National Training offers Third Party Testing for Class A, B, C and Passenger

IMPORTANT UPDATES

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) have announced CDL license updates as well as a new 3rd Party Testing model that will go into effect March 1, 2024. You must finish the incomplete portions of your previous tests before March 6, 2024 to avoid having to start over with the new testing model. Call us with any questions or to schedule the rest of your tests before March 6, 2024.

FMCSA ELDT Regulations
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles logo

National Training Inc. is a licensed 3rd party CDL test site for the State of Florida, offering testing for Class A, B and C vehicles. If you have already completed a CDL training program or refresher course and are ready to take your State of Florida CDL test, we offer the flexibility and convenience of setting your own appointment date & time that best fits your schedule.

 

Call us at (904) 272-4000 with any questions you may have. We’re here to help you succeed!

First Things First

Before you are ready to take the CDL test, you must first obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP).  The CLP is issued by the State of Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and can be used until all CDL Knowledge and Skills Tests have been completed and passed. Your CLP is valid for 12 months from the date it’s issued. If you are unable to take the CDL Knowledge and Skills Tests to obtain your CDL within the 12 month period, you will need to obtain a new CLP. For more information and requirements on obtaining your CLP, click here. From the date of permit issuance, the Federal Government institutes a 14-day waiting period before your Skills Test can be taken. 

 

After obtaining your permit, you may book your Skills Test appointment at a later day no earlier than 14 days past the date of permit issuance, however you may immediately begin studying the Skills Test criteria.

Important Update: Beginning February 7, 2022, drivers applying to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time will be subject to the requirements in the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. These regulations establish a Federal standard for training. CDL applicants must successfully complete this training before they will be permitted to take the CDL skills test.

FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training Regulations

what class of cdl do you need?

What class of CDL will you need?
3rd Party Testing Class B

FL CDL Manual

Florida CDL Manual FLHSMV

NEW! FL CDL Manual Supplement

FL CDL Manual Supplement Oct 2023

CDL Test Requirements by Class

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires that all applicants for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) hold a Class E Operator’s License as well as a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), pass the vision requirements, are 18 years of age, and pass knowledge and skills tests for the class of license they are wanting to obtain. You will also need a completed and current DOT Physical, also known as Med Card, prior to taking your CDL test. To learn more about the CDL medical information and requirements, click here. For a list of currently registered and certified medical examiners, click here. The date of the examiner’s approved certification must come before the date of your physical.

 

Class A CDL Requirements

class A requirements

To operate trucks or truck combinations weighing 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,000 lbs, a Class A license is required. The following tests are required:

Knowledge Tests

  • General Knowledge Test
  • Combination Vehicles Test
  • Air Brakes Test (if applicable, most Class A vehicles are equipped with Air Brakes but not all)
  • Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Skills Tests

  • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • On-road Test
Class B Cement Mixer

class b requirements

To operate straight trucks and buses 26,001 lbs or more, a Class B license is required. The following tests are required:

Knowledge Tests

  • General Knowledge Test
  • Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
  • Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Skills Tests

  • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • On-road Test

Restrictions

  • Air brakes (if applicable)
CDL Class A Modified Requirements

class A modified requirements

To operate trucks or truck combinations with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, and towing a vehicle/unit over 10,001 lbs, a Class A Modified license is required. The following tests are required:

Knowledge Tests

  • General Knowledge Test
  • Combination Vehicles Test
  • Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
  • Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Skills Tests

  • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • On-road Test

Restrictions

  • Air brakes (if applicable)
  • Tractor-Trailers
Class C CDL Requirements

class c requirements

To operate vehicles transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials, or vehicles designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of less than 26,001 lbs, a Class C license is required. The following tests are required:

Knowledge Tests

  • General Knowledge Test
  • Air Brakes Test (if applicable)
  • Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Skills Tests

  • Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
  • Basic Vehicle Control
  • On-road Test

Restrictions

  • Air brakes (if applicable)

Studying For the CDL Test

The CDL Knowledge Test must be completed before the Skills Test can be taken. National Training Inc. wants all applicants to be successful in studying, preparation and testing for the CDL Test. We offer a free CDL Practice Test that you can take as many times as you want to determine how much you know, or how much you have to learn in order to pass the CDL Test. National Training Inc. also offers a free CDL Study Guide that you can access from your phone or tablet anytime, anywhere. 

The Florida CDL Handbook is a helpful study manual that will help you prepare for the CDL Test. Make sure you read it in its entirety prior to testing; it contains so much helpful information throughout the manual. *A new supplement to the Florida CDL Handbook has been relesed. Make sure you are familiar with the most updated information. Click here to download a copy.

To help you focus extra attention on areas that cover the class of CDL you are testing for, please see below for a list of specific sections from the Florida CDL Handbook to review. At the end of each section you will be provided a few review quizzes to test your knowledge.

