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Commercial Driver License

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Renewals

Those holding a current Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) may renew online or at a Tax Collector Service Center up to 12 months prior to the expiration date on the credential.

Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)

To obtain a Commercial Learner Permit, customers must pass the required written exam(s). Upon passing all necessary exam(s), the CLP may be issued the same day. For first-time CLP applicants, CDL General Knowledge Exam is required to be taken and passed prior to any other commercial exams.

Commercial Driver license
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Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Drivers who wish to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL) for the first time in Florida are required to have a valid Class E Florida driver license, pass the knowledge and skills tests, meet minimum vision requirements, and hold a Commercial Learner Permit for a minimum of 14 days. 

To be eligible to take the required knowledge and skills tests, first-time CDL applicants must have completed applicable Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered training provider.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old. CDL drivers under 21 years of age will be restricted to intrastate operation only and cannot obtain a HazMat endorsement.

Medical Self-Certification Requirements

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all CDL holders to self-certify with their State’s Driver License Agency in one of four categories prior to the issuance or renewal of license. Unless exempt per category B or D, all CLP/CDL holders must maintain a valid medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license.

Failure to present valid medical certification documentation when required will result in the denial of the issuance or renewal of a CDL. Failure to maintain current medical documentation on file may result in CDL disqualification.

You can visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website to self-certify online.

For information on CDL Medical requirements, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s CDL medical certification page.

CDL Medical Self-Certification – English

CDL Medical Self-Certification – Spanish

School Bus

Endorsements

An endorsement is a special authorization which permits a driver to drive certain types of vehicles, transport certain types of property, or carry a certain number of passengers. Check out the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for a list of endorsement types.

To obtain a passenger and/or school bus endorsement, you will be required to complete the knowledge exam(s), hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit for at least 14 days, and pass a skills exam in the appropriate type of passenger vehicle.

To obtain a hazardous materials (HaMat) endorsement, knowledge testing and fingerprinting for background check will be required. A HazMat appointment is required for processing.

have an out-of-state CDL?

Florida will reciprocate an out of state or a Canadian CDL; however, any applicant with hazmat endorsement will have to reapply, which will include the hazmat knowledge exam, fingerprinting for background check and fees. A “CDL HazMat Endorsement/Fingerprinting” appointment is required.

CDLs from U.S. Territories (other than Washington, D.C.) or other foreign countries cannot be reciprocated. Additionally, if your CDL has been expired for more than one year, full knowledge and skills retesting will be required. 

have a Military CDL?

Military or prior military customers requesting the issuance of a CDL due to qualifications of experience while serving on military duty must:

  • Pass all required knowledge and endorsement exams for the CDL license class and endorsements they are applying to obtain, and
  • Present the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form completed by their commanding officer or designee within one year from the date applicant was honorably discharged from military service
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