How to Get a CDL License in Florida

Getting a CDL in Florida means passing a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Florida is issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). You will need to pass a written knowledge test specific to the type of vehicle you want to drive, pass a practical driving skills test with an examiner, and obtain a medical certificate from a licensed examiner. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.

Florida does not require you to attend a commercial driving school, but many people do because it improves their chances of passing the skills test on the first attempt. You can study for the written test on your own using the DHSMV manual and practice tests available online.

Key Takeaways

You must hold a valid Florida driver's license before you can get a CDL, and you must be at least 18 years old (21 if you plan to drive across state lines).
The written test covers vehicle safety, braking, cargo handling, and other topics specific to the class of vehicle you want to drive.
You must pass a medical examination and obtain a Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) from a certified medical examiner before you can take the skills test.
The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, a backing exercise, and a road test, all performed in the actual vehicle you will be driving.
Florida charges separate fees for the written test, the skills test, and the CDL license itself, totaling roughly $100 to $150 depending on the class.

Confirm you meet Florida's basic requirements

You must have a valid Florida driver's license before you can obtain a CDL. If you do not have one, you will need to get a standard driver's license first by passing the written and driving tests at your local DHSMV office.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within Florida only. If you want to drive across state lines (interstate commerce), you must be at least 21 years old. You must also have a valid Social Security number and proof of Florida residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days.

If you have certain medical conditions, criminal convictions, or multiple traffic violations, you may be disqualified. The DHSMV website lists specific disqualifying offenses and medical conditions. Check your driving record and medical history before you begin the process.

Obtain a medical certificate from a certified examiner

Before you can take the CDL skills test, you must have a Medical Certificate (also called a DOT medical card). This certificate comes from a medical examiner certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle.

You can find a certified medical examiner through the FMCSA National Registry website or by calling your local DHSMV office for a list of examiners in your area. The medical exam typically costs $50 to $150 and takes about 30 minutes. Once you pass, the examiner will give you the original Medical Certificate, which you will need to bring to your CDL skills test appointment.

The Medical Certificate is valid for two years. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep your CDL active.

Study for and pass the written knowledge test

The CDL written test is divided into sections based on the class of vehicle and endorsements you want. All applicants must pass the General Knowledge test, which covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, backing, air brakes, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, and other safety topics. Depending on your vehicle class, you may also need to pass tests for air brakes, tanker vehicles, doubles/triples, or hazardous materials.

The DHSMV provides a free CDL Study Guide on its website that covers all test topics. You can also purchase practice tests online or through commercial driving schools. Most people spend 2 to 4 weeks studying before they feel ready to test. The written test is administered at DHSMV offices and costs roughly $10 to $20.

You will have a limited number of attempts to pass each section of the written test. If you fail, you can retake it, but there may be a waiting period between attempts. Once you pass all required written tests, you can schedule your skills test.

Schedule and pass the CDL skills test

The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, a backing exercise, and a road test. All three parts are performed in the actual commercial vehicle you will be driving. You cannot use a different vehicle or a simulator.

For the pre-trip inspection, you will walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and potential problems to the examiner. For the backing exercise, you will demonstrate your ability to back the vehicle into a tight space or around obstacles. For the road test, you will drive the vehicle on public roads while the examiner observes your control, safety, and compliance with traffic laws.

You must bring your Medical Certificate, your passing written test scores, your valid Florida driver's license, and proof of residency to your skills test appointment. The skills test costs roughly $50 to $100 and takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you fail any part, you can retake the entire test after a waiting period, usually 7 to 14 days.

Choose your CDL class and endorsements

Florida issues three classes of CDL based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the number of passengers or hazardous materials you will carry. Class A covers the heaviest vehicles, including tractor-trailers and doubles. Class B covers medium-weight vehicles like straight trucks and buses. Class C covers lighter vehicles that still require a CDL, such as small buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

You can also add endorsements to your CDL, which allow you to drive specific types of cargo or vehicles. Common endorsements include H (hazardous materials), T (doubles and triples), P (passengers), and S (school bus). Each endorsement requires an additional written test. You do not need to pass a separate skills test for endorsements.

Decide which class and endorsements you need based on the type of work you want to do. Your employer may also specify which class and endorsements are required for the job.

Complete the process and pay fees at DHSMV

Once you have passed both the written and skills tests, you will go to your local DHSMV office to complete your CDL process and pay the final fees. Bring your Medical Certificate, your passing test scores, your valid Florida driver's license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

You will fill out the CDL process form (available at the DHSMV office or online) and pay the CDL license fee, which varies by class but typically ranges from $30 to $50. You may also need to pay a renewal fee if your driver's license is expiring soon. The DHSMV office will issue your CDL on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days.

Your CDL will be valid for four years from the date of issue. You will need to renew your Medical Certificate every two years to keep your CDL active, even if the license itself has not expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to a commercial driving school in Florida?

No, Florida does not require formal training. However, many people attend a school because it increases their chances of passing the skills test on the first attempt. Schools typically charge $3,000 to $7,000 and take 3 to 7 weeks to complete. If you study on your own, you can save money but will need to arrange your own vehicle for the skills test.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Florida?

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and schedule your tests. Most people take 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish. If you attend a driving school, add 3 to 7 weeks. If you fail a test, add time for retakes and waiting periods between attempts.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test after a waiting period, usually 7 to 14 days. You will need to pay the test fee again. You do not need to retake the written test or medical exam unless they have expired. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Can I drive a commercial vehicle while my CDL process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle until you have received your CDL. Driving without a valid CDL is a criminal offense in Florida and can result in fines and jail time.

What if my Medical Certificate expires before my CDL does?

Your CDL becomes invalid if your Medical Certificate expires. You must renew your Medical Certificate before it expires and provide the new certificate to the DHSMV to keep your CDL active. You do not need to retake the written or skills tests.

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.