How many questions are on the Florida CDL general knowledge test?

The Florida CDL general knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, with 40 correct answers (80%) required to pass per the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2026 exam blueprint. The test is timed at 60 minutes. The 2026 exam added 5 unscored pretest questions on the new FMCSA 2026 ELDT (entry-level driver training) content, bringing the total to 55 questions but the pass mark remains based on the 50 scored items. The first-time pass rate is 70%.

What is the minimum age for a Florida CDL?

Florida issues a CDL to applicants aged 18+ for in-state CMV driving, but the FMCSA 2026 rules require interstate drivers to be 21+. Most national carriers will not hire under-21 drivers. Florida-specific: the minimum age for the intrastate-only CDL is 18. The minimum age for the HazMat endorsement is 21 per the TSA background check requirement. Florida permits drivers aged 18-20 to operate intrastate only.

How long is the Florida CDL CLP valid?

The Florida Commercial Learner's Permit is valid for 180 days and may be renewed once for an additional 180 days per the FLHSMV 2026 rules. You must pass the skills test before the CLP expires. After the 360-day maximum, you must re-apply for a new CLP and re-take the knowledge tests. Florida's 180-day validity aligns with the new FMCSA 2026 standard (down from the prior 365 days).

How much does the Florida CDL written test cost?

Florida CDL fees in 2026 per the FLHSMV 2026 schedule: $75 Class A CDL fee plus $7 per endorsement. The CLP is $25. The HazMat endorsement requires an additional TSA background check ($86.50). The skills test is $100 for the 3-part test (pre-trip, basic vehicle control, on-road). Total for Class A with HazMat and doubles endorsements: $191. Florida has a separate $6 medical certification fee.

Do I need a medical certificate for a Florida CDL?

Yes. Florida CDL applicants must submit a current Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876) issued by an FMCSA-registered medical examiner per the FMCSA 2026 rules. The certificate must remain valid for the duration of the licence. The medical exam must be renewed every 2 years (or annually for drivers with certain medical conditions). Florida requires the certificate to be uploaded to the FLHSMV portal at the time of licence issuance.

How often must I inspect my CMV?

Pre-trip before every trip, en-route every 2 hours or 100 miles, written post-trip inspection report at end of shift per FMCSA §396.11 2026. The Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) must be completed and signed by the driver for every shift. The DVIR must be reviewed by the carrier's maintenance department and any defects corrected before the next trip. The driver must also sign off that the defects have been corrected.

Where do I take the Florida CDL skills test?

Florida CDL skills tests are administered at FLHSMV-approved third-party testing sites per the FLHSMV 2026 schedule, typically CDL training schools certified by the state. The state office does not administer skills tests directly. Florida has 14 approved third-party testing sites across the state, including locations in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and Tallahassee. The skills test appointment must be booked 2-4 weeks in advance.

CDL Practice Test Florida 2026 25 Questions

The Florida CDL general knowledge test has 50 questions and requires at least 40 correct answers (80%) to pass. You must be 18+ (in-state) or 21+ (interstate, FMCSA, 2026), hold a current DOT medical certificate, hold a CLP for ≥14 days, and complete the skills test at an FLHSMV-approved third-party site within 180 days. The Class A fee is $75 plus $7 per endorsement (FLHSMV, 2026).

Data last verified September 2026 from FLHSMV, the FMCSA CDL Manual, and the current Florida CDL Handbook.

Eligibility

Age: 18+ (in-state) / 21+ (interstate) (FMCSA, 2026).
Florida residency: Two proofs — utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement.
Medical: Current MCSA-5876.
CLP: Held for ≥14 days before skills test.
Driving record: No active suspensions or major violations.

Test format

Test	Questions	Time	Pass mark
General Knowledge	50	60 min	80% (40/50)
Air Brakes (L)	25	30 min	80% (20/25)
Combinations (Class A)	25	30 min	80% (20/25)
HazMat (H)	30	30 min	80% (24/30)

Source: FLHSMV CDL knowledge test specifications (2026).

Q1. Minimum following distance at highway speed?
Answer: 7 seconds. FMCSA §392.22 (2026).

Q2. When must you stop before railroad tracks?
Answer: Always for HazMat CMVs. FMCSA §392.10 (2026).

Q3. Pre-trip inspection cadence?
Answer: Before every trip + written report. FMCSA §396.11 (2026).

Q4. Legal CMV BAC?
Answer: 0.04%. FMCSA §382.201 (2026).

Q5. Max driving hours per shift?
Answer: 11 hours driving within 14 hours on duty after 10 off. FMCSA §395.3 (2026).

Q6. Diamond placard meaning?
Answer: HazMat load — UN number identifies class. 49 CFR §172.504 (2026).

Q7. Hazard lights while parked?
Answer: Required when stopped on the roadway unless using flares. FMCSA §392.22 (2026).

Q8. Steer-tire tread depth?
Answer: 4/32 inch. FMCSA §393.75 (2026).

Q9. Air system leak rate (single)?
Answer: ≤3 psi/min. FL CDL Handbook Ch. 5 (2026).

