So you have decided to go into the trucking industry. Awesome, and welcome! First, you’ve got to get that coveted Florida trucking license or CDL (commercial driver’s license) first. Lucky you, we’re here to help you out in keeping you informed on how to get your license. Keep reading, take some notes, and mark your calendar!
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has the official information about licensing guidelines and updates.
Commercial Driver License
All applicants for a Commercial Driver’s License are required to have an Operator’s License, pass the vision requirements, and pass the knowledge and skills tests. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If you are under 21, you will be restricted to intrastate operation only.
Knowledge tests are offered in multiple languages and may be taken orally in English or Spanish with the exception of the hazardous materials test. Skills tests must be conducted in English. Interpreters may not be used during the administration of any tests.
Conditional Learner’s Permit
Before proceeding to the CDL part of the process, all persons seeking a new commercial driver’s license must obtain a Conditional Learner’s Permit.
The permit allows you to practice driving on public roads with a qualified CDL holder riding with you. To acquire one you need to:
- Possess a Florida driver’s license.
- Pass the appropriate knowledge exams.
- Pass the vision test.
- Pass the Division of Driver Licenses medical exam.
- Provide proof of identity and residency. This will likely be your current driver’s license but check with a Division of Driver Licenses office to be certain of what they require.
- Submit to a driving record review. Your driving record for the past 10 years will be up for examination.
- Pay the prescribed fees according to your application.
- Following satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the CLP and a 14-day waiting period you can obtain your CDL by taking the vehicle driving skills test; which comprises:
- Vehicle inspection tests.
- Basic controls testing.
- A commercial driving road test.
You can refer to the State of Florida CDL Skill Sites page for a list of test sites.
Class A Requirements – To operate trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is required.
The following are required:
- Knowledge Tests
- General Knowledge Test
- Combination Vehicles Test
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
- Skills Tests
- Air Brakes Test (most Class A vehicles are equipped with Air Brakes, but not all)
- Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- On-road Test
Class B Requirements – To operate straight trucks and buses 26,001 lbs or more, a Class B license is required.
The following are required:
- Knowledge Tests
- General Knowledge Test
- Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
- Skills Tests
- Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
- Basic Vehicle Control
- On-road Test
Class C Requirements – To operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, a Class C license is required.
The following are required:
- Knowledge Tests
- General Knowledge Test
- Skills Tests
- Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
- Basic Vehicle Control
- Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
- On-road Test
Do you already have an out-of-state CDL?
We will reciprocate an out-of-state or a Canadian commercial driver’s license. However, an out-of-state applicant with a hazmat endorsement will have to reapply for a hazmat endorsement, which will include a background check, appropriate tests, and fees.
Military CDL
Military or prior military customers requesting to be issued a CDL due to qualifications of experience while serving on military duty must:
Pass all required knowledge and endorsement tests for the CDL license class and endorsements they are applying to obtain, and
Present the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form completed by their commanding officer or designee while on active duty or within 90 days of separation from service in order to be exempt from taking the skills tests.
The process must be completed and the CDL issued within 120 days of separation from service.
But what are ENDORSEMENTS?
An “Endorsement” is a special authorization, which permits a Florida trucking professional to drive certain types of vehicles, to transport certain types of property, or a certain number of passengers. The following endorsements can be placed on Class A, B, or C commercial driver licenses.
Placarded Hazmat (H) – Issued to those who have passed the required written test and who will transport placarded hazardous materials.
Tank Vehicles (N) – Issued to those who have passed the required written test and who will drive tank vehicles.
Passengers (P) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will drive passenger vehicles. A passenger vehicle is any vehicle designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver.
School Bus (S) – Issued to those who have passed the required written and skills test and who will transport pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events (does not include a bus used as a common carrier). Take note that the P endorsement is also required.
Double/Triple Trailers (T) – Issued to those who have passed the required written test and who will drive double or triple tractor- trailer vehicles. Take note that triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roads.
Placarded Hazmat & Tank Vehicles (X) – Issued to those who qualify for the H and N endorsements.
Are you looking for a job opening in the trucking industry?
Well, look no further, we are currently open to hiring new truckstars (Florida trucking professionals and non-drivers alike!) to join our team. Look at our vacancies here, and don’t hesitate to apply.