Howard Coker | March 21, 2025 | Truck Accidents
If you are considering a career as a truck driver in Florida, you must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL). The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) regulates CDLs. It has specific requirements for different types of commercial driving. Knowing the types of CDLs and their requirements is essential for anyone pursuing a trucking career.
Types of CDLs in Florida
Florida offers three main classes of CDLs, each allowing drivers to operate different types of commercial vehicles.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL permits drivers to operate vehicles with a combined weight of 26,001 pounds or more, including a towed vehicle that exceeds 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL, drivers can operate:
- Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
- Livestock carriers
- Tanker vehicles
- Flatbeds
Class A CDL holders may also drive Class B and C vehicles with the proper endorsements.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL allows drivers to operate single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more that are not hitched to a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles requiring a Class B CDL include:
- Straight trucks
- City buses
- Dump trucks
- Box trucks
Class B drivers can also operate certain Class C vehicles with the appropriate endorsements.
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL is for drivers who operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials. This class covers passenger vans, small hazmat trucks, and school buses (with proper endorsement).
Florida CDL Requirements
Applicants must meet several state and federal requirements to obtain a CDL in Florida. These requirements ensure that commercial drivers are qualified and prepared for the job.
Age Requirements
Drivers must be at least 18 to obtain a CDL for intrastate (within Florida) driving. Drivers must be 21 years or older to drive interstate (across state lines) or transport hazardous materials.
Medical and Physical Requirements
Drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) is required to confirm that the driver is physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle.
Knowledge and Skills Tests
All applicants must pass a written knowledge test specific to the CDL class they are applying for.
A skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, essential vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
Additional tests for endorsements such as hazardous materials, passenger transport, or school buses may be required.
CDL Endorsements and Restrictions
Specific commercial driving jobs require additional endorsements or may have restrictions. Some common endorsements include:
- H (Hazmat): Required for transporting hazardous materials.
- N (Tanker Vehicles): Required for driving tanker trucks.
- P (Passenger Transport): Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers.
- S (School Bus): Required for driving school buses.
- T (Doubles/Triples): Required for towing multiple trailers.
Restrictions may limit the type of vehicle a driver can operate. For example, an automatic transmission restriction (E) prevents drivers from operating manual transmission vehicles.
Steps to Get a CDL in Florida
Following the correct process ensures compliance with Florida’s CDL laws. Here are the steps to obtaining a CDL:
- Obtain a Florida Driver’s License: Applicants must hold a valid Florida driver’s license before applying for a CDL.
- Pass a DOT Physical Examination: Complete a physical with a certified medical examiner and obtain a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
- Study for the CDL Knowledge Test: Study Florida’s CDL Handbook and take practice tests to prepare.
- Pass the Written CDL Knowledge Test: Schedule and pass the required knowledge exams at a local FLHSMV office.
- Obtain a CDL Learner’s Permit: After passing the written test, applicants receive a permit to practice driving commercial vehicles.
- Complete CDL Training (Optional but Recommended): Many applicants attend a truck driving school to gain hands-on experience.
- Schedule and Pass the CDL Skills Test: Demonstrate driving ability by passing the pre-trip inspection, essential control, and road test.
After passing the test, applicants receive their official CDL and can begin their commercial driving career.
Contact an Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident or has questions about CDL laws in Florida, an experienced attorney can help you understand the complexities of commercial vehicle regulations. They can assist with legal claims involving truck accidents. Most firms offer free consultations to review your case and explore your options.
Contact The Truck Accident Law Firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