Florida CDL Manual

Florida CDL Manual FLHSMV

*NEW* Florida CDL Manual Supplement

Florida CDL Handbook Supplement

Class A

Sections 1, 2, and 3 under General Knowledge, Air Brakes Section 5, and Combination Vehicles Section 6

Class B

Sections 1, 2, and 3 under General Knowledge, Air Brakes Section 5

Class C

Sections 1, 2, and 3 under General Knowledge, Passengers Section 4, Air Brakes Section 5 (if your vehicle has air brakes)

All Classes

Sections 11, 12, and 13 are extremely important in expanding your testable knowledge, including part names and inspection descriptions you’ll need to know and are featured within the testing parameters.

Important: Section 11.1.2 Features information on Air and Hydraulic Brake Checks that needs to be reviewed thoroughly. Conducting an improper Air or Hydraulic Brake Check will be an automatic failure of the Pre-trip Inspection portion of the Skills Test.

Scheduling Your CDL Skills Test Appointment

After you have completed the Knowledge Test you can schedule and take the CDL Skills Test once you are eligible. Test prices are listed below and are due at the time you schedule your appointment. Once you have selected your desired appointment date & time and have paid the testing fee, you will be asked to upload a copy of your Driver’s License, DOT Physical, CDL Permit, and vehicle documents (if you will be testing in your own vehicle). 

The applicable testing fee must be paid each time CDL testing is attempted. Paying the fee does not ensure that you will pass the test. Passing the test is based on your merit and skill set alone; you must display the proper knowledge and expertise to your Skills Tester. 

If you choose to test in one of our vehicles, we will provide a Class A or B truck and a Class C Bus for testing purposes. All vehicles provided by the applicant must have valid registration, proof of insurance, and a fixed passenger seat.

*Please note that you are paying for the time allotted to complete the entire test(s).

 

AVAILABLE TESTING DATES & TIMES

MONDAY – FRIDAY

7:30 AM

10:00 AM

12:30 PM

3:00 PM

*PLEASE CHECK AVAILABILITY BY CLICKING THE SCHEDULE NOW BUTTON UNDER THE DESIRED TEST

NTI CDL Instructor With Student

What to Expect at Your CDL Testing Appointment

What to Bring With You

For your scheduled testing appointment, you will need to bring with you  your original valid drivers’ license, original temporary permit (CLP), DOT Physical/Med Card, and if you are driving your own vehicle, you must also bring your registration, manufacturer plate for the trailer (if applicable) and all insurance documents to be inspected prior to testing. You must also have a fixed passenger seat.

 

Drivers License

DOT Physical

CDL Learner's Permit

h

Vehicle Documents

 

The CDL Skills Test consists of 3 segments: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control including backing up the truck in the following situations: straight-line backing, offset (right or left), and 90 degree alley dock, and a road test that will be conducted on public roads. You must take the segments in the order listed and must pass each one before moving to the next. All 3 segments must be passed to obtain your CDL. You must also take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. If you choose to test in one of our vehicles, we will provide a Class A or B truck and a Class C bus, depending on the license class you are testing for. Plan on devoting 2 hours to complete the CDL Skills Test (actual completion time may vary depending on your skill level).

Testing will be conducted in accordance with the Florida CDL Handbook and the Florida CDL Examiner’s Manual. You will be assigned a 3rd Party Tester, who will direct you through all three segments of the CDL Skills Test.

Testing Time Limits

Each segment of the CDL Skills Test has a specific time limit to complete. If you do not complete the test in the time allowed for each segment, the test will be given an automatic failure.

  • 60 minutes are allowed for applicants to complete the “short form” pre-trip inspection.
  • 90 minutes are given for completion of the “full form” pre-trip inspection. 
  • 45 minutes will be allotted for completion of the basic control skills test. 

Important: Your Skills Tester may, at their discretion, terminate your testing if it is determined that your skills do not meet the intensity of the CDL Skills Test requirements. If a re-test is recommended, it must be scheduled on another day with a new appointment. We reserve the right to ensure you have received the necessary training before allowing an official retest.

Upon successful completion of the CDL Skills Test, your 3rd Party Skills Tester will enter your test results electronically into the State database. You will receive a copy of the recorded results, which you must then take to your Florida or out-of-state DMV office to receive your new CDL Driver’s License.

CDL TESTING FEES

Cancellation Policy

Please note that once you have booked a testing appointment with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you. You will receive a confirmation of your appointment date & time once we have received your payment and all required documents. If your required documents and payment have not been received within 4 days of your scheduled appointment, you will need to call 904-800-1832 or 904-272-4000 and reschedule your appointment.

We understand that sometimes unexpected delays can occur making schedule adjustments necessary. If you need to cancel your testing appointment,

WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 4 BUSINESS DAYS NOTICE.

Any cancellations, no-shows or reschedules made less than 4 business days before your scheduled testing date/time will be subject to a $150 per portion rebooking fee due immediately upon scheduling your new appointment.

Cancellations and reschedules made up to 4 business days before a scheduled appointment will be processed without a penalty.

ALL CANCELLATION REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE VIA EMAIL TO:  cdltesting@nationaltrainingschools.com.

