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 19 verified training programs serving the Clearwater, Florida area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Clearwater, FL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Clearwater?We have identified 19 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Clearwater area (Pop: 10,000).

Quick Stats

19 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 10,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clearwater, 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
19

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Clearwater, FL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Clearwater, FL should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 19 training programsserving the Clearwater area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

19 CDL Schools Near Clearwater

Top Picks in Clearwater

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Florida Truckers Institute, Inc.

New Port Richey, FL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey

New Port Richey, FL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL

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Florida Truckers Institute, Inc.

New Port Richey, FL
19.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey

New Port Richey, FL
21.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL
26.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Spring Hill, FL
36.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Plant City, FL
40.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Traffic School Tampa Bay

Clearwater, FL
In Clearwater
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

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Know The Rule Driving School

Clearwater, FL
In Clearwater
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Visit Website

Champion Truck Driving School

Largo, FL
5.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Snteov inc

Largo, FL
6.2 miles away

CDL Training of Tampa

Tampa, FL
15.2 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Commercial Vehicle Driving Program - PTC

St. Petersburg, FL
16.1 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

160 Driving Academy

Tampa, FL
21.5 miles away

1ST Class CDL Truck Training

Tampa, FL
22.4 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

160 Driving Academy

Tampa, FL
22.4 miles away

Tampa Truck Driving School

Tampa, FL
24.1 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Roadmaster Drivers School (TPA)

Tampa, FL
24.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Bradenton

Bradenton, FL
38.8 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Florida Big Rig Academy

Mulberry, FL
47.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Career Tech LLC

LAKELAND, FL
47.9 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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CDL Training in Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater, Florida has 19 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Florida's year-round construction boom and three major ports create constant CDL driver demand, plus no state income tax means drivers keep more earnings. Average CDL driver salary in Florida is about $54,600 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $78,000. The port logistics, construction & tourism sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Clearwater, and major freight corridors such as I-95/I-75/Florida Turnpike connect graduates to local, regional, and long-haul work. Every school listed on this page is tied to FMCSA Training Provider Registry review, which matters because ELDT completion must come from a registered provider before a first-time CDL applicant can take the skills test.

Why Get CDL Training Near Clearwater?

  • 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 Clearwater

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 Clearwater: 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 JobsGet Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Clearwater

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
160 Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Tampa
Class AClass BHazmat
160 Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Tampa
Class AClass BHazmat
1ST Class CDL Truck Training
FMCSA Verified
Tampa
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Career Tech LLC
FMCSA Verified
LAKELAND
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Evening Classes
CDL Training of Tampa
FMCSA Verified
Tampa
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Champion Truck Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Largo
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Commercial Vehicle Driving Program - PTC
FMCSA Verified
St. Petersburg
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Spring Hill
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
View Details
FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Bradenton
FMCSA Verified
Bradenton
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
New Port Richey
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
View Details
Florida Big Rig Academy
FMCSA Verified
Mulberry
Class AHazmat
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
New Port Richey
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
View Details
Clearwater
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.
View Details
Mister CDL Inc
FMCSA Verified
Thonotosassa
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
View Details
Roadmaster Drivers School (TPA)
FMCSA Verified
Tampa
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes

Tuition Costs in Clearwater

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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More in Florida

DOT Physicals Near Clearwater

Required for your CDL medical card

Transportation Medicine

14004 Roosevelt Blvd Ste G604, Clearwater
(727) 648-2402
5

Elephant Healthcare

3551 42nd Ave S STE B107, St. Petersburg
(813) 309-0363
5

AFC Urgent Care Clearwater

2650 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater
(727) 754-2657
4.8
View All 50 Clinics in ClearwaterAll Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Clearwater

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

Find FLHSMV Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Clearwater, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

DOT Reasonable SuspicionHazmat AwarenessHazmat RecurrentDefensive DrivingHIPAA for CouriersHeat Stress & Slip/TripDry Ice HandlingHOS / ELD ComplianceLithium Battery ShippingBloodborne PathogensCargo SecurementFSMA Sanitary TransportForklift Certification
View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clearwater

How long does CDL training take in Clearwater?
CDL training programs in Clearwater, 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 Clearwater without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater?
The Clearwater, 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 Clearwater and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

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Related Resources

CDL Practice Tests by StatePaid CDL Training ProgramsFMCSA School Verification GuideTruck Driver Salary by StateVerify a CDL School