All three modules required for a Florida Class A CDL. Take them in order — General Knowledge first, then Air Brakes, then Combination Vehicles.
Florida CDL Fast Facts
How to Get a CDL in Florida
9-step process with all 2026 Florida-specific rules
Florida CDL Test Locations
Tax collector offices vs. third-party skills test sites
CDL Cost in Florida
$6.25 CLP, $75–$81 CDL, $150–$700 skills test — every fee
Free CDL Training Florida
WIOA, GI Bill up to $30,908, employer-sponsored programs
DOT Physical Exam Florida
Electronic-only since December 16, 2025 — wait 24–48 hours
CDL Drug Test Florida
Clearinghouse II now directly affects Florida CDL status
CDL Trucking Schools Florida
Community colleges, private schools, FMCSA TPR verification
How Long Does a Florida CDL Take?
6–10 weeks typical — full step-by-step timeline
What to Bring to Florida CDL Test
Two residency proofs required — full document checklist
Florida CDL Test Questions
50 GK, 25 Air Brakes, 20 Combo — what each test covers
Florida has more unique CDL policies than most applicants expect. Here is what sets Florida apart.
| Feature | Florida | California | Colorado | Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills test location | Third-party private sites only | DMV offices | DMV offices | DPS offices |
| CLP fee | $6.25 (one of lowest in US) | $100 | $16.80 | $16 |
| CDL renewal period | 8 years | 5 years | 5 years | 8 years |
| Residency proofs | Two documents required | One document | One document | One document |
| Out-of-state CDL transfer | Skills test waived | Full retest required | Skills test waived | Skills test waived |
| Medical certificate | Electronic only (Dec 2025) | Paper accepted | Paper accepted | Paper accepted |
| Testing language | English only (Feb 2026) | 35 languages | Multiple options | English only (Jun 2026) |
| CLP validity period | 12 months from test date | From issuance date | From issuance date | From issuance date |
Florida CDL Exam Guide 2026
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Florida is issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), though most knowledge testing actually happens at your local county tax collector's office, not an FLHSMV office directly. Every question on the Florida CDL knowledge exams comes directly from the official FLHSMV CDL Handbook.
What Makes Florida CDL Testing Different
Florida has more unique CDL policies than most applicants expect, and several changed recently. Understanding these before your appointment prevents costly surprises:
- All tests are English only since February 6, 2026 — Both knowledge and skills tests dropped Spanish-language testing and interpreters entirely, to comply with the federal FMCSA English proficiency requirement.
- Medical certificates are electronic only since December 16, 2025 — Florida implemented FMCSA's National Registry II (NRII) system. Paper Medical Examiner's Certificates are no longer accepted; your examiner must submit results electronically.
- Two proofs of Florida residential address are required — Effective June 1, 2022, a single document is no longer enough for CDL or CLP applications.
- Skills testing is third-party only — Unlike Colorado, Texas, and California, FLHSMV never administers the CDL skills test itself. All skills testing happens through FLHSMV-certified third-party providers exclusively.
Florida CDL Application Process — Step by Step
- Hold a valid Florida Class E license — Required before any CDL application. Convert out-of-state licenses first.
- Get your DOT physical, then wait 24–48 hours — Electronic submission only since December 16, 2025. Don't book your FLHSMV appointment the same day as the physical.
- Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider — Required for all first-time Class A or B applicants. Verify your school at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
- Gather your documents, including two proofs of Florida address — HSMV form 71120 is not accepted for CDL purposes.
- Pass knowledge tests at a tax collector's office or FLHSMV to get your CLP — CLP fee is $6.25; it's valid for 12 months from your test date.
- Book your skills test at a third-party site the same day you get your CLP — Slots fill 2–4 weeks out in South Florida, so don't wait.
- Hold your CLP for the mandatory 14 days — Federal law, no exceptions. Use the time to practice pre-trip inspection and backing maneuvers.
- Pass the three-part skills test — Pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving, in your own vehicle.
- Return to FLHSMV for CDL issuance — $75–$81 fee. Your Florida CDL is then valid for 8 years, one of the longest renewal periods in the US.
Florida CDL Frequently Asked Questions
CDL Endorsements
Planning to haul hazardous materials, drive a tanker, pull extra trailers, or carry passengers? Each endorsement below has a free guide and practice test, covering the national knowledge every state's test draws from.
See All Endorsements & Find My Endorsement →