Florida Commercial Drivers
There is Florida state specific information that must be understood and followed when obtaining your Florida commercial driver’s license as there are specific rules and laws that apply only to the Florida CDL drivers. Becoming a Florida CDL driver requires a great deal of responsibility, knowledge and skill.- 4DMV.com has compiled this easy to understand guide which will ensure that you have all the facts, forms and information that you need to begin the process of becoming a Florida commercial driver.
Becoming A Florida Commercial Driver
Becoming a Florida commercial driver means that you must follow and met the requirements set by the state. To begin the process of application you must:- Be at least 18 years old
- When you apply at the Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle office you will need to bring with you two forms of identity. For acceptable forms of identify visitObtaining Your Florida Driver License or Identification Card Bring with you proof of your current home address
- Bring with you proof of your Social Security number
- Show a valid Medical Examination Report that verifies you meet the medical requirements to be eligible for your CDL. For a Medical Examination Report form visit Commercial Driver Fitness Determination
- Take and pass all the tests required by the state of Florida
- Pay the all fees associated with the licensing
Different Types of CDL Licenses
The first step in becoming a Florida commercial driver is to know what type of driver you will be. There are different driver’s licenses for different commercial drivers which are:Class A: A Class A license is for trucks and/or combinations that have a GVWR- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating that is over 26,000 pounds. If the truck is towing a unit, the unit should weight more than 10,000 pounds
Class B: A Class B license is for all drivers that are driving trucks that weight over 26,999 pounds
Class C: A Class C license is for all drivers that will be transporting hazardous materials in quantities that require a placard or for drivers that will be transporting more than 14 people plus the driver with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26m000 pounds or less
Endorsements
Endorsements are required for different types of commercial vehicles. The type of commercial vehicle that you will be driving will determine which type of endorsement you may need or what special skills qualifications that may be required to add to your CDL. The following are the different types of endorsements:- H Endorsement: An H endorsement is for drivers that will be transporting hazardous materials (HAZMAT) in quantities that require a placard
- ‘N Endorsement: An N endorsement is for drivers that will be operating tank vehicles that carry liquids in permanent or portable tanks that hold 1,000 or more pounds
- P Endorsement: A P endorsement is for drivers that will be transporting 15 or more passengers including themselves
- S Endorsement: An S endorsement is for school bus drivers that will be transporting children back and forth from school as well as sponsored school events
- T Endorsement: A T endorsement is for drivers that will be operating double or trip trailers
- X Endorsement: An X endorsement is for drivers that will be operating tank vehicles (N) that twill be transporting hazardous materials (H)
Part One Tests
Becoming a Florida commercial driver requires that you take a number of knowledge tests which depend on the type of CDL and endorsement you are applying for. Par one of the tests include:- All Classes: General knowledge, vision (must pass with 20/40 score) and hearing testing (must be able to hear at a whisper)
- Class A: Combinations testing (if applicable)Endorsement P: Passenger transport test and bus drivers testing
- Endorsement H: Hazardous material testing
- Endorsement X: Hazardous materials testing
- Endorsement N: Tanker testing
- Endorsement X: Tank triples testing
- Endorsement S: School bus testing and air r endorsements
- Endorsement T: Doubles/brakes testing
- Class B: Air brake testing if applicable
Part Two Tests
Before beginning the next pass of testing you are required to pass the knowledge tests. Part Two of the testing is based the skills testing section which includes:- Pre trip: During this portion of the testing you will be required to show that you know and understand the parts of your rig and how to inspected them prior to setting off on the road
- Basic skills: During this part of the testing you will be required to show that you have the required skills to operate the vehicle when driving in simple matters such as forward driving, turns, backward driving and so on
- Driving: During the driving portion of the test, you will be required to show that you are capable of operating your rig in different traffic situations which include intersections, multi land highways and hills
Before Obtaining a HAZMAT Certification
All CDL drivers that will be transporting hazardous materials and require HASMAT endorsement will need to have a national background check on themselves conducted and be fingerprinted. The fee for a HAZMAT background check is $89.25 which will need to be paid at the time of applying. Visit for more details regarding the HAZMAT certification.Where To Take Your Skills Tests?
There are various State Skill Testing sites throughout the state of Florida.Third-party Testing
Training programs are available through third party facilities and are an option in Florida. The knowledge and skills tests that are required by the state can be taken through these programs.The Fees
- Written re-exam: $10
- Driving re-exam: $20
- Initial issuance and renewal: $75
- School bus drivers initial issuance and renewal issue ): $48
- Addition of an endorsement (initial issuance and renewal): $7 each
Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986
In 1986 the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was created to help improve the safety of those on the highway. The purpose of the Act is to make certain that CDL drivers have the knowledge, skill and experience to be behind the wheel. Each state is required to ensure that CDL applicants meet the standard set prior to issuing their commercial driver’s license. Because of the Act, there is tighter security among the states to ensure that drivers meet the new federal standards.Because of regulations set in the Act, drivers cannot possess more than one license legally. This means, CDL drivers are not allowed to hold a regular driver’s license just as regular drivers are not allowed to hold a CDL. It is also illegal to posses a license in more than one state.
CDL Classes for Every State
In order to be become a commercial driver you must not have driving errors on your record. You also must pass a physical exam every other year. CDL drivers that will be operating their vehicles on the interstate commerce must be no less than 21 years of age. In Florida applicants that are driving within the state can be as young as 18. CDL drivers must be able to speak and read English and understand the meaning of road signs, be able to communicate with law enforcement and the public, and to prepare reports.Requirements for Medical Certification
CDL drivers must meet the regulated medical requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in order to operate their vehicle on the interstate. This ensures that the CDL driver is a safe ands competent driver. As a CDL driver, you will be required to have an initial physical exam followed by an exam every other year and to carry your DOT (US Department of Transportation) certificate that you will be issued upon successful examination if: :- You are the driver of a vehicle that has a GVWR gross vehicle weight rating or the driver of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight, or the driver of a combination with a gross vehicle weight rating or a driver of a gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more on the Interstate commerce
- You are the driver of a vehicle that is meant to transport passengers exceeding 15. In the interstate commerce
- You are the driver of a vehicle that is designed for and transports anywhere from nine to 15 passengers. The transport is for direct compensation which must be more than 75 air miles from your place of work in interstate commerce
- You are the driver of a vehicle that is transporting hazardous materials in quantities that require place cards to be operated on the Interstate
Minimum Training Requirements
In the state of Florida, there are no set federal standards regarding behind the wheel commence training. It is only required that the CDL applicant take and pass the write and driving portion of the tests. LCV drivers- longer combination vehicle drivers will be required to obtain training in driver qualification, whistleblower protection, hours of service and driver wellness.To being your preparations for the state exams you can prepare by studying the Florida state Commercial Driver’s Manual which can be found in 4DMV.com’s Manuals and Handbooks section.
The driving skills test requires that you know your commercial vehicle and how to inspect and operate the vehicle. You will need to know haw to couple and uncouple tractors and trailers and have a lot of behind the wheel driving practice. During the test you will be expected to inspect your vehicle as you would before a road trip and to know the basic skill of operating your vehicle as well as driving in the various conditions and road conditions.
It is possible for CDL applicants to receive their training through their employers or to take the driver training courses through private party driving schools, technical schools or vacation schools. Community colleges also may provide training that CDL drivers can enroll in. For information on professional state approved training courses visit the Professional Truck Driver Institute which has the set minimum standards for training curriculums and certifies that each student that successfully passes their course meets the skill and knowledge and meets To find out more about the Professional Truck Driver Institute