Drivers must be at least 18 before they can apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Florida. However, those under 21 will only be permitted to drive in-state. As of February 7, 2022, all new applicants are required to complete entry-level driver training before obtaining their CDL.

If you want to become a trucker, bus operator, or other commercial motor vehicle driver in Florida, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This ensures you have adequate skills to operate large vehicles since they each have unique driving challenges. As of February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) entry-level driver training (ELDT) is also required for brand-new entry-level commercial drivers.

Jerry

, the trusted

car insurance

broker app, is here to walk you through getting a CDL from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)—and we’ll share tips on how Jerry can help you save on your

Florida insurance costs

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

What is required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Florida?

Getting a CDL in Florida can take some time, but it’s a straightforward process. To apply, you will need identification documents, a valid Florida Class E license, a

clean driving record,

and a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that can be used to complete your CDL skills test. You will also be required to pass a vision test along with knowledge and skills tests.

However, the exact requirements are dependent on the class of CDL you’re applying for. There may be additional requirements, such as medical documentation, for some of the endorsements you’ll need to operate specific vehicles.

Florida CDL classes

There are three types of CDL in Florida: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A is the least comprehensive license, and Class C is the most. Below is a breakdown of what vehicles you can operate with each class:

Class A: Combination vehicles—Any trucks or truck combinations that have a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,0001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle or unit over 10,000 lbs.

Class B: Heavy straight vehicles—Any straight trucks and buses weighing 26,0001 lbs or more.

Class C: Small vehicles—Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 26,0001 lbs transporting placarded amounts or hazardous materials, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

For example, a Class A CDL is required to operate tractor-trailers, triple-trailers, and livestock carriers. A Class B CDL would be required for a regular truck or a school bus. A Class C CDL would be required for passenger vans and HAZMAT vehicles—you may also require an endorsement for transporting passengers or hazardous materials.

Endorsements

There are six types of endorsements for Florida CDLs to allow the driver to operate specific types of vehicles:

Placarded hazmat (H): for transporting placarded hazardous materials

Tank vehicles (N): for driving tank vehicles

Passengers (P): for driving passenger vehicles with more than 15 people, including the driver

School bus (S): for transporting pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students to and from home and school/school-sponsored events

Double/triple trailers (T): for driving double/triple-trailer vehicles. Note that triple trailers are not permitted on Florida roads

Placarded hazmat and tank vehicles (X): issued to those who qualify for H and N endorsements

You must pass a written test to receive CDL endorsements. You will also need to pass a skills test for the P and S endorsement.

Minimum age requirement

All Florida CDL applicants must be 18 or above to operate a commercial vehicle. However, those who are under 21 are restricted to intrastate driving only.

Medical requirements

Finally, Florida sets specific

medical requirements

for a basic interstate CDL license. This includes:

20/40 vision acuity, with or without correction in both eyes

At least 70 degrees of peripheral vision

Ability to perceive a forced whispered voice five feet away, with or without a hearing aid

Average hearing loss is 40 dB or less in the better ear

Blood pressure of 179/109 or less—blood pressure level will affect the certification period

You must also certify in one of the following four categories with the state’s Driver License Agency before being issued a CDL:

Non-excepted interstate: required to maintain federal medical certification (Med Card required)

Excepted interstate: qualified for exception from maintaining federal medical certification

Non-excepted intrastate: required to meet Florida medical certification requirements (Med Card required)

Excepted intrastate: qualified for exception from the state of Florida medical certification requirements

New ELDT requirements

Florida CDL applicants are required to follow new regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

if they have not been issued a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before February 7, 2022.

New applicants must complete training with a registered training provider in

FMCSA’s registry

before taking their skills tests or the H knowledge test.

MORE: Everything you need to know about Florida towing laws

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

How to apply for a CDL in Florida

The most important requirements to qualify for a Florida CDL are a valid Florida driver’s license and a

clean driving record

for the past 10 years.

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding, reckless driving, and erratic lane changes, can disqualify you from obtaining a CDL. You will also not be qualified for a CDL if you have been under a license suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification in Florida or any state.

Other crimes, such as transporting aliens across the U.S. border, could disqualify you from commercial motor vehicle driving privileges. More serious convictions, such as

multiple DUI offenses

or using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony,could prevent you from getting a CDL for life.

If your license and record are clear, there are a few more requirements you’ll need to meet. To apply for a full CDL, you must first apply for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). You will need:

Proof of ELDT completion

Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency

Proof of Florida residency

Proof of identity

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

Valid Florida vehicle registration for any vehicles you own

Proof of insurance for any vehicles you own

Self-certification of medical status or medical examiner’s certificate, if necessary

A completed

CDL application

Bring these documents and the application fee to your

local driver’s license office

and complete the vision test.

You are required to hold the CLP for at least 14 days before completing a series of exams for your CDL. The CLP will be valid for one year from the date it is issued. Within this time, you are authorized to practice in a CMV on public roads while accompanied by a qualified CDL holder who is 21 or older.

After the 14-day waiting period, make an appointment at your driver’s license office and bring your completed CDL application and the identifying documents you used for obtaining your CLP.You will need to pay another application fee—$75 for a CDL and $7 per endorsement.

Depending on the class you are applying for, you will also need to complete a series of knowledge and skills tests:

Knowledge tests:

General Knowledge Test

Combination Vehicles Test

Air Brakes Test

Applicable exams for desired endorsements

These written tests consist of multiple choice and matching questions, and the passing grade is 80%—or a score of 40/50.

Skills tests:

Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection

Basic Vehicle Control

On-road Test

Passing all the tests listed above will earn you a Florida CDL. Congratulations!

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest trucks to insure

How long is a CDL valid in Florida?

Once you’ve got your CDL, it is valid for eight years—just like any other Florida driver’s license. The exception is a CDL with an H endorsement, which expires after just five years (that’s why the fees are lower!). Renewal fees for any CDL are the same as the original application fee: $61 with an H endorsement and $97 for other CDLs.

MORE: How to deal with rising gas prices in Florida

How to save on car insurance in Florida

Getting a CDL can take anywhere from two to six months and can be an expensive process. However, lowering your

car insurance

costs is a quick way to help you save up.

Before you dread the legwork,

Jerry

can make it fast! As a licensed insurance broker with a team of the best insurance agents in the business, we can help you find the best quotes in no time. Just download our

trustworthy super app

to start comparing quotes from over 55 top-rated insurance providers! Once you pick the best policy for you, Jerry’s team of insurance agents will handle all your paperwork to switch you over right away.

On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance.

“
Jerry
was easy to use, and they saved me a lot of money on my truck. I would definitely recommend them.” —Johannes T.

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry