Florida HSMV Form 77073S – Instructor Certificate Guide – If you want to teach driving at a licensed commercial driving school in Florida or serve as an agent for one, you must obtain certification from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The official form for this process is HSMV Form 77073S, titled “Application for an Instructor or Agent Certificate for Commercial Driving School.”
What Is Florida HSMV Form 77073S?
Form 77073S is the official application required by the FLHSMV Bureau of Motorist Compliance for individuals seeking to become certified instructors or agents at a commercial driving school (CDS). It applies to both standard commercial driving schools (teaching Class E vehicles such as cars, SUVs, and light trucks) and commercial truck driving schools (CTDS) under related rules.
According to Florida Statute 488.04, no person may receive compensation for giving motor vehicle driving instruction or act as a professional driver training school instructor without first obtaining an instructor’s certificate from the Department. Agents must also hold an identification card under Section 488.045.
The current version of the form is HSMV 77073S (Rev. 2013). It must be submitted fully completed with all required supporting documents and fees.
Download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 77073S PDF
Who Needs to File Form 77073S?
You need this form if you plan to:
- Work as a behind-the-wheel or classroom instructor at a Florida-licensed commercial driving school.
- Serve as an agent authorized to act on behalf of a commercial driving school.
- Renew an existing instructor certificate or agent identification card.
- Obtain a duplicate certificate or card.
Note: School owners who also instruct must still complete this separate instructor application process in addition to the school license application (Form 77074S).
Eligibility Requirements for Instructors
FLHSMV and Rule 15A-11.006 set clear qualifications for commercial driving school instructors:
- Age: Instructors teaching students with learner’s or instructional permits must be at least 21 years old.
- Driver License: Must hold a valid Florida Class E driver license (or appropriate Class A CDL for commercial truck driving school instructors).
- Driving Record: During any consecutive three-year period, no more than three chargeable motor vehicle crashes or violations (as defined in Chapter 316, F.S.). Any suspension or revocation of driving privileges automatically suspends the instructor certificate. No suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or disqualifications for three years prior to application.
- Criminal Background: No felony or misdemeanor convictions, pleas of no contest, or adjudications withheld within five years of application. Certain convictions related to student safety or the driving school business may permanently disqualify an applicant.
- Physical/Mental Fitness: No physical or mental impediments that prevent satisfactory driving instruction.
- Training: Successful completion of a Department-approved Driving Instructor Training Course (DITC) – typically the 32-hour course for new instructors or the 8-hour refresher for renewals. A temporary option via Driver Performance Analysis System (DPAS) testing may be available if no DITC is scheduled, but full 32-hour completion is later required.
- Employment: Must be employed by or authorized to instruct on behalf of a licensed commercial driving school (letter of employment required).
Additional requirements apply for Commercial Truck Driving School (CTDS) instructors, including a valid Class A CDL and at least three years of Class A driving experience.
Department employees and their immediate family members are prohibited from any connection with commercial driving schools under Section 112.313(7), F.S.
Required Documents and Supporting Materials
When submitting Form 77073S, attach the following (as marked “B” for both original and renewal, or specific to original):
- Completed and signed Form 77073S (type the information, then print and sign).
- Certificate of Completion for the approved 32-hour DITC (new applicants), 8-hour refresher (renewals), or DPAS scores (temporary).
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (results emailed directly to FLHSMV by the live-scan provider; valid for up to 2 years). Do not mail a physical fingerprint card with the application. Print the fingerprint card and visit an approved live-scan provider. Cost is borne by the applicant. Results take 3–7 days.
- Notarized letter of employment (or authorization) from the school owner. Owners who are also instructors are exempt from this letter.
- Two identical photographs (1.5 inches square, showing neck, shoulders, and uncovered head) taken within 30 days for original applications; one photo for renewals.
- For agent applications: Financial agreement between the agent and school owner.
- Any additional information requested on the form (driver license number, school details, prior experience, etc.).
- Payment of the applicable fee.
