Driver License
CDL Skills Testing
Our office does not administer CDL skills testing. The closest CDL office to Hillsborough County is located in Sarasota.
Tests are administered by appointment only. Contact the Sarasota CDL office at (941) 361-6674 to schedule an appointment.
- The vehicle must be completely unloaded, including tool boxes and bins.
- You must be able to show your driver license and/or temporary permit.
- You must have a valid license plate and registration for the testing vehicle.
- If you are testing a tractor trailer, you must have the registration for both the tractor and trailer.
- No radar detectors are permitted in the vehicle.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The cost is $75.00 plus $7.00 for each endorsement.
The testing site is located at 601 S. Pompano Ave. 34237-7348.
From I-75 (north or south) take exit 210 (Fruitville Road). Proceed west on Fruitville Rd for approx. 3.6 miles until you reach Pompano Avenue. You will turn left on Pompano Avenue which is the street that runs between Robarts Sports Arena (Sarasota Fairgrounds) and the Boy’s & Girl’s Club. Pompano Avenue will dead end into the front of the Driver License Office.
Please park on the left side of the road next to the Babe Ruth baseball fields just before you get to the entrance to the office parking lot. Do not enter the parking lot before being instructed to do so by an examiner.
CDL Exam Requirements
All applicants for a Commercial Driver License are required to have an Operator License, pass the vision requirements and must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants under 21 years old will be restricted to intrastate operation only.
Oral exams may be given in English, Spanish or Haitian Creole with the exception of skills test or hazmat exams. Interpreters may not be used during the administration of CDL oral exams or during any portions of the CDL skill exams.
-
Class A Exam Requirements
To operate trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,000 lbs, then a Class A license is needed. The following tests are required:- General Knowledge Test
- Combinations Vehicle Test
- Vision – 20/40 in each eye
- Hearing – must be able to hear a whisper
- Air Brakes (if applicable)
- Pre-Trip
- Basic Skills
- CDL Road Test Applicable exams for desired endorsements. To schedule an appointment, click here.
-
Class B Exam Requirements
To operate straight trucks and buses 26,001 lbs or more, then a Class B license is needed. The following tests are required:- General Knowledge Test
- Vision – 20/40 in each eye
- Hearing – must be able to hear a whisper
- Air Brakes (if applicable)
- Pre-Trip
- Basic Skills
- CDL Road Test. To schedule an appointment, click here.
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
-
Class C Exam Requirements
To operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport more than 15 persons including the driver with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, then a Class C license is needed. The following tests are required:- General Knowledge Test
- Vision – 20/40 in each eye
- Hearing – must be able to hear a whisper
- Air Brakes (if applicable)
- Pre-Trip
- Basic Skills
- CDL Road Test. To schedule an appointment, click here.
- Applicable exams for desired endorsements
-
Out-of-State CDL Requirements
An out-of-state or a Canadian commercial driver license can be reciprocated. However, an out-of-state applicant with a hazmat endorsement will have to reapply for a hazmat endorsement, which will include background check, appropriate exams and fees. For more information check here.
-
Military CDL Requirements
Military or prior military personnel requesting a CDL due to qualifications of experience while serving on military duty must:
- Pass all required knowledge and endorsement exams for the CDL license class and endorsements they are applying to obtain.
- Present the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form completed by their commanding officer or designee while on active duty or within 90 days of separation from service.
Military personnel are exempt from taking the skills exams. However, the process must be completed and the CDL issued within 120 days of separation from service.For more information check here.