WEEKDAY TESTS

WEEKEND TESTS

CDL RE-TEST FEES (weekdays only)

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT RE-TEST FEES:

CDL Re-Test Fees only apply if you did not pass your original test at National Training, Inc. If you took your original test at another third-party site then your first appointment with us will be subject to our standard CDL Testing Fees listed under the CDL Testing Fees section above.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that once you have booked a testing appointment with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you. You will receive a confirmation of your appointment date & time once we have received your payment and all required documents. If your required documents and payment have not been received within 4 days of your scheduled appointment, you will need to call 904-800-1832 or 904-272-4000 and reschedule your appointment.

We understand that sometimes unexpected delays can occur making schedule adjustments necessary. If you need to cancel your testing appointment,

WE REQUIRE AT LEAST 4 BUSINESS DAYS NOTICE.

Any cancellations, no-shows or reschedules made less than 4 business days before your scheduled testing date/time will be subject to a $150 per portion rebooking fee due immediately upon scheduling your new appointment.

Cancellations and reschedules made up to 4 business days before a scheduled appointment will be processed without a penalty.

ALL CANCELLATION REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE VIA EMAIL TO:  cdltesting@nationaltrainingschools.com.

What to Expect at Your CDL Testing Appointment

What to Bring With You

For your scheduled testing appointment, you will need to bring with you  your original valid drivers’ license, original temporary permit (CLP), DOT Physical/Med Card, and if you are driving your own vehicle, you must also bring your registration, manufacturer plate for the trailer (if applicable) and all insurance documents to be inspected prior to testing. You must also have a fixed passenger seat.

 

Drivers License

DOT Physical

CDL Learner's Permit

h

Vehicle Documents

 

The CDL Skills Test consists of 3 segments: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control including backing up the truck in the following situations: straight-line backing, offset (right or left), and 90 degree alley dock, and a road test that will be conducted on public roads. You must take the segments in the order listed and must pass each one before moving to the next. All 3 segments must be passed to obtain your CDL. You must also take these tests in the type of vehicle for which you wish to be licensed. If you choose to test in one of our vehicles, we will provide a Class A or B truck and a Class C bus, depending on the license class you are testing for. Plan on devoting 2 hours to complete the CDL Skills Test (actual completion time may vary depending on your skill level).

Testing will be conducted in accordance with the Florida CDL Handbook and the Florida CDL Examiner’s Manual. You will be assigned a 3rd Party Tester, who will direct you through all three segments of the CDL Skills Test.

Testing Time Limits

Each segment of the CDL Skills Test has a specific time limit to complete. If you do not complete the test in the time allowed for each segment, the test will be given an automatic failure.

  • 60 minutes are allowed for applicants to complete the “short form” pre-trip inspection.
  • 90 minutes are given for completion of the “full form” pre-trip inspection. 
  • 45 minutes will be allotted for completion of the basic control skills test. 

Important: Your Skills Tester may, at their discretion, terminate your testing if it is determined that your skills do not meet the intensity of the CDL Skills Test requirements. If a re-test is recommended, it must be scheduled on another day with a new appointment. We reserve the right to ensure you have received the necessary training before allowing an official retest.

Upon successful completion of the CDL Skills Test, your 3rd Party Skills Tester will enter your test results electronically into the State database. You will receive a copy of the recorded results, which you must then take to your Florida or out-of-state DMV office to receive your new CDL Driver’s License.

 

Need a little more practice time? Schedule time with our CDL simulator!

National Training Inc. is proud to offer CDL Simulator Training for Class A, B, and C training. Gain exposure to real road conditions and build your confidence in a safe, low risk controlled simulation environment. For more information on our CDL Simulators, click here.

1 hour of simulation training = 4 hours behind the wheel training.

 

2 Hour Simulator Intro

This course must be taken prior to scheduling additional simulator courses. 

 

 

Class A, B & C simulators
NTI's state of the art CDL simulator

Simulator Seat Time

Per Hour

*Must complete the 2 Hour Simulator Intro Course prior to scheduling additional seat time.

Please Note:  We want all candidates to be successful; however, if you attempt to take the CDL test without the proper experience or training in operating large commercial Class A, B or C vehicles, you will likely fail the test. Please ensure that your experience and abilities are conducive to passing each section of the test. 

CDL applicants who have taken and passed any part of the CDL Skills Test on a truck equipped with an automatic transmission (including Pre-trip, Basic Skills, or Road Test) will have their CDL license restricted to “No Manual Transmission Commercial Motor Vehicle”

 

CDL Refresher Course

Take a CDL Refresher course with National Training Inc. We offer 2 and 5 day CDL training programs to refresh experienced drivers on what they need to know to go back to work.  The CDL Refresher Program is designed for individuals that hold a current Class A, B, or C CDL license and want to refresh their skills. Let us bring you up to speed and back on the road.

CDL Now Course

National Training Inc.’s CDL Now Course will have you trained and ready to take the CDL Class A exam in just 4 weeks. This program is designed for individuals who have little to no truck driving experience or have been out of the driver’s seat for more than 3 years. See what makes us the best and most respected truck driving school in the industry.