2026 Florida CDL rule changes: Effective February 6, 2026, all Florida CDL knowledge and skills tests are in English only — interpreters are no longer permitted. Effective December 16, 2025, Florida implemented FMCSA's National Registry II (NRII) system — paper Medical Examiner's Certificates are no longer accepted, and your examiner must submit results electronically. Florida also requires two proofs of Florida residential address for CDL/CLP applications (effective June 1, 2022). All three of these rules differ from most other states.
500
Practice Questions
3
Knowledge Modules
80%
Pass Threshold (All Tests)
$6.25
Florida CLP Fee
8 yrs
CDL Validity (Longest in US)
Florida CDL Practice Tests
All three modules required for a Florida Class A CDL. Take them in order — General Knowledge first, then Air Brakes, then Combination Vehicles.
General Knowledge
Required for all CDL classes. Covers vehicle inspection, cargo, HOS, hazmat awareness, emergencies, and 2026 Florida-specific rules.
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Air Brakes
Skip this test and you receive an L restriction — barring you from any air brake vehicle. Essential for Class A and most Class B CDL jobs.
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Combination Vehicles
Class A CDL requirement. Covers coupling, jackknife prevention, off-tracking, rearward amplification, and doubles and triples operation.
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Florida CDL Study Guides
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
How Florida CDL Testing Differs From Other States
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 Process Overview
Nine steps from eligibility to CDL issuance. All Florida-specific requirements are noted.
1
Hold a valid Florida Class E license
Required before any CDL application. Convert out-of-state licenses first.
2
Get your DOT physical — then wait 24–48 hours
Electronic submission only since December 16, 2025. Do not book FLHSMV same day as physical.
3
Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider
Required for all first-time Class A or B applicants. Verify school at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
4
Gather documents — including two proofs of Florida address
Two separate residential address documents required since June 1, 2022. HSMV form 71120 not accepted for CDL.
5
Pass knowledge tests at tax collector / FLHSMV — get your CLP
All tests in English only since February 6, 2026. CLP fee: $6.25. CLP valid 12 months from test date.
6
Book your skills test at a third-party site the same day you get your CLP
Florida does not administer skills tests at FLHSMV offices. Book immediately — slots fill 2–4 weeks out in South Florida.
7
Wait out the mandatory 14-day CLP hold
Federal law. No exceptions. Use the time to practice pre-trip inspection and backing maneuvers.
8
Pass the three-part skills test at your third-party site
Pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control (backing), and on-road driving. Bring your own vehicle.
9
Return to FLHSMV for CDL issuance — $75–$81
Your Florida CDL is valid for 8 years — one of the longest renewal periods in the US.
Florida CDL Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Florida CDL General Knowledge test?
50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass. The test is taken at your county tax collector's office or FLHSMV service center — not at a private testing site. Effective February 6, 2026, the test is in English only.
Where do I take the Florida CDL skills test?
At an FLHSMV-contracted private third-party testing facility — not at an FLHSMV office or tax collector's office. Florida does not administer CDL skills tests at government offices. Third-party sites set their own fees ($150–$700 for Class A). Find the current list of approved testers at flhsmv.gov.
Why does Florida require two proofs of residential address?
Effective June 1, 2022, Florida requires two separate proofs of Florida residential address for CDL and CLP applications. Acceptable documents include utility bills, bank statements, mortgage documents, vehicle registration, and lease agreements (minimum 6 months, dated within 6 months). HSMV form 71120 (Certification of Address) is not accepted for CDL purposes.
What changed about Florida CDL testing in February 2026?
Effective February 6, 2026, all Florida CDL knowledge tests and skills tests are administered in English only. Previously, Florida offered CDL knowledge tests in English and Spanish. Interpreters are no longer permitted for any part of the CDL testing process at any Florida location.
What is the Florida CLP fee?
$6.25 — one of the lowest CLP fees in the United States. This covers the CLP application and all required CDL knowledge tests (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, and any endorsement tests). Compare to California at $100 and Colorado at $16.80.
How long is a Florida CDL valid?
8 years — one of the longest CDL renewal periods in the US, tied with Texas. Standard renewal costs $75 and does not require knowledge tests or a skills test. HazMat endorsements expire every 4 years and require a new TSA security threat assessment.
Can I transfer my out-of-state CDL to Florida without retesting?
Yes — unlike California, Florida generally waives the skills test for valid out-of-state CDL holders transferring to Florida. You surrender your out-of-state license, pass a vision exam, and pay the applicable Florida fees. Knowledge tests are also typically waived for transfers.
What is the L restriction on a Florida CDL?
The L restriction is placed on your Florida CDL if you skip or fail the Air Brakes knowledge test. It prohibits you from operating any vehicle equipped with air brakes — which includes virtually all Class A tractor-trailers and many Class B vehicles. Most commercial driving jobs require air brake operation, so the L restriction severely limits employment. Remove it by taking and passing the Air Brakes knowledge test at a tax collector's office or FLHSMV service center.