How do I get a Class B Commercial Driver's License in the state of
Florida? I know that I have to take a combination of written and
practical tests. Where and how do I take the practical test? I do not
have a truck. Is one supplied?

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Clarification of Question by drjosh-ga on 05 Aug 2002 15:48 PDT

I'd like to know, step by step, the procedure for obtaining a Class B
CDL (with only the air-brake add on)
-- Additionally, if the practical test needs to be taken at a 3rd
party location (other than the DMV) - I'd like to know the name and
phone number of a place to call. (I am located in Broward/Palm Beach
county) - Thanks!

Hi there,

You need to supply the vehicle. The Florida DMV website says:

Driving test

-You must provide the vehicle for the driving test. 
-Proof of personal injury protection insurance and valid vehicle
registration must be provided on the vehicle for the driving test.
-If you do not have a valid license you must be accompanied by a
licensed driver.
-Persons with a learner's license you must be at least 16 years of age
and have held the learner's license for 12 months.
-No one may accompany you and the examiner(s) during the driving test.
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/English/ch_201.html

For your class, the required tests are:

Written:
-General Knowledge Test
-Air Brake Test (if you drive vehicles with air brakes)

Practical:
-Pre-trip inspection test
-Basic control skills test
-Road test
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/Commercial/3section_201.html#anchor447340

A directory of places where you can take the tests is also at the
Florida DMV website:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/


Search strategy:
Personal bookmarks of all US DMV websites

I trust this answers your query.

Best wishes,
robertskelton-ga

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Clarification of Answer by robertskelton-ga on 05 Aug 2002 16:08 PDT

Broward County offices:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/broward.html

Palm Beach offices:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/offices/palmbeach.html

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Request for Answer Clarification by drjosh-ga on 05 Aug 2002 21:11 PDT

Good answer, however the answer about the practical test (the one
where you need an actual vehicle) is not adequate.

It would be impossible for me to supply, say, a dump truck for this
test. Additionally, to have insurance and show proof of insurance on
that vehicle would be fairly difficult since we are talking about
commercial vehicles. The answer you quoted refers to normal driving
tests for Class E drivers (just regular non-commercial drivers).. I am
curious to know how an ordinary guy like myself, without a dump truck,
can apply to be able to drive one.

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Clarification of Answer by robertskelton-ga on 07 Aug 2002 04:18 PDT

I found one third party location in Florida that has a website. To
find one closer to you, a phonecall to your nearest DMV office (see
links above) will be the easiest way to find it.

Commercial Driver Testing Services, Inc.
PO Box 560189
Monteverde, Florida 34756
Phone: (407) 469-3009
Toll Free: (888) CDL-TEST
Fax: (407) 469-4666
Email: info@cdltest.com 
http://www.cdltest.com/cdltest.html

Without personally endorsing it (as an Aussie who has never driven a
truck), this $90 home study course might be of some use to you:

FLORIDA CDL COURSE
http://www.tech-career.com/course-fl.html