Florida

Florida Trucking Schools and Programs

There are many truck driving careers in Florida, and plenty of freight that needs to be hauled. Port cities like Miami process a wide variety of imports, plus the state features agricultural and finished goods that need to be shipped around the country.

There are several different types of commercial driver’s licenses available in the state of Florida. The Class A license is required for those who have plans to drive a vehicle that weighs over 26,001 pounds or to tow a vehicle or trailer that weighs over 10,000 pounds. This license is also required by drivers who will be transporting hazardous cargo or driving a vehicle that will be used to transport more than 15 people. Drivers who are interested in operating vehicles that meet other criteria should explore the requirements to obtain other types of commercial driver’s licenses.

In order to obtain a Class A license in the state of Florida, a driver must be at least 18 years of age, and he or she must pass a number of tests. Studying the commercial driver’s license handbook issued by the state and taking a commercial driving class are highly recommended. These steps will prepare a driver to take the commercial driver’s license Class A exam, and some third party driving schools also offer the exam on-site. The exam typically is administered in writing, but it also may be provided in oral format in English, Spanish or Haitian Creole. The exam is comprised of testing in a number of areas including combinations vehicle, general knowledge, pre-trip, air brakes, basic skills and more. An on-the-road test as well as special tests for specific endorsements must also be passed.

In addition to passing this exam, a driver must also pass a health physical exam. After a driver has passed the Class A exam and a physical exam by a medical professional, he or she must then apply for a commercial driver’s license through the state’s driver’s license office. Once a commercial driver’s license has been issued, drivers over 21 may drive an approved commercial vehicle across the United States. Those under the age of 21 will only be permitted to drive inside the state of Florida.

While obtaining a commercial driver’s license can be challenging, renewing the license is fairly straightforward. You may need to pass a vision test and health physical exam again, and these should be completed prior to applying for license renewal. Then you simply need to take your commercial license and two forms of identification with you to the driver’s license office.