CDL

• Federal regulations require drivers to obtain a CDL license in their home state including members of the armed forces
• Proof of Florida residency will be required for all original applications
  • Acceptable proofs of Florida residency include:
    • A current Florida Class E Driver License or Florida Identification card held for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months
    • A lease agreement, in the customer’s name, that has been in place for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months
    • A current residential mortgage, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago
    • A current residential deed, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago
    • A Florida Voter Registration Card
    • A statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, F.S.
    • A homestead tax exemption filing on property in this state
• Commercial driver licenses (CDL) from U.S. Territories and Possessions may not be reciprocated and all change state-of-record applicants seeking Hazmat and Endorsed Florida CDL are required to pass a new Hazardous Material knowledge exam, regardless of any testing done in a previous state

• All CDL applicants must present two proofs of Florida residential address in their name when applying for an original or change of address
• Applicants can present two proofs from List A or one proof from List A and one proof from List B

LIST A  

• • • A recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of 6 months or greater
    • Current Florida voter registration card
    • Florida vehicle or vessel registration or title
    • Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
    • Current utility bill (water, gas, electricity, cell phone, cable)*
    • Recent cellular or landline telephone bill**
    • Recent internet service provider bill**
    • Latest property tax bill
    • Mortgage deed for Florida property

LIST B 

• • • Latest W-2 form or 1099 form
    • Recent bank statement**
    • Recent credit card statement**
    • Latest military orders
    • Recent pay stub**
    • Recent official government documents**

*  Must be dated within the last 30 days

** Must be dated within the last 60 days

• CLP or CDL applicants unable to provide proof of residential address from list A must provide a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and one proof of residential address document from list B
• CDL applicants cannot use a Certification of Address (HSMV-71120) for licensure

*Testing in our offices cuts off at 3:00 p.m. daily

Class A – Combination trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the towed vehicle’s GVWR is over 10,000 lbs. 

• Minimum age of 18
• CDL general knowledge exam
• Combination vehicle test
• Air brakes
• Vision – 20/40 in each eye
• Hearing – must hear a whisper
• Pre-Trip inspection
• Driving skills exam
• Drivers under 21 will be restricted to intrastate operation only

Class B – Straight (single-unit) trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more

• Minimum age of 18
• CDL general knowledge exam
• Air brakes if applicable
• Vision – 20/40 in each eye
• Hearing – must hear a whisper
• Pre-Trip
• Driving skills exam
• Drivers under 21 will be restricted to intrastate operation only

Class C – Trucks with a GVWR of less than 26,001 lbs. but that are (1) designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or (2) require a placard to transport hazardous materials

• Minimum age of 18
• CDL general knowledge exam
• Air brakes if applicable
• Vision – 20/40 in each eye
• Hearing – must hear a whisper
• Driving skills exam
• Drivers under 21 will be restricted to intrastate operation only

Additional testing may be required, depending on the endorsement(s) needed.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ authorized third party testers are listed on online.

• ATTENTION! As of Feb. 7, 2022, new baseline training regulations for entry-level commercial drivers take effect
  • Drivers taking a hazardous material exam must have all entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements met prior to taking the exam - this will be verified in our office prior to proceeding with the exam
  • ELDT applies to individuals applying to
    • Obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
    • Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
    • Obtain a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time
• Testing and processing for a hazardous materials endorsement are available at our South County office
• The specific requirements regarding a hazardous materials endorsement can be found on the FLHSMV website. Hazmat Information - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov)
• You can also check the status of your hazardous materials endorsement background check on the FLHSMV Website. DAVID | Driver and Vehicle Information Database (flhsmv.gov)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all commercial driver license holders to certify with the State’s driver license agency in one of four categories prior to the issuance or renewal of a CDL. If you fail to maintain current medical documentation on file it may result in CDL disqualification.

1. Non-excepted Interstate: I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce and am required to maintain federal medical certification (medical card required).
2. Excepted Interstate: I operate or expect to operate in interstate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from the requirement to maintain federal medical certification.
3. Non-excepted Intrastate: I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce and am required to meet the State of Florida medical certification requirements (medical card required).
4. Excepted Intrastate: I operate or expect to operate only in intrastate commerce but engage exclusively in operations that qualify me for exception from State of Florida medical certification requirements.

For additional information concerning medical requirements, visit: www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/cdlmedicalcert.html