All materials must be complete before submission. Incomplete applications are not processed.
Fees for Form 77073S
Fees are non-refundable and payable to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles by money order, certified check, or company check:
- Original Instructor/Agent Certificate: $25.00
- Renewal Instructor/Agent Certificate: $10.00
- Duplicate Instructor/Agent Card: $2.00 (requires affidavit that the original was physically destroyed)
These fees are set by Florida Statute 488.04 and confirmed on the form itself.
How to Complete and Submit Form 77073S?
- Download the official PDF: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/77073s.pdf.
- Type the information into the form fields for accuracy, then print it.
- Complete all sections: general information, driver information, education/training, work experience, and signature.
- Gather all required attachments and the correct fee.
- Mail the complete package to:
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Motorist Compliance
Neil Kirkman Building, Mail Stop 39
2900 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0570
Do not submit incomplete packages. The Department will not process applications missing documents or fees.
Renewal Process and Important Deadlines
Instructor certificates are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually using the same Form 77073S.
Critical rule: Renewal applications must be received by the Department at least 45 days before the certificate expires. Late renewals are not accepted, and the certificate will not be renewed. In that case, you must submit a new original application with the $25 fee and full supporting documentation.
Renewals require the 8-hour DITC refresher (or equivalent) if applicable, updated photos if required, and the $10 fee.
Where to Take the Required Driver Instructor Training Course (DITC)?
The 32-hour DITC (and 8-hour refresher) must be completed through a Department-approved provider. Official FLHSMV listings include organizations such as:
- Florida Safety Council
- Sunshine Safety Council
- Suncoast Safety Council
- Tampa Area Safety Council
- Jtech Institute (for commercial motor vehicle instructors)
- Other approved sites listed on the FLHSMV commercial driving schools page
Contact providers directly for schedules, as courses may be offered only a few times per year. DPAS testing sites are also listed on the official FLHSMV page for temporary certification options.
For the most current list of approved training providers, visit the official FLHSMV page: How Do I Start a Commercial Driving School?
What Happens After Submission?
Once FLHSMV receives a complete application, it reviews the materials, including the fingerprint results and driving record. If approved, the instructor certificate or agent identification card is issued. Instructors must carry the certificate in the instructional vehicle at all times while providing driving instruction.
The certificate is valid only for the specific school(s) listed on it. Changing schools requires notification and possibly a new application.
Denial, suspension, or revocation can occur for violations of Chapter 488 or Rule 15A-11, poor driving records, or disqualifying criminal history.
Related Forms and Resources
- Commercial Driving School License Application – Form 77074S
- Vehicle Registration for Commercial Driving School – Form 77071S
- Student Contract – Form 77072S
- Florida Administrative Code Rule 15A-11 (Driver Training School)
- Chapter 488, Florida Statutes
All forms and rules are available on the official FLHSMV website: FLHSMV Forms and Rule 15A-11 PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without being employed by a school?
No. A letter of employment or authorization from a licensed school owner is required (except for owners who are also applying as instructors).
How long is the background check valid?
Fingerprint results are typically valid for two years when emailed to FLHSMV.
What if my renewal is late?
You must submit a full original application with the $25 fee.
Is the form the same for agents and instructors?
Yes. Form 77073S covers both. Agent applications require the financial agreement in addition to standard documents.
Where can I get help?
Contact the FLHSMV Bureau of Motorist Compliance or refer to the official commercial driving schools section of the FLHSMV website for the latest guidance.
Conclusion
Florida HSMV Form 77073S is the essential first step for anyone seeking to instruct or act as an agent at a commercial driving school in the state. By meeting the age, license, driving record, training (DITC), background check, and employment requirements, and by submitting a complete application with the correct fee at least 45 days before any renewal deadline, you can obtain the necessary certification.
Always download the form and verify current requirements directly from official FLHSMV sources, as rules and approved training providers can be updated. Start the process early to allow time for training, fingerprinting, and processing.