Florida CDL third-party tester bonds.
From $100. Pick your tier.

Before the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) lets a third party administer CDL skills tests, the tester must post a performance bond. The amount is tiered by how many tests you give a year — pricing is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, shown exactly in the on-page calculator.

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Required to administer third-party CDL skills tests under the FLHSMV third-party testing program

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Amount tiers by volume — $100k up to 300 tests, $500k for 301–1,600, $1M above (the three skills tests count separately)

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1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — your exact price appears at the application

1% of amount$100 minimum, see calculatorInstantapproval for mostSoft pullnever a hard inquiry

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How it works

Three steps. One sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard tester bond — enter your tier amount, pay, and file with FLHSMV. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your business details, the bond amount for your test-volume tier, and the effective date, plus a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score, and most applicants are approved instantly once you pay. The larger ($500k / $1M) tiers may get a quick review.

SAME DAY

File with FLHSMV

Submit the executed performance bond with your third-party testing agreement. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the department insists on them.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the tester bond actually guarantees

Florida lets approved third parties administer the CDL skills test on FLHSMV's behalf, which is permitted by the federal CDL rules at 49 CFR 383.75. Because the tester is doing a government function, FLHSMV requires a performance bond before approving the third-party testing agreement.

The bond stands behind the terms of your agreement with FLHSMV — that you test honestly, follow the testing standards, and don't issue passing scores someone didn't earn. If a tester breaches the agreement, the department can recover against the bond, including the cost of re-testing.

The amount is tiered by annual test volume: $100,000 if you administer up to 300 tests a year, $500,000 for 301 to 1,600, and $1,000,000 for 1,601 or more. For counting purposes the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road test each count as one test. It is not insurance for you — if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

49 CFR 383.75 (FLHSMV third-party testing)Florida's third-party CDL testing program operates under 49 CFR 383.75, which lets FLHSMV authorize third parties to administer the CDL skills test under an agreement that includes a performance bond. FLHSMV sets the bond at $100,000 (up to 300 tests/year), $500,000 (301–1,600), or $1,000,000 (1,601+), counting the pre-trip, basic control, and road tests separately. Confirm the tier FLHSMV assigned you.

You need this bond if you are

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A driver-training school approved to administer the CDL skills test in-house

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A motor carrier running an FLHSMV-authorized third-party testing program

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Renewing your testing agreement and FLHSMV requires the bond stay continuous

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Moving up a tier as your annual test volume crosses 300 or 1,600 tests

One application, issued on the spot.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit pull. Enter the amount for your tier and see your exact price before you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Florida CDL third-party tester bond?Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum, and the amount FLHSMV assigns depends on your tier: $100,000 for up to 300 tests a year, $500,000 for 301–1,600, and $1,000,000 for 1,601 or more. Pick your tier at the application to see your exact price.

How are the test tiers counted?By the number of skills tests you expect to administer in a year — and the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills test, and on-road driving test each count as one test. So a single applicant tested across all three counts as three tests for sizing the bond.

Is there a credit check?Yes. The application includes a credit consent, and the check is a soft pull that never affects your score. Most applications approve instantly; the larger $500,000 and $1,000,000 tiers may get a quick review.

Who requires this bond?The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), as a condition of your third-party CDL testing agreement, under the federal CDL rules at 49 CFR 383.75. No active bond, no testing authority.

What does the bond protect against?It backs the terms of your testing agreement with FLHSMV — honest testing, following the standards, and not issuing unearned passing scores. If you breach and the department or public is harmed, they can claim against the bond; if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.

How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.

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Florida CDL third-party tester bonds.From $100. Pick your tier.