Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) requires special knowledge and skills. CMVs are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Therefore, truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before operating a large truck or other commercial vehicle.
The requirements for a CDL involve vigorous driving and knowledge tests. The purpose is to ensure that the driver has the experience to operate a large truck safely.
What Are Florida’s Requirements for a Commercial Driver’s License?
Florida’s requirements for a commercial driver’s license comply with the federal CDL requirements. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL in Florida. If you are under 21 years old, you are restricted to driving a CMV in Florida only.
Drivers may obtain a commercial driver’s license in one of three categories:
Class A CDL Requirements
You must have a Class A CDL to operate a truck or a combination vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds and tow a vehicle or unit weighing over 10,000 pounds. To obtain a Class A CDL, you must pass the following skills and knowledge tests:
- General knowledge test
- Combination vehicles test
- Air brake test, if applicable
- On-road test
- Basic vehicle control
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection
If you intend to apply for endorsements to your CDL, you must also pass the applicable endorsement tests. Each endorsement has specific requirements.
Class B CDL Requirements
You must have a Class B CDL if you operate straight trucks or buses weighing more than 26,000 pounds. You must pass the same skills tests as a Class A license (i.e., on-road, pre-trip inspection, and basic control). You must also pass the general knowledge test and applicable endorsement and air brake tests.
Class C CDL Requirements
Class C CDLs are required if you want to operate a vehicle transporting hazardous materials that require a placard. It is also required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver, with a gross weight of less than 26,001 pounds. You must pass the same skills and knowledge tests for a Class C CDL as you do a Class B CDL.
What Endorsements Can Truck Drivers Obtain for a Florida Commercial Driver’s License?
A CDL endorsement allows a driver to operate a specific type of vehicle, transport passengers, or haul specific loads. You must pass specialized knowledge tests to obtain an endorsement. The knowledge test is based on the type of endorsement you want to obtain.
Truck drivers can obtain CDL endorsements for:
- Tank Vehicles (N): Tank vehicles transport liquids and liquified gases.
- Double/Triple Trailers (T): This endorsement is required if you intend to have two or three trailers instead of one. However, Florida does not permit triple-trailers.
- Placarded Hazmat (H): Transporting certain hazardous materials requires the driver to obtain a special placard to place on the truck. For example, flammable liquids require a special placard.
- School Bus (S): School bus drivers must have an S-endorsement for their commercial driver’s license.
- Passengers (P): Bus drivers transporting more than 15 people must obtain a P-endorsement for their CDL.
- Combination H & N Endorsements (X): This endorsement is required if hazardous materials are transported in a tank vehicle.
A truck driver may have one or more commercial driver’s license endorsements. Obtaining several endorsements expands a driver’s job opportunities.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Jacksonville, FL
Even with special training and knowledge, truck accidents are still quite common. In 2022, the NHTSA estimates there were 536,424 large truck accidents nationwide. Florida reported 35,676 medium/heavy truck accidents in 2022.
Truck driver negligence is a common cause of large truck accidents. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Road rage and aggressive driving
- Failing to follow traffic laws
Other factors besides negligence could contribute to the cause of a truck accident. These factors include:
- The conduct of other motorists
- Camiones sobrecargados
- Defective truck parts
- Improperly secured loads
- Negligent repairs and maintenance
- Road and weather conditions
Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties. Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, trucking company, loaders, shippers, other motorists, government entities, maintenance facilities, and truck manufacturers. Identifying the parties who contributed to the cause of the crash is essential for recovering maximum compensation for damages.
Get Help Filing a Truck Accident Claim for Damages
If another party caused the truck accident, you could be entitled to economic damages for your monetary losses, including lost wages, property damage, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses. You may also receive compensation for your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
Contact our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers with The Truck Accident Law Firm for a free consultation with a board-certified Florida truck accident lawyer.
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