How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider.

How much does CDL training cost in Ocala, FL?

CDL training in Ocala, FL typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Ocala?

Most CDL training programs in Ocala take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Ocala, FL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Ocala area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Ocala is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 24 verified training programs serving the Ocala, Florida area.

PORT ACCESS

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Ocala CDL Schools: Port Access, Tourism Logistics & Year-Round Work

Florida's Non-Stop Freight Economy Creates $70K+ Careers in Ocala

Get your Class A CDL in Ocala. Train for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT container hauling plus tourism and seasonal freight. We've identified 24 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

24 Training Programs

Port Container Hauling

Doubles/Triples

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 63,591

Why Ocala Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Florida's freight economy never sleeps. Year-round construction, tourism logistics, agricultural exports, and a booming population create constant demand for CDL drivers in Ocala. With no state income tax, Florida CDL drivers keep more of their earnings. Many Ocala training programs offer accelerated schedules so you can start earning within weeks.

Port Container Hauling

Doubles/Triples

Year-Round Schedules

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Ocala, FL

CDL License Types

Class A, Class B, Class C

Average Training Cost

$3,000 – $8,000

Program Length

3-8 weeks

Weekend / Evening Options

Available at select schools

FMCSA Registration Required

Yes

Verified Schools

24 CDL Schools Near Ocala

Filter Results:

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Top Picks in Ocala

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

RIVERLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Dunnellon, FL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Outer Lane Enterprises, LLC

Micanopy, FL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department)

Hawthorne, FL

Call Now

RIVERLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Dunnellon, FL

18.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department)

Hawthorne, FL

22.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Federal Bureau of Prisons/ CDL Training Program

Wildwood, FL

23.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Citrus County Schools

Inverness, FL

27.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Interstate Commercial Driving School

Crystal River, FL

30.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Lake Sumter State College

Sumterville, FL

31.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

School Board of Levy County

Bronson, FL

35.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

sumter school district

Bushnell, FL

35.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

OLC - Lake County

Tavares, FL

35.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

F&H Contractors LLC.

Homosassa, FL

36.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Putnam County School

Palatka, FL

43.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Train 4 Less Brooksville

Brooksville, FL

45.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

OHE - Hernando

Brooksville, FL

46.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Professional Driver Training Institute

Minneola, FL

47.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Training in Ocala, Florida

<p>Ocala offers FL verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near Ocala?

Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
Financial Aid: Schools in Florida often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Florida

CDL training in Florida typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

View all CDL schools in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Ocala

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Florida

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Florida

Top employers hiring near Ocala: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Ocala

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
A Child’s Garden, Inc FMCSA Verified	Keystone Heights	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
affordable buildings llc FMCSA Verified	Brooksville	Class AHazmat	Weekend Classes	View Details
Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department) FMCSA Verified	Hawthorne	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Citrus County Schools FMCSA Verified	Inverness	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of Williston FMCSA Verified	Williston	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
F&H Contractors LLC. FMCSA Verified	Homosassa	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
F&W Plumbing Inc FMCSA Verified	Eustis	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Federal Bureau of Prisons/ CDL Training Program FMCSA Verified	Wildwood	Class AHazmatTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
Interstate Commercial Driving School FMCSA Verified	Crystal River	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Julcorp Limited Liability Co FMCSA Verified	Minneola	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Lake County - Public Works FMCSA Verified	Groveland	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Lake County - Public Works Theory FMCSA Verified	Tavares	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Lake County Transit FMCSA Verified	Tavares	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Lake County Transit Management FMCSA Verified	Tavares	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Lake Sumter State College FMCSA Verified	Sumterville	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Ocala

Avg. Private School

$6,500

Avg. Public School

$3,200

Price Range

$2,800 - $7,500

Florida has many 'CDL Mills' – warn users about unaccredited schools.

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CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Ocala

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local FLHSMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find FLHSMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Ocala

How long does CDL training take in Ocala?

CDL training programs in Ocala, FL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.

How much does CDL school cost in Florida?

CDL training costs in Florida range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.

Can I get a CDL in Ocala without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Ocala area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.

How do I know if a CDL school in Ocala is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.

Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?

Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.

Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Florida?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Florida: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.

Why is Florida good for new CDL drivers?

Florida offers several unique advantages for CDL drivers: no state income tax (higher take-home pay), year-round work with no seasonal slowdowns, three major ports (PortMiami, Port Everglades, JAXPORT) creating container hauling demand, constant construction creating flatbed/dump truck jobs, and tourism logistics requiring dedicated freight service. CDL drivers in Florida average $54,600/year, with port drivers earning up to $78,000.

What types of trucking jobs are available near Ocala?

The Ocala, FL area offers diverse trucking jobs: regional LTL freight along I-95/I-75, port drayage from Florida's major ports, construction hauling (Florida's building boom shows no signs of slowing), refrigerated transport for Florida's agriculture and food service industry, and tourism logistics supporting theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines. Many positions offer home-daily or home-weekly schedules.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Florida, including training programs in Ocala and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Florida

📋

Guide

Ocala CDL Schools: Port Access, Tourism Logistics & Year-Round Work

Florida's Non-Stop Freight Economy Creates $70K+ Careers in Ocala

Quick Stats

Why Ocala Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Ocala, FL

24 CDL Schools Near Ocala

Top Picks in Ocala

RIVERLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Outer Lane Enterprises, LLC

Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department)

RIVERLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department)

Federal Bureau of Prisons/ CDL Training Program

Citrus County Schools

Interstate Commercial Driving School

Lake Sumter State College

School Board of Levy County

sumter school district

OLC - Lake County

F&H Contractors LLC.

Putnam County School

Train 4 Less Brooksville

OHE - Hernando

Professional Driver Training Institute

CDL Training in Ocala, Florida

Why Get CDL Training Near Ocala?

CDL Training Costs in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Ocala

Compare CDL Schools in Ocala

Tuition Costs in Ocala

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Florida

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Ocala

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Ocala

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

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