The basic requirements to get a CDL in Florida

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, and pass a medical examination by a FMCSA-certified medical examiner (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the standard). You'll also need to pass written tests on the rules specific to commercial driving and the class of vehicle you want to drive, then pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The process takes several weeks because you cannot take the written tests until after you've passed your medical exam and received your Medical Certificate. Once you have that certificate, you can schedule the written tests at any Florida DHSMV office. After you pass the written portion, you schedule the driving test separately — examiners have limited availability, so this often means waiting another two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Florida driver's license, be at least 18 years old, and pass a medical exam by an FMCSA-certified examiner before you can take any CDL tests.
  • The written tests cover general CDL knowledge and the specific rules for the class of truck you want to drive, and you take them at an DHSMV office.
  • The behind-the-wheel test uses a commercial vehicle provided by the testing facility, and you must pass both the written and medical portions before scheduling it.
  • Florida charges a fee for the CDL itself and separate fees for each written test attempt and the driving test; costs vary by class and endorsement.

Medical certification and the FMCSA exam

Before you can sit for any written test, you need a Medical Certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on the FMCSA's National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling your local DHSMV office for a list of providers in your area.

The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The examiner is looking for conditions that would make it unsafe to operate a large truck — uncontrolled diabetes, certain heart conditions, or severe sleep apnea, for example. If you have a medical condition, bring documentation of how it's being managed. The exam itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $75 and $150, depending on the examiner.

Once you pass, the examiner gives you a paper Medical Certificate valid for two years. You bring this to the DHSMV when you take your written tests. If your certificate expires before you finish all your tests and get your CDL issued, you'll need a new exam.

Written tests for your CDL class

Florida requires two written tests: a General Knowledge test that all CDL applicants take, and a Class-Specific test for the type of vehicle you want to drive (Class A for tractor-trailers, Class B for straight trucks, or Class C for smaller commercial vehicles). You take both tests on the same day at an DHSMV office, and you must pass both to move forward.

The General Knowledge test covers federal and Florida rules about hours of service, vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and cargo handling. The Class-Specific test focuses on the mechanics and handling of the vehicle you'll be driving. Each test is multiple choice, and you need a score of at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait one day before your next attempt.

Study materials are free on the FMCSA website and through the Florida DHSMV. Many people also use third-party study guides or online practice tests. Plan to study for at least two to three weeks before you take the written tests.

The behind-the-wheel driving test

After you pass both written tests, you schedule your behind-the-wheel test with a DHSMV examiner. This test uses an actual commercial vehicle — usually a tractor-trailer for Class A, a straight truck for Class B — provided by the testing facility. The test takes about 45 minutes and includes a vehicle inspection portion (where you show the examiner you know how to check the truck's safety systems), basic controls (backing, turning, parking), and on-road driving.

You must bring your valid Florida driver's license, your Medical Certificate, and proof that you passed the written tests. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking, backing in a straight line, and backing into an offset space. Then you drive on public roads while the examiner watches your speed, lane control, mirror checks, and decision-making.

The test is pass or fail — there is no partial credit. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again. Many people pass on the first try if they've practiced with a commercial vehicle beforehand, so consider arranging practice time with a truck driving school or a company willing to let you practice.

Endorsements and additional requirements

Depending on what you'll be hauling or towing, you may need an endorsement added to your CDL. A Hazmat endorsement is required if you transport hazardous materials, and it requires a separate written test plus a background check by the Transportation Security Administration. A Passenger endorsement is needed if you'll drive a bus or van carrying 16 or more people. A Tanker endorsement is required for vehicles carrying liquid in bulk.

Each endorsement has its own written test, and you take them at the DHSMV office after you've passed your general CDL tests. The Hazmat endorsement also requires TSA approval, which can take several weeks. If you know you'll need endorsements, factor that time into your timeline.

Fees and timeline

Florida charges a fee for the CDL license itself, separate fees for each written test attempt, and a fee for the driving test. The exact amounts vary depending on the class of license and any endorsements. Contact your local DHSMV office or check the Florida DHSMV website for current fees, as they change periodically.

From start to finish, the process typically takes six to twelve weeks. The medical exam can often be scheduled within a week. Written tests at an DHSMV office can usually be scheduled within two to three weeks. The driving test is where the timeline stretches — examiners have limited availability, so you may wait four to six weeks for an appointment. If you need a Hazmat endorsement, add another two to four weeks for TSA clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive a pickup truck with a trailer?

It depends on the truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and what you're towing. If the combined GVWR of the truck and trailer exceeds 26,001 pounds, you need a CDL. If you're towing a trailer with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, you also need a CDL. Check your vehicle's registration or owner's manual for the GVWR, or ask your local DHSMV office.

Can I take the written tests before I get my medical exam?

No. You must have your Medical Certificate from an FMCSA-certified examiner before you can take any written tests. The DHSMV will not let you schedule the tests without proof of the medical exam. Schedule your medical exam first, then book your written tests once you have the certificate in hand.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again. Your written test scores remain valid, so you don't have to retake those. Many people find it helpful to practice with a truck driving school or get behind-the-wheel experience with a company before attempting the test again.

Do I need to attend a truck driving school?

Florida does not require formal truck driving school to get a CDL, but many people attend because it provides hands-on practice with a commercial vehicle and instruction from experienced drivers. Some employers will hire you without formal training if you have your CDL, while others require a certain number of hours of professional training. Check with employers in your area to see what they expect.

How long is a Florida CDL valid?

A CDL is valid for eight years from the date it's issued. Your Medical Certificate must be renewed every two years, so you'll need to schedule a new medical exam before your certificate expires to keep your CDL active. If your Medical Certificate lapses, your CDL becomes invalid until you get a new exam.