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One mistake by a big-rig truck driver can have huge ramifications. Training is vital and is required for drivers in order to receive CDLs (commercial drivers’ licenses).   

Big-rig truckers need full concentration when driving because they need to contend with other motorists, changing weather conditions, potential wandering wildlife, and perhaps all while carrying dangerous cargo. Untrained and improperly licensed drivers pose a danger on our roads. 

As reported by NBC2, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) launched an investigation. This investigation involved the practices of the Key Power Driving School in Florida. The investigation found that the school’s practices “posed an immediate, serious danger to public health, safety, and welfare.” The state said that the company conducted fraudulent testing activities such as omitting vital portions of the required three-part skills test along with manipulating testing data on CDL skills test score sheets. In addition, Key Power, according to DHSMV investigators, may have given passing scores to individuals who had not taken the test, not completed mandatory portions of the test or had not performed required driving maneuvers. 

The state terminated its agreement with Key Power and revoked the school’s commercial driving license testing company license. Anyone tested by Key Power after January 1, 2017, must take the tests again. If they do not within 60 days, the state will take away their commercial driver's license. 

What is required for commercial drivers to obtain their CDLs? 

Florida’s requirements for obtaining a CDL are based on the class of trucks which will be driven. Here is some information from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) website:

All applicants for a Commercial Driver License are required to have an Operator’s License and pass the vision requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. If they are under 21, they will be restricted to intrastate operation only.

Oral exams may be given in English or Spanish 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 of vehicle test 
Air Brakes 
Pre-Trip 
Basic Skills
CDL Road Test 
Applicable exams for desired endorsements

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 
Air Brakes (if applicable) 
Pre-Trip 
Basic Skills
CDL Road Test 
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 
Air Brakes (if applicable) 
Pre-Trip
Basic Skills
CDL Road Test 
Applicable exams for desired endorsements

Falsifying CDL credentials is against the law. 

Florida law prohibits using a false name, making a false statement, concealing a material fact, or otherwise using fraud in an application for a driver's license or identification card. The penalty can be up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and suspension of any existing driving privilege for at least one year. In addition to Florida law, federal regulations specify that any person who is convicted in connection with testing and issuance of a commercial driver license or commercial learner’s permit will be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of one year. If regulations or laws have been disregarded by companies and/or drivers, they will be held liable.

 “If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident as the result of a negligent truck driver, contact the experienced accident attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748, and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.