If you’re interested in a truck-driving career in the Sunshine State, you’ll need to receive CDL training first. While there are plenty of trucking companies that train new drivers, many people prefer to go to independent schools so that they have the freedom to choose where they work after they graduate.
If you want to keep your options open until you get your CDL, here are five of the best places to receive CDL training in Florida.
Quicklook: Best CDL Training Schools in Florida
- Tampa Truck Driving School – Match Now
- RoadMaster Drivers School – Match Now
- Cypress Truck Lines – Match Now
- Miami Lakes Educational Center – Match Now
- Bradford-Union Technical Center – Match Now
5 Best CDL Training Programs in Florida
Now that you know the ins and outs of CDL training in Florida, let’s turn our attention to the top 5 schools in the Sunshine State. Our picks are:
Tampa Truck Driving School
The Tampa Truck Driving School has nearly 500 Google reviews and a stellar 4.9 rating. They offer an expedited three-week program so that you can get to work sooner. You even get to choose your own start date!
Cost: $6,000 tuition + $512.50 in additional fees
Program Length: 3 weeks
Financial Assistance: Financing available
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, they partner with companies such as:
- Stevens Transport
- Total Transportation
- U.S. Xpress
Class Size: Varies
Job Placement: Yes
Online Course: No
CDL Licenses: Class A
RoadMaster Drivers School
RoadMaster Drivers School offers CDL training in Florida and dozens of other states across the nation. They are known for their small class sizes and exceptional training programs.
Cost: $7,000
Program Length: 4 weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, they partner with many top truck driving companies that offer tuition reimbursement. Inquire within.
Class Size: 15-20
Job Placement: Yes
Online Course: No
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Cypress Truck Lines
If you want to be paid while you attend CDL training in Florida, then you may want to consider Cypress Truck Lines. They offer a CDL school for new hires and follow-up on-the-road training. They have small class sizes and even provide student lodging.
Cost: Free
Program Length: 4-week CDL training and 7-week OTR training
Financial Assistance: N/A
Tuition Reimbursement: N/A
Class Size: 6 to 10
Job Placement: Yes
Online Course: No
CDL Licenses: Class A
Miami Lakes Educational Center
Miami Lakes Educational Center offers the longest CDL training program of any school on our list. They provide students with an extremely thorough training experience. It is also one of the cheapest options on our list.
Cost: $2,340
Program Length: 13 weeks (24 hours per week)
Financial Assistance: Yes
Tuition Reimbursement: No
Class Size: 20
Job Placement: No
Online Course: No
CDL Licenses: Class A
Bradford-Union Technical Center
Our last choice offers a happy medium between the fast-paced CDL schools and the three-month program offered by Miami Lakes. Bradford-Union Technical Center has an 8-week CDL course that is both informative and affordable.
Cost: Contact the school for current program costs.
Program Length: 8 weeks (10 hours per day, 4 days per week)
Financial Assistance: Check with local and nationwide trucking companies to see if they offer tuition reimbursement.
Tuition Reimbursement: No
Class Size: Varies
Job Placement: No
Online Course: No
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
How Does CDL Training in Florida Work?
A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. A CDL is required when you’ll be operating certain types of vehicles, including:
- Vehicles with a GCWR above 26,000 lbs
- Vehicles with a CVWR rating above 26,000 lbs
- Vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding
- Vehicles that can transport 16 or more passengers
In order to get your CDL in Florida, you’ll need to receive training and pass a test. The test includes both multiple-choice questions and practical demonstrations.
Once you have your CDL, you will be able to apply for jobs that require you to operate commercial motor vehicles.
The initial earning potential for a CDL driver in Florida is approximately $45,000. However, many drivers make much more than this, with top earners bringing in over $68,000 a year.
Florida Trucking School Facts & Figures
Before you start pursuing CDL training in Florida, it is important to know a little bit about the industry. To help, we’ve compiled some key facts and figures about trucking schools in the Sunshine State.
Number of Schools
There are dozens of schools that provide CDL training in Florida. However, 40 schools have dedicated diesel technology programs that focus on helping individuals to obtain CDL licenses.
Number of Students per Class
The average number of students in a CDL training class is 19. When you’re signing up for CDL training in Florida, it is important to find a program that offers a good student-to-instructor ratio.
Tuition Rates
Tuition rates vary greatly in Florida. The average tuition is approximately $5,000, but this figure includes loans and scholarships. Before factoring in these discounts, the actual tuition of CDL training in Florida is approximately $10,000
Average Loan Amount
Most students take out a loan to cover at least a portion of their CDL training. The average loan amount is approximately $6,000.
Scholarships
There are quite a few scholarships available for CDL training in Florida. Many companies will offer students scholarships if they agree to work for that business upon graduation from a program. These scholarships are usually around $3,000.
Job Placement
Many CDL schools in Florida offer job placement assistance. They partner with local and regional companies in order to help students find jobs before they graduate from the program.
Florida Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
After you complete CDL training in Florida, you will have plenty of opportunities to find work. Some employment facts and figures are outlined below.
Employment
Florida has a huge demand for more truck drivers. As a result, it is easy for most people to find a job after they complete their CDL training.
There are roughly 88,980 truck drivers in Florida. The state needs a total of 92,500 to meet shipping demands, according to BLS data, which means that there are over 3,000 statewide trucking jobs available.
Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
FreightCenter | $63,971 | 250 |
WEL Companies | $50,000 | 750 |
Davis Express | $67,780 | 200 |
Carroll Fulmer Logistics | $45,240 | 344 |
LFS | $57,000 | 217 |
Salary
The average salary of a truck driver in Florida is:
Weekly: $1,562
Monthly: $6,727
Yearly: $81,264
Enroll Now and Start Your New Career
Now that you’re familiar with the best options for attending CDL training in Florida, it’s time to enroll in a program and take your first step to a rewarding career as a professional driver. Once you’ve completed your program and obtained your CDL, you’ll be ready to hit the road.
When searching for a prospective employer, make sure to evaluate the trucking companies with the best benefits. This process will help you weigh your choices against factors like pay and time at home.
FAQ
CDL training in Florida ranges from free to $7,000 or more. While free programs are appealing, these options require you to commit to working for a specific company for a period of one year or more. However, free programs are a great option if you can’t afford to fund your own training and are eager to start your new career.
The general knowledge test for your Florida CDL includes 50 total questions. You have one hour to complete the test and must achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass.
CDL training in Florida can last as little as three weeks or as long as three months, depending on which program you attend. Longer programs will provide more extensive training and are usually a good option for less-experienced drivers. However, condensed programs will still teach you all the essential skills you need to safely operate a commercial truck.
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