Getting a CDL in Florida requires a medical certificate, a written knowledge test, and a skills test with an examiner — all done through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Florida is issued only after you pass a medical exam, a written test covering traffic laws and vehicle operation, and a practical driving test. You cannot skip any step or combine them into a single visit. The process typically takes four to eight weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your medical exam and testing appointments.
Florida does not issue CDLs through online portals or third-party vendors. All testing happens at Florida DHSMV offices or at approved third-party examiners. You will need to visit in person, bring specific documents, and pay fees at each stage. The state does not waive any requirement based on prior driving experience or out-of-state licenses.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a medical certificate from a FMCSA-certified examiner before you can test for a CDL, and this certificate is valid for two years.
- The written knowledge test covers general CDL rules, air brakes, and any endorsements you need (hazmat, tanker, doubles, passenger), and you must score at least 80 percent on each section.
- The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test, all conducted by a Florida DHSMV examiner or approved third-party tester.
- You must hold a valid Florida driver's license before you can obtain a CDL, and you cannot hold both a regular license and a CDL at the same time.
- Fees total approximately $75 to $100 for the written test and $100 to $150 for the skills test, plus the cost of the medical exam, which varies by provider.
Step 1: Get a Medical Certificate from an FMCSA Examiner
Before you schedule any test with the DHSMV, you must pass a medical examination performed by a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified medical examiner. This is not a general physical — it is a specific exam that checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The examiner will ask about your medical history, current medications, and any conditions that might affect your driving.
You can find FMCSA-certified examiners through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners at fmcsa.dot.gov. Search by your Florida county or city. Call ahead to confirm they are still certified and to ask about their fee, which typically ranges from $75 to $150. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residence, and a list of any medications you take. The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Once you pass, the examiner will issue a Medical Certificate (also called a Medical Examiner's Certificate). This is valid for two years. You will need to bring the original certificate or a copy when you take your written and skills tests. If your medical certificate expires before you complete your CDL, you will have to retake the medical exam.
Step 2: Study and Pass the Written Knowledge Test
The written test is divided into sections. You must pass a General Knowledge test (50 questions, 80 percent passing score) and any endorsement tests that explore to the job you are seeking. Common endorsements in Florida include Hazardous Materials (H), Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T), and Passenger (P). Each endorsement test has its own set of questions and 80 percent passing requirement.
The Florida DHSMV publishes a free CDL Handbook that covers all test topics. You can read it from flhsmv.gov under the CDL section, or request a printed copy at any DHSMV office. The handbook explains air brake systems, vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and endorsement-specific rules. Many people study for two to four weeks before testing.
You can take the written test at any Florida DHSMV office. Schedule an appointment online through the DHSMV website or call your local office. Bring your medical certificate, current driver's license, and proof of Social Security number. The test is administered on a computer. You will receive your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.
Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Skills Test
Once you pass the written test, you are ready to schedule the skills test, which has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test. All three must be completed on the same day with the same examiner. The entire test takes two to three hours.
The pre-trip inspection requires you to walk around and point out critical safety components of the vehicle — lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, coupling devices, and cargo securement. The examiner will ask you to explain what you are checking and why. You do not have to fix anything; you just have to identify the parts and describe their condition.
The basic control test is conducted in a closed course or parking lot. You will be asked to perform backing maneuvers, lane changes, and turns while staying within marked boundaries. The examiner watches for smooth steering, proper mirror use, and vehicle control. This part is often the most difficult for first-time test takers.
The road test takes place on public roads. The examiner will direct you through various driving scenarios — city streets, highways, turns, stops, and parking. They are watching for safe speed, proper signaling, smooth braking, and awareness of other vehicles. The test lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
Where to Schedule Your Tests and What Documents You Need
You can take both the written and skills tests at a Florida DHSMV office, or you can use an approved third-party tester for the skills test. Third-party testers are private companies licensed by the state to administer CDL skills tests. They often have shorter wait times than DHSMV offices, but they charge higher fees — typically $150 to $250 for the skills test, compared to $100 to $150 at an DHSMV office.
For the written test at an DHSMV office, bring:
- Your current Florida driver's license
- Your medical certificate (original or copy)
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2)
- Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days)
For the skills test, bring:
- Your current Florida driver's license
- Your medical certificate
- A valid vehicle that matches the class of CDL you are testing for (Class A, B, or C)
- Proof of insurance for that vehicle
- Your written test passing score receipt
The vehicle you use for the skills test must be in safe, working condition. The examiner will conduct the pre-trip inspection on this vehicle, so it must have functioning lights, brakes, mirrors, and wipers. If the vehicle fails the pre-trip inspection, you will not be allowed to take the road test that day.
CDL Classes and Endorsements in Florida
Florida issues three classes of CDL based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the number of trailers:
- Class A: Combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This covers tractor-trailers and doubles.
- Class B: Single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a combination where the towed unit weighs 10,000 pounds or less. This covers large straight trucks and bus chassis.
- Class C: Vehicles that do not meet Class A or B requirements but require a CDL due to cargo or passenger restrictions. This is rare in Florida.
Endorsements are added to your CDL to permit you to haul certain cargo or passengers. You must pass a separate written test for each endorsement you want. The most common are Hazardous Materials (H), which allows you to transport hazmat; Tanker (N), which allows you to haul liquids in bulk; Doubles/Triples (T), which allows you to pull multiple trailers; and Passenger (P), which allows you to transport 16 or more people.
Timeline and Fees
The total cost of obtaining a CDL in Florida ranges from $250 to $500, depending on whether you use an DHSMV office or a third-party tester and how many endorsements you pursue. Here is a typical breakdown:
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical exam | $75–$150 | Varies by provider; required before any test |
| Written test (DHSMV) | $75–$100 | Covers general knowledge and one endorsement |
| Additional endorsement tests | $10–$20 each | Each endorsement is a separate test and fee |
| Skills test (DHSMV) | $100–$150 | Pre-trip, basic control, and road test combined |
| Skills test (third-party) | $150–$250 | Higher fee but often shorter wait times |
The timeline from start to finish is typically four to eight weeks. The medical exam can usually be scheduled within one to two weeks. The written test can often be scheduled within one to three weeks. The skills test usually has a longer wait — two to six weeks at DHSMV offices, but sometimes as short as one to two weeks at third-party testers. If you fail either test, you will need to schedule a retake, which adds another one to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I have my medical certificate?
No. You must have your medical certificate in hand before you schedule the written test. The DHSMV will not let you test without it. Get your medical exam done first, then schedule the written test.
What happens if I fail the skills test?
You can retake it. You must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You do not have to retake the written test. You will pay the skills test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they practice the backing maneuvers beforehand.
Do I need to attend a CDL training school?
No. Florida does not require formal training. However, many people attend a CDL school to learn vehicle operation and practice the skills test before taking the official exam. Schools typically cost $3,000 to $7,000 and take two to four weeks. Some employers will pay for training if you agree to work for them after you obtain your license.
Can I use my personal vehicle for the skills test?
Only if it is the correct class and weight for the CDL you are testing for. If you are testing for a Class A CDL, you must use a combination vehicle (tractor-trailer or doubles). If you are testing for a Class B, you must use a single large truck. You cannot use a pickup truck or car, even if you own one.
How long is a Florida CDL valid?
A CDL is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You will need to renew it before it expires. Renewal requires a new medical certificate and a written test, but not a skills test, unless you have had a serious traffic violation or your license was suspended.