Q10. Stopping distance at 60 mph loaded tractor-trailer?
Answer: ~300 ft. FMCSA study (2026).

Q11. Triangle placement?
Answer: 10/100/200 ft behind, within 10 min. FMCSA §392.22 (2026).

Q12. Bridge formula purpose?
Answer: Limits weight on consecutive axles. 23 CFR §658.17 (2026).

Q13. ELD exemption?
Answer: 150 air-mile radius drivers, pre-2000 vehicles, paper-log short-haul. FMCSA §395.1 (2026).

Q14. Max CMV width?
Answer: 102 inches. 23 CFR §658.15 (2026).

Q15. On-duty window?
Answer: 14 hours max after 10 off-duty. FMCSA §395.3 (2026).

Q16. Intrastate vs interstate?
Answer: Within Florida = intrastate; cross-state = interstate. FMCSA §390.5 (2026).

Q17. CDL downgrade?
Answer: CDLIS Voluntary Withdrawal → surrender CDL → receive Class E. FLHSMV (2026).

Q18. Fire extinguisher?
Answer: 5-B:C UL-listed. FMCSA §393.95 (2026).

Q19. GCWR?
Answer: Gross combination weight rating; Class A > 26,001 lb. FMCSA §383.5 (2026).

Q20. Personal-vehicle DUI on CDL?
Answer:
1-year disqualification (first)

, life (second). FMCSA §383.51 (2026).

Pass-mark and score interpretation

Each FLHSMV knowledge test must independently clear 80%. No averaged pass. Retake rule: 1-day waiting period (FLHSMV, 2026).

Where to book

FLHSMV-approved third-party CDL testing sites — primarily CDL training schools. Book directly with the school. Bring CLP, DOT medical card, SS card, and two residency proofs (FLHSMV, 2026).

Resources and next steps

Pair your study with the TutorsBot entrance-exams hub and the FMCSA CDL Manual for rule citations. The TutorsBot phishing-awareness sibling post is useful for fleet/dispatcher cybersecurity.

Florida CDL career outlook (2026)

Florida is the third-largest CDL employer market in the US, with major sectors including port drayage (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami), long-haul refrigerated freight (citrus, produce), and tourism-related coach/bus (Orlando theme parks). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2026) reports heavy-truck driver median wage of $50,200 nationally and $52,800 in Florida, with top-10% earners exceeding $74,000. Florida-specific endorsements (H, N, T, P, S) add $0.50-$3.00/hour to base pay. Apprenticeship programs at major Florida carriers (Werner, Schneider, Knight-Swift, US Xpress) offer paid CDL training — most require a 12-24 month commitment post-CDL. Hurricane season (June-November) creates surge demand for CDL drivers for emergency response and recovery operations. FLHSMV-authorised third-party testers are concentrated in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Tallahassee.

Florida CDL career outlook 2026

Florida is the third-largest CDL employer market in the US, with major sectors including port drayage (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami), long-haul refrigerated freight (citrus, produce), and tourism-related coach and bus operations (Orlando theme parks). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2026) reports heavy-truck driver median wage of $50,200 nationally and $52,800 in Florida, with top-10% earners exceeding $74,000. Florida-specific endorsements (H, N, T, P, S) add $0.50-$3.00 per hour to base pay. Apprenticeship programs at major Florida carriers (Werner, Schneider, Knight-Swift, US Xpress) offer paid CDL training — most require a 12-24 month commitment post-CDL. Hurricane season (June through November) creates surge demand for CDL drivers for emergency response and recovery operations; catastrophe pay rates can reach 1.5x-2x standard wages. FLHSMV-authorised third-party testers are concentrated in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Tallahassee. Average first-year Florida CDL driver total compensation (base + benefits) is approximately $58,000-$65,000 (BLS, 2026).

Florida CDL career outlook 2026

Florida is the third-largest CDL employer market in the US, with major sectors including port drayage (Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami), long-haul refrigerated freight (citrus, produce), and tourism-related coach and bus operations (Orlando theme parks). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2026) reports heavy-truck driver median wage of $50,200 nationally and $52,800 in Florida, with top-10% earners exceeding $74,000. Florida-specific endorsements (H, N, T, P, S) add $0.50-$3.00 per hour to base pay. Apprenticeship programs at major Florida carriers (Werner, Schneider, Knight-Swift, US Xpress) offer paid CDL training — most require a 12-24 month commitment post-CDL. Hurricane season (June through November) creates surge demand for CDL drivers for emergency response and recovery operations; catastrophe pay rates can reach 1.5x-2x standard wages. FLHSMV-authorised third-party testers are concentrated in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Tallahassee. Average first-year Florida CDL driver total compensation (base + benefits) is approximately $58,000-$65,000 (BLS, 2026).

Florida CDL reciprocity with other states is broad — most states accept the Florida Class A licence without further written testing; however, you must transfer the licence within 30 days of establishing residency in another state (FLHSMV, 2026). Florida also issues a Class A Restricted licence for intra-state farm-haulage only, which has reduced testing requirements but no interstate recognition.

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