There are different vehicle classes available for CDL licenses. The type of driver license class on your CDL will depend on the type of vehicle you intend to drive. To better understand which vehicle class you need to take the tests for, you should clearly understand the different CDL vehicle classes.

Vehicle Classes

• Class A: Trucks or truck combinations weighing with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more, provided that the towed vehicle is more than 10,000 lbs.
• Class B: Straight trucks weighing 26,001 lbs or more.
• Class C: Vehicles transporting placardable amounts of hazardous materials (large quantities that may be contained within tanks or drums and fixed to the exterior surface of a vehicle) OR vehicles that are designed to transport more than 15 people, including the driver with a gross vehicle weight rating of under 26,0001 lbs.

Basic CDL Requirements

If you plan to obtain a Florida commercial driver’s license, you will need to meet the following basic requirements:

• Provide proof of legal Florida residency
• Obtain a Medical Certification under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
• Provide a valid social security card or your most recent W2
• Be at least 18 years old to apply for an intrastate (within Florida) CDL
• Be at least 21 years old to apply for an interstate (outside Florida) CDL

CDL Practice Driving

• A permit will allow a driver to practice driving commercial motor vehicles on public roads when there is another person, 21 or older that is licensed for that same vehicle in the passenger seat next to the driver.
• The Florida CDL learner’s permit expires six months, or 180 days, from the issue date. If you have not completed the training and testing to obtain the full license, you will need to have your learner’s permit re-issued.

Steps to Get a CDL License

1. Study the CDL Handbook
2. Take the written exam. You will receive a free attempt for each of the general knowledge and endorsement tests.
3. Once you pass the knowledge tests and endorsement exams, you will be issued a CDL Learner’s Permit. You will only be allowed to operate the type of vehicle you have been tested for.
4. Before you can train in a commercial vehicle, you must obtain a Medical Examiner’s Report from your doctor.
5. Schedule your road skills test at one of the Florida CDL Florida CDL road skill testing sites.

CDL Fee Summary

• $75 for CDL initial issue and renewal
• $48 for CDL initial issue and renewal (if you receive school bus training and are applying or are employed by a public or non-public school system)
• $7 per endorsement
• $10 for written re-exams
• $20 for driving re-exams