Florida CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Florida CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — a passing score of 80% — to pass.

Florida issues three CDL classes: Class A (combination vehicles with GVWR over 26,001 lbs towing a unit over 10,000 lbs), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,001 lbs), and Class C (vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers or carrying HazMat requiring placards).

Florida, like all states, applies the federal commercial driver BAC limit of 0.04% — half the standard 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers. A CDL holder found operating a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher is subject to immediate disqualification from CDL driving.

A Florida CDL is valid for 8 years. If you hold a HazMat endorsement, you must complete a TSA threat assessment renewal every 5 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current for the entire duration of your CDL.

Yes. You must obtain a Florida CDL learner's permit (CLP) by passing the General Knowledge test and any required endorsement knowledge tests. You must hold the CLP for a minimum of 14 days before scheduling your CDL skills test.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Florida DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Florida DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Florida CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Florida, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.