Florida Commercial Driver’s License
While we know you’re excited to start your trucking career, there are a few things you should know first. The Florida CDL requirements state that you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The USDOT regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. All CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The vehicle that you take the test in must also fall under the correct CDL license class. Additional qualifications or other endorsements can be obtained as well. These endorsements cover things like air brakes, school buses, and many others
Find CDL Training Schools in Florida
There are tons of CDL training schools in Florida to choose from. Luckily, our site provides great resources that will help you find the perfect school to advance your trucking career. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn how to properly inspect your vehicle before during and after you hit the road. If you’re looking for an adventurous career, check out these top training schools in Florida to ensure that you’re getting the best education available.
CDL Training Costs in Florida
If you don’t have the money up front to pay for CDL training in Florida, financial aid is a great way to ensure that your CDL education is financially feasible. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great option for those who are looking to supplement payment for education up front. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. In some cases, trucking companies will also pay for schooling as long as you pass and agree to work for that company. This can be a great way to get both an education and a job at the same time. In Florida, the average tuition for trucking school is about $2,900.
CDL Prep in Florida
So now it’s time to take on the test. You’ve spent your time in school, you’ve read the textbooks, and you’ve spent hours on the road. So, what else is there to do? Well, there are actually a few more things you can do to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be for your test. If you want to get a feel for what the test will be like, feel free to take our practice test as many times as you need to see how you stack up. You’ll also want to make sure that you practice in the same vehicle that you will be taking the test in. You’ll also want to drive something familiar so you feel as comfortable as possible when taking your test. When in doubt, make sure to crack open your books and have a study session.
Florida CDL Endorsement & Waivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA) requires that each state's CDL departments enforce the training and testing of endorsements that quickly tell employers and state troopers about the qualifications of a particular truck driver. Florida endorsements follow the FMCSA federal minimum guidelines and are:
- School Bus
- Tank Vehicle
- Passenger transport
- Hazmat
- Hazardous Materials-Tanker
- Double or triple trailers
- Farm
- Emergency
CDL Tests in Florida
Now, it’s time to tackle the Florida CDL exam. One little test and you’ll be heading down the open road towards a new and exciting career. You’ve spent hours studying and even more time behind the wheel, and now it’s time to show off what you’ve learned. Below we’ve given you a preview of what you can expect during your Florida Commercial Driver’s License test. Both the knowledge portion and the skills tests are described below.
CDL Knowledge Tests in Florida
The knowledge portion of the Florida CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion, you must get at least an 80% on the exam. If you want to get a feel for how the exam will be formatted and what kind of questions to expect, our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming Florida CDL exam.
CDL Skills Test in Florida
The Florida CDL skills test is designed to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and ability to operate a commercial vehicle. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will need to perform various maneuvers while driving the vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to: turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. Once you pass your CDL skills test you’ll soon you’ll be crisscrossing the Sunshine State in no time!
Job Outlook in Florida
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving jobs in the United States are expected to rise 5% by 2024. This is great compared to the 7% projected increase for all occupations and is yet another sign that shows an increase in the trucking industry. This is great news for those looking a new career as a licensed CDL driver in Florida.
Florida Truck Driver Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average driver in Florida makes about $39,330 per year. This is just below the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.