Miami-Lakes CDL School

Feb. 2016

Jan 2019

Dec. 2019

Learning Coupling

CDL Class Begins

Steps to take before beginning the Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Program

Getting Started
Getting a CDL involves several steps. There are medical requirements and residency requirements besides knowledge and skills requirements.
• The first step is to get a copy of the Florida Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Manual. The manual is available athttps://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishcdlhandbook.pdf download from their website and print or study from the website.
• The second step is to decide which type of vehicle and what kind of driving you want to get the license for.
• There are 3 classes of CDL: class A, B, & C, with endorsements for specialized qualifications for vehicles like:
• school buses
• tank trucks
• hazardous material
• double or triple trailers
• Each type of CDL and endorsement requires you pass a written test and, in some cases, a skills test. It is important to make sure you pass all the required tests or risk having restrictions on your license.
• Applicants for certain CDLs and CDL endorsements are required to complete entry-level driver training before taking the CDL skills test or hazardous materials endorsement written test--see Entry-Level Driver Training for more details.
Once you've finished getting informed and making decisions, there are three basic steps to getting a CDL:
Step 1: Get the Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
A commercial learner's permit (CLP) is a permit that only authorizes you to practice on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you. Getting the permit involves more than just passing all the knowledge tests for the type of driving you want to do. To make sure that you are eligible your driving record is checked for the last 10 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. You need to bring in the proof that your state accepts to show that you are medically qualified. Most types of commercial driving require a DOT medical card, requiring a DOT physical. The DMV will require specific documents it wants to see to prove your name and proof of residency. There are fees for getting the CLP. Reading and following the instructions in the CDL Manual streamlines the process.
Step 2: Complete Entry-Level Driver Training
Drivers applying for a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time who are issued a CLP on or after February 7, 2022 must complete entry-level driver training with a registered training provider prior to testing.

Graduating Class April 2022

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