Commercial Driver License (CDL) Types and Requirements in Florida for Truck Drivers

All applicants for a Florida CDL (Commercial Driver License) are required to have a standard Operator's License (Class E driver license) and to pass the state's vision requirements. Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age. Individuals with a Florida CDL under the age of 21 are restricted to intrastate (travel only within the state of Florida) vehicle operation only. Additional oral, written, or skills exams may be given in English or Spanish for CDL endorsements such as Hazmat, tank vehicles, large passenger vehicles, double and triple trailers (triple trailers are not allowed on Florida roadways), and school buses. Drivers who have a suspended or revoked Class E license are not eligible to apply for a Florida CDL.

When there is a truck accident caused by the negligence or fault of the truck driver, it is helpful to evaluate the type of driver license obtained by the truck driver, the driving history, the training of the truck driver, and other factors when handling a personal injury cases on behalf other injury victim. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, attorney David Wolf handles truck accident and personal injury cases throughout the State of Florida. He is the author of the book titled - Big Trucks - Big Problems - When a Truck Driver Wrecks Your Day and Life - Legal Rights of the Injury Victim and Family.

CDL Class A - To operate what most Floridians refer to as "18-wheelers," "big rigs," or "tractor-trailers" (i.e. the largest trucks or truck-combinations seen on Florida's roadways), a Class A CDL is required. A Class A CDL is required in order to operate trucks or truck combinations that weigh more than 26,001 pounds, and where the associated load or unit being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Many truck drivers start with a Class A CDL, and with this license, truck drivers can also operate vehicles subject to Class B, C, and D requirements as long as all other requirements have been fulfilled for each classification, and no additional certifications are needed. The majority of the large, long-haul tractor-trailers seen on Florida's Interstates typically fall into the category that would require their operators to hold a Class A CDL. The following tests are required in order to obtain a Class A CDL:

• Combinations vehicle test
• Air Brakes
• Pre-Trip
• General Knowledge test
• Basic Skills
• CDL Road Test
• Applicable exams for other desired endorsements

CDL Class B - A Class B CDL is required in order to operate buses and straight trucks weighing more than 26,001 pounds, where any towed portion, if applicable, weighs less than 10,000 pounds. Buses, and many local or regional delivery box trucks fall into this classification. Those individuals holding a Class B CDL may also drive Class C vehicles as long as they have fulfilled the necessary requirements, and no additional certifications are needed. The following tests are required in order to obtain a Class B CDL:

• General Knowledge test
• Air Brakes (if applicable)
• Pre-Trip
• Basic Skills
• CDL Road Test
• Applicable exams for other desired endorsements

CDL Class C - A Class C CDL is required in order to operate vehicles that contain either 15 or more passengers (including the driver) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 pounds, or those with placarded hazardous materials. Class C licensed drivers are restricted to only this class for driving, and they must ensure they have the proper endorsements on their CDL, and that they have no additional restrictions due to the nature of their transport. The following tests are required in order to obtain a Class C CDL:

• General Knowledge test
• Air Brakes (if applicable)
• Pre-Trip (if applicable)
• Basic Skills (if applicable)
• CDL Road Test
• Applicable exams for other desired endorsements

Floridians are accustomed to seeing various "weigh stations" along the interstate highways system. These stations function, in part, to measure the weight of trucks and any towed units that pass through them in order to determine the class of the vehicles and any violations that may exist.

If you or family member has been injured as a result of the negligence or the fault of a truck driver, contact Florida Truck Accident Attorney David Wolf for a Free Consultation. David Wolf is available days, nights, weekends, and holidays for your call, text or e-mail. You can call or text David Wolf at (904) 500-9653. You can also reach him by e-mail at dwolf@davidalanwolf.com David Wolf firmly believes in Giving a Voice to Injury Victims and Their Families.