Matthew Mincone | April 2, 2025 | Truck Accidents
If you operate a commercial vehicle in Florida, state law may require you to have a commercial driver’s license, sometimes with certain endorsements as well.
Types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses
CDLs are categorized into three primary classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each class permits the operation of specific types of vehicles based on their weight, size, and purpose.
Class A CDL
A Class A CDL allows drivers to operate combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, assuming the vehicle being towed weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This license is typically required for vehicles like 18-wheelers.
The versatility of a Class A CDL allows drivers to operate a broad range of heavy-duty vehicles, making it essential for long-haul truckers transporting goods across state lines.
Class B CDL
A Class B CDL is required for operating straight trucks with a GCWR of 26,001 or more. Vehicles commonly requiring a Class B CDL include many kinds of box trucks.
Drivers with a Class B CDL can also operate certain Class C vehicles, provided they obtain the necessary endorsements.
Class C CDL
A Class C CDL is designated for drivers operating vehicles that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B but are either designed to transport 16 or more people or are used to transport hazardous materials needing placarding under federal regulations. This includes vehicles like hazmat trucks.
Obtaining a Class C CDL often requires additional testing and endorsements to promote safety while transporting hazardous materials or multiple passengers.
CDL Endorsements
Drivers may need specific endorsements to operate certain vehicles or carry particular types of cargo. Common endorsements include:
- H endorsement: Required for transporting hazardous materials.
- N endorsement: Necessary for operating tanker vehicles carrying liquids or gases.
- P endorsement: Mandated for drivers transporting more than 15 passengers.
- S endorsement: Required for school bus drivers.
- T endorsement: Necessary to operate vehicles with double or triple trailers.
Each endorsement requires additional knowledge or skills tests to show that a driver is adequately prepared.
How Do I Obtain a CDL in Florida?
Applicants must meet specific federal and state requirements to obtain a CDL license, which generally include:
- Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to drive intrastate and 21 years old for interstate commerce or to transport hazardous materials.
- Medical examination: A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical medical exam is required to ensure the driver is physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle safely.
- Knowledge and skills tests: Applicants must pass specific written knowledge tests and a skills test, which include combinations for pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving exams.
This can help prevent truck-related incidents, such as jackknife accidents.
It is important for drivers to ensure they have the proper license before operating a vehicle that falls into one of these categories.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash
Understanding the various classes of Commercial Driver’s Licenses and endorsements is important for anyone driving a commercial vehicle in Florida. Whether transporting goods across the country or around Tampa, properly endorsed CDL is important to avoid fines and other penalties.
Schedule a free consultation with a Tampa truck accident attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle crash.
Contact the Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled truck accident lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
