FLFlorida CDL permit test guide
The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.
- Licensing agency
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Official CDL page
- flhsmv.gov ↗
- Official CDL manual
- flhsmv.gov ↗
- Testing, fees and appointments
- flhsmv.gov ↗
- Knowledge-test language
- English only
English only since February 6, 2026, with no translation services.
- Source collection date
Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)
- Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
- Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
- Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
- Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
- Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
- Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
- Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.
What is different in this state
- Test languages
Since February 6, 2026, all Florida CLP and CDL knowledge and skills tests are given only in English, with no interpreters or translation. Before that, CDL knowledge tests were also offered in Spanish.
- Fees
An original or renewal CDL costs $75, each endorsement $7, a knowledge retest $10 and a skills retest $20; tax collector offices may add a $6.25 service fee.
- Age
You must be at least 18; drivers under 21 are restricted to driving within Florida (intrastate).
- Also important
Skills tests are also offered at approved third-party test sites; out-of-state hazmat holders must reapply for the hazmat endorsement, including the background check and tests.
State-only topics in the manual
- Florida front matter: legal basis (Chapters 316, 318, 322 F.S.), penalties for false applications, and pending 2022 statute changes.
Source collection date:
The three permit tests
General Knowledge
Required for every CDL class.
Mock examAir Brakes
Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.
Mock examCombination Vehicles
Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).
Mock exam7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.