What to Expect on the Florida CDL Skills Test: A State-Specific Guide
- Emily Parker
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in Florida is a crucial step toward starting your trucking career. The final challenge is the Florida CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) approved third-party testers. This test evaluates your ability to inspect, maneuver, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) according to Florida-specific testing guidelines.
At CDL eXpert, we help drivers prepare for test day with the CDL Skills Exam course, taught by veteran examiner Al Hanley. This course covers everything examiners are looking for—from inspection walkthroughs to backing techniques—so you can pass your test on the first try.
Follow this link or enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
This guide explains the format of the Florida CDL skills test, state-specific testing
requirements, and how our course can help you succeed.
What’s on the Florida CDL Skills Test?
The Florida CDL skills test is made up of three required sections:
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
On-Road Driving
Each part must be passed independently to complete the licensing process.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
This portion of the test assesses your ability to evaluate the safety and readiness of your vehicle before operating it. You'll be required to inspect specific components and explain how you would check for defects or safety concerns.
What to Expect
You will be asked to inspect the following areas:
Engine compartment and fluid levels
Brakes and air systems
Steering and suspension
Tires and wheels
Lights and reflectors
Coupling system (for combination vehicles)
If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must complete a full air brake system check, including the leakage test, low air warning, and emergency spring brake engagement.
You’ll need to describe each item using terms like:
“Properly mounted and secure”
“Not cracked, bent, or leaking”
“Functioning properly”
Florida-Specific Requirements
Florida uses a pass/fail system for the pre-trip inspection. Missing key safety components can result in automatic failure.
Air brake checks are mandatory for vehicles with air brakes—failing this portion results in disqualification from an air brake endorsement.
The Florida CDL Handbook provides the exact checklist you’ll be graded on.
Examiners are not allowed to prompt or assist—you must complete the inspection independently.
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
This section evaluates your low-speed control of the vehicle in a closed course. You’ll perform specific maneuvers that test your steering control, mirror usage, and vehicle positioning.
What to Expect
Florida CDL skills tests typically include three of the following maneuvers:
Straight-Line Backing
Offset Backing (Left or Right)
Alley Dock
Parallel Parking (only required for certain vehicle types)
Each maneuver must be completed within boundaries and with minimal pull-ups or corrections.
Florida-Specific Requirements
Parallel parking is not required for most CDL applicants in Florida—only for certain vehicle classes like school buses.
Cone strikes, excessive pull-ups, and boundary violations may result in point deductions or failure.
Maneuver selection and order may vary by testing site, so be prepared for all four.
Proper setup before backing is essential—Florida examiners emphasize safe planning and execution.
On-Road Driving
The final portion of the test measures your ability to operate a CMV in real traffic. You’ll be observed during a live road test that covers a variety of traffic situations.
What to Expect
During the on-road driving test, you’ll be evaluated on:
Lane control and speed management
Use of mirrors and blind spot checks
Compliance with traffic signs, signals, and right-of-way rules
Manual gear shifting (if applicable)
Highway merging, turns, and intersection handling
Railroad crossings, school zones, and work zones
Florida-Specific Requirements
Florida examiners strictly enforce school and work zone rules—speeding or ignoring posted signs results in immediate failure.
Railroad crossings require a full stop and visual check, even when no train is present.
Expect a mix of urban and rural road types, but no mountainous terrain.
Examiners focus closely on mirror usage, lane changes, and complete stops at stop signs.
Florida CDL Testing Locations
Florida CDL skills tests are not offered at FLHSMV offices. Testing is conducted exclusively through approved third-party testers.
Major testing locations include:
Miami
Orlando
Tampa
Jacksonville
Tallahassee
Fort Lauderdale
Additional third-party testers operate in smaller cities and rural areas across the state. Appointments are required, and availability varies by location—early scheduling is recommended.
How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare
Our CDL Skills Exam course gives you the knowledge and structure you need to pass the Florida CDL skills test confidently. Led by veteran CDL examiner Al Hanley, the course focuses on real test criteria and teaches you how to avoid common mistakes.
What’s Included:
Step-by-step Pre-Trip Inspection walkthroughs (standard and AAMVA legacy formats)
Backing maneuver demos with setup and correction tips
On-road driving strategies tailored to common examiner expectations
In-depth air brake test training with terminology and procedures
Course Details:
$29.95
2.5 hours of video content
37 focused lessons
Free preview available
Follow this link and enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
This course is perfect for both new drivers and anyone looking to retest with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The Florida CDL skills test is a challenging but important step toward your driving career. With the right preparation, you can pass on your first attempt. Our CDL Skills Exam course gives you the inside knowledge and step-by-step guidance you need to succeed.
From pre-trip inspection to backing to road safety, we help you feel confident and ready on test day.
Good luck on your Florida CDL skills test!