The “federal CDL manual” is published by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. The AAMVA CDL manual provides driver license testing information for drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL). This manual does NOT provide information on all the federal and state requirements needed before you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Information on CMV operation requirements may be obtained from the Florida Department of Transportation, Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

You must have a valid commercial driver’s license to operate:

• A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
• A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
• A vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR part 73.

Federal regulations through the Department of Homeland Security require a background check and fingerprinting for the Hazardous Materials endorsement. Contact your local department of driver licensing for more information.

This CDL manual is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry.

VIEW OR DOWNLOAD THE AAMVA CDL MANUAL