How to Get a Class B License in Florida

What a Class B License Lets You Drive

A Class B commercial driver's license in Florida allows you to operate single vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle towing a trailer weighing 10,000 pounds or less. You cannot use a Class B to pull double or triple trailers, and you cannot drive a vehicle that requires hazmat endorsement unless you also hold that endorsement separately.

Class B covers most straight trucks — dump trucks, box trucks, cement mixers, and delivery vehicles. It does not cover tractor-trailers (which require Class A) or buses (which require Class A with a passenger endorsement). If your job involves hauling cargo in a single large truck, Class B is the license you need.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 18 years old to hold a Class B license, though some employers require 21.
Florida requires a written knowledge test, a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, and road test), and a medical certificate from a FMCSA-certified examiner.
You must pass a background check, and certain criminal convictions or disqualifying offenses will prevent you from obtaining a CDL.
The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit your process to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
You can prepare for the written test using the Florida CDL manual, which is free and covers vehicle inspection, safe driving, and cargo handling.

Age, Residency, and Medical Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Class B license in Florida. However, if you plan to drive across state lines, federal law requires you to be 21. Many employers also set their own minimum age at 21, so check with your future employer before you begin the process.

You must be a Florida resident or have a valid Florida driver's license. If you hold a valid license from another state, you can transfer it to Florida, but you will still need to pass the Class B knowledge and skills tests.

You will need a medical certificate issued by a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified medical examiner. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone on the FMCSA National Registry. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The certificate is valid for two years. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office.

The Written Knowledge Test

The Class B written test covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, cargo handling, and air brake systems (if your vehicle has them). The test is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test at any Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office.

Study materials are free. The Florida CDL manual is available online at the Florida DHSMV website and covers everything the test asks. Many people spend two to four weeks studying before they test. You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait one day between attempts.

You do not need a commercial learner's permit (CLP) to take the written test, but obtaining one first is common practice. A CLP allows you to practice driving the vehicle type you plan to test in, with a licensed Class B driver in the seat next to you. A CLP is valid for 180 days.

The Skills Test: Pre-Trip, Controls, and Road Driving

After you pass the written test, you schedule a skills test with an examiner. The skills test has three parts, and you must pass all three on the same day.

Pre-trip inspection: You walk around and under the vehicle, pointing out and explaining critical safety items — lights, tires, brakes, coupling devices, and cargo securement. The examiner asks you to identify specific parts and explain what you are checking for. This takes about 15 minutes.

Basic vehicle controls: You perform maneuvers in a closed course — backing in a straight line, backing into an offset alley, and parking between two cones. You must stay within the marked boundaries and complete each maneuver without hitting cones or curbs.

Road test: You drive the vehicle on public roads for 30 to 45 minutes. The examiner watches how you accelerate, brake, turn, change lanes, and respond to traffic. You must obey all traffic laws and demonstrate safe handling of the vehicle.

Background Check and Disqualifying Offenses

Florida runs a background check as part of the CDL process. Certain criminal convictions and traffic offenses disqualify you permanently or temporarily from holding a CDL.

Permanent disqualifications include felony convictions involving the use of a motor vehicle, certain drug-related felonies, and crimes of violence. Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions also disqualify you permanently in most cases, though some states allow reinstatement after a waiting period and completion of a rehabilitation program.

Temporary disqualifications last one to ten years depending on the offense. These include reckless driving, fleeing from police, and certain traffic violations. If you have a criminal history or traffic record, contact the Florida DHSMV before you begin the process to confirm whether you are disqualified.

how the process works and What Documents You Need

Visit your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office in person. You cannot explore online. Bring the following documents:

A valid Florida driver's license or state ID.
Proof of Florida residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days).
Your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Your medical certificate from an FMCSA-certified examiner (dated within 14 days of your visit).
Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents).

The DHSMV staff will verify your information, run your background check, and schedule you for the written test. You can take the written test the same day you explore or schedule it for a later date. The written test costs $10. The skills test costs $100 to $150 depending on the testing facility.

Timeline and What Happens After You Pass

The entire process from process to receiving your Class B license typically takes four to eight weeks. The written test can happen within days of your process. The skills test is usually scheduled two to four weeks later, depending on examiner availability in your area.

Once you pass all three parts of the skills test, the examiner submits your results to the DHSMV. Your new Class B license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Your license is valid for eight years.

Your Class B license will show any endorsements you hold — such as air brakes (L) or hazmat (H). If you need an endorsement you do not yet have, you can add it later by passing an additional written test and, for some endorsements, a skills test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Class B license to drive in other states?

Yes, your Florida Class B license is valid nationwide. However, if you cross state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. Some states have additional rules about where out-of-state drivers can work, so check with your employer about any restrictions.

What if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test, but you must wait at least one day. You pay the testing fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. If you fail multiple times, consider taking a commercial driving school course — instructors can identify specific weaknesses and help you improve before your next test.

Do I need air brake certification for Class B?

Only if your vehicle has air brakes. If it does and you do not hold the air brake endorsement (L), you will be restricted from driving vehicles with air brakes. Most Class B trucks have air brakes, so most drivers obtain the endorsement. It requires passing a written test but no additional skills test.

How much does a Class B license cost in Florida?

The written test costs $10, and the skills test costs $100 to $150. Your medical certificate costs $75 to $150 depending on the examiner. The license itself costs $48 for eight years. Total cost is roughly $250 to $350 before any driving school fees.

Can I get a Class B license if I have a DUI on my record?

A DUI conviction usually disqualifies you permanently from holding a CDL in Florida. Some states allow reinstatement after a waiting period, but Florida's rules are strict. Contact the Florida DHSMV directly to discuss your specific situation before you invest time and money in the process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.