Driver License

Military Commercial Drivers

If you have recent experience driving large trucks in the military, you may be eligible to obtain a Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) without retaking the skills tests normally required. You may do this if:
  • You are still in active service in any branch of the military or within 1 year of separating from the service.
  •  For the past two years at least, you have driven vehicles in the military that would require a CDL to operate as a civilian. Civilian commercial motor vehicles requiring a CDL are generally large straight trucks with a manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 26,000 lbs. and truck-trailer combinations where the combined GVWR is over 26,000 lbs. and the trailer itself has a GVWR over 10,000 lbs. Experience driving vehicles designed to carry more than 15 people, including the driver, may also count.
Procedures to Obtain a Florida CDL
  • Download and print the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form. This form may also be obtained from any Tax Collector’s office. You and the responsible person in your military chain of command will need to complete and sign this form attesting to your driving experience. The form also provides a way for your commanding officer or transportation officer to state what types of military vehicle you were qualified to drive, in terms that translate to the comparable civilian CDL class, endorsements, and restrictions.
  • Pass the required knowledge tests.
  • While you are still in the service or no later than one year from separation, go to any Tax Collector’s office with your present driver license and military active duty identification card, reservist identification card, guard identification card or DD-214 (military discharge papers). You will be given the CDL knowledge tests needed for the class of license and endorsements you wish to obtain. If you pass and have brought your completed Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form, you may be issued your Florida CDL in the same visit. If you pass the knowledge tests but did not bring your completed Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form, you may return with it later for issuance of your CDL within one year after separation from the military.