a regular driver's license. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person at a DHSMV office, depending on your circumstances.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must schedule a new appointment with the third-party examiner and pay the testing fee again. Your temporary permit remains valid while you prepare for the next attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need a medical certificate to get a CDL?

Yes. You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination performed by a DHSMV-certified medical examiner. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. You will receive a medical certificate valid for two years. Some commercial driving jobs require the certificate before you start; others require it after you are hired.

Can I drive a commercial vehicle with just the temporary permit?

Yes, but only with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive for pay. The temporary permit is for practice only and is valid until you pass or fail the road test.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.