Show
Are you considering getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Florida? If you’re looking for a well-paid, in-demand career in trucking, earning a CDL license and becoming a truck driver may be the right career path for you. This page explores the requirements for earning a CDL license in Florida, including the classes you can take, how to pay for training, and resources that can help you get started on your new career path as a commercial truck driver. CDL A Requirements in FloridaA CDL license allows you to drive large commercial trucks. The CDL Class A license is the highest class and permits drivers to operate trucks weighing more than 26,001 pounds or towing a unit weighing over 10,000 pounds. To earn your CDL A license in Florida, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
After meeting these requirements, you can obtain a six-month learner’s permit, which allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. If you’re not already in a program, you’ll want to enroll in CDL training to learn how to drive a commercial truck. Once you’ve completed training, you may take a skills test covering vehicle inspections, basic control, and on-road skills. Note that the permit is good for up to six months, but you cannot take the skills test until at least 14 days have passed. Once you meet all these requirements, you’ll pay the fee to obtain your CDL license. Government employees, such as those working for schools, may receive a discount on CDL fees. What Disqualifies You From Getting a CDL in Florida?You may be disqualified from getting a CDL license if you don’t yet meet Florida’s CDL requirements or if you’re convicted of serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence. CDL holders must maintain a clean driving record and adhere to state traffic laws to operate large trucks safely. However, if you’ve been convicted of a felony or other driving-related offense, you may be disqualified from getting a CDL. Other traffic violations may disqualify you from holding or obtaining a CDL license in Florida. For example, if you’re convicted of two of the following offenses within three years, you are no longer eligible for a CDL:
Serious offenses, such as driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash, using a vehicle to commit a felony, or causing a fatality due to negligence, can also result in the revocation of your CDL if you already hold one—sometimes for a lifetime. CDL Training Classes in FloridaA good CLD training course will cover all the skills and knowledge you need to pass the CDL skills and knowledge tests and operate a tractor-trailer safely. The exact courses and curriculum may vary by school or course, but generally cover:
If you choose a company-sponsored CDL training program, you might also learn company-specific policies, such as how to fill out their paperwork or operate their equipment. In February 2022, the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements go into effect, which means all CDL A applicants must obtain training from a provider listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Training Provider Registry. If you’re planning to obtain your CDL on or after February 7, ensure your course provider is on the list before beginning classes or paying tuition. How Much Does CDL Training Cost in Florida?Aspiring truck drivers can expect to spend between $3,000 and $7,000 to attend an independent CDL school. However, CDL training at community colleges often costs less than private schools. For example, the CDL A program at Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College costs just under $1,900 for a 13-week program. You may also be able to find a local, company-paid training course with a trucking company, which generally covers tuition costs. Upon completion, you are usually guaranteed a job and must work for an agreed-upon amount of time to “pay off” the cost of training. How Long Does It Take to Get a Class A CDL in Florida?It takes between two and six months to earn your CDL license in the state of Florida, depending on if you attend a full-time or part-time program. Part-time programs often take several months to complete as you attend classes fewer hours per day. However, you may be able to continue working while attending part-time courses, which can help you pay for the CDL training. How to Pay for Truck Driving School in FloridaThe lowest out-of-pocket way to pay for truck driving school is to attend a company-paid training program. They may cover the course cost and pay a small stipend while you’re training. However, these courses may require travel if there isn’t one in your local area, and they can be quite competitive. If you can’t find a company-sponsored CDL program, financial aid resources are available for Florida students. These include:
Veterans and children or spouses of veterans may be eligible for additional discounts, grants, or scholarships. How to Choose the Best CDL Training ProgramChoosing the right CDL training program can make the difference between landing a high-paying job with a trusted company or struggling to find steady work as a truck driver. Not all CDL schools are equal, so don’t automatically choose the cheapest option without significant research. Carefully investigate each school. Ask questions about payments and refund policies and how many graduates are employed. Here are a few more tips for finding the right Florida CDL training program for you:
Resources for Truck Driving Students in FloridaFlorida Trucking Jobs Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Florida Trucking Association Florida Commercial Driver License Manual Truck Driving Schools Near Me
Florida Truck Driving SchoolsRoadmaster Drivers School 6000 Cinderlane Parkway Sponsored Roadmaster Drivers School 11300 4th Street North Suite 200 Sponsored Roadmaster Drivers School 5025 Orient Road Sponsored Roadmaster Drivers School 1409 Pickettville Road Sponsored 160 Driving Academy - Jacksonville 1st Class CDL Truck Training - Tampa American Trucking - Opa Locka AmeriLatino CDL Services - Miami Better Roads Training Center - Kissimmee Bradford Union Vocational-Technical - Starke CDL Recruiting Center - Kissimmee CDL Technical & Motorcycle Driving School - Hialeah Gardens CDL Technical & Motorcycle Driving School - Miami Classic Traffic School - Fort Myers Flagler Technical College - Bunnell Fleet Force - Winter Haven FleetForce Truck Driving School - Winter Haven Florida CDL - Haines City Florida Coast Career Tech - Jacksonville Florida Panhandle Technical College - Chipley Florida State College at Jacksonville - Jacksonville FSCJ Cecil Center - Jacksonville Indian River State College - Fort Pierce Interstate Truck Driving School - Crystal River J Tech Institute - Jacksonville Marion Technical College - Ocala Metropolitan Trucking and Technical Institute - Miami Metropolitan Trucking and Technical Institute - West Palm Beach Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College - Miami Lakes Mid Florida Tech - Orlando National Training Truck School - Green Cove Springs National Truck Drivers School - Jacksonville National Truck Driving School - Green Cove Springs North Florida College - Madison North Florida Technical College - Starke Orange Technical College - Orlando Pensacola State College - Pensacola Pinellas Technical College - St. Petersburg RoadPro CDL Training - Haines City Roehl Transport - Jacksonville Sage Truck Driving School - Plant City San Jose Trucking School - Punta Gorda Sheridan Technical Center - Pembroke Pines Soler & Soler Hauling - Miami South Florida Community College - Avon Park South Florida State College Truck Driving Academy - Avon Park Suncoast Trucking Academy - Punta Gorda Sunstate Academy - Jacksonville Swift Transportation - Ocala Tallahassee Community College - Tallahassee Tampa Truck Driving School - Tampa TDI Truck Driver Institute - Milton TDI Truck Driver Institute - Sanford Truck Driving Academy - Miami Truckmaster CDL Training and Testing - Apopka Valencia College - Orlando Werner Enterprises - Jacksonville How much is a CDL permit in Florida?CDL Fees by State. How much does it cost to join CDL?Truck driving school costs and CDL fees will vary based upon the school you choose and where you live, but the total cost typically falls somewhere between $3,000 and $10,000.
How long does it take to get a CDL license in Florida?Obtaining a CDL can take as little as three weeks or as long as six months. But, on average, it takes about seven weeks to get a CDL when attending a full-time driver training program.
How much is a CDL license in AZ?The fees are: Class A or B permit, no endorsements: $25. Class C permit*: $12.50 (must have a P endorsement; HME not allowed on Class C permits) Duplicate permit: $2.
|