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.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

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 Fort Lauderdale, FL?

CDL training in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Most CDL training programs in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 9 verified training programs serving the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area.

PORT ACCESS

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

NO STATE TAX

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

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

Get your Class A CDL in Fort Lauderdale. Train for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT container hauling plus tourism and seasonal freight. We've identified 9 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

9 Training Programs

Port Container Hauling

Doubles/Triples

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 182,760

Why Fort Lauderdale Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Florida's ports are among the busiest in the US. PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT handle billions in cargo annually. CDL drivers in Fort Lauderdale with TWIC cards and intermodal experience earn 20-30% more than standard OTR. Florida's year-round construction boom also creates constant demand for flatbed and heavy-haul drivers. Choose a Fort Lauderdale school that prepares you for Florida's diverse freight economy.

Port Container Hauling

Doubles/Triples

Year-Round Schedules

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Fort Lauderdale, 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

9 CDL Schools Near Fort Lauderdale

Bartlett Tree Experts Oakland Park FL

Oakland Park, FL

3.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Academy Bus, LLC

Dania Beach, FL

4.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Central Charter School

Lauderdale Lakes, FL

5.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

7079 - Hallandale Beach, FL

Hallandale Beach, FL

9.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Sheridan Technical College

Fort Lauderdale, FL

18.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MIA

Medley, FL

21.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

<p>Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale

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 Fort Lauderdale: 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 Fort Lauderdale

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 9 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
7079 - Hallandale Beach, FL FMCSA Verified	Hallandale Beach	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Academy Bus, LLC FMCSA Verified	Dania Beach	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Bartlett Tree Experts Oakland Park FL FMCSA Verified	Oakland Park	Class AClass BHazmatTanker		View Details
Central Charter School FMCSA Verified	Lauderdale Lakes	Class AClass BTanker		View Details
City of Parkland FMCSA Verified	Parkland	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
FedEx Freight MDL FMCSA Verified	Medley	Class A		View Details
MIA FMCSA Verified	Medley	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
shekinah One Driving School and Traffic Inc FMCSA Verified	Boynton Beach	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Sheridan Technical College FMCSA Verified	Fort Lauderdale	Class AHazmat		View Details

Tuition Costs in Fort Lauderdale

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.

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

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DOT Physicals Near Fort Lauderdale

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

2401 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

(954) 772-4900

4.8

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic

2001 W Sample Rd, Pompano Beach

(866) 389-2727

4.6

$89-$139

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic

3080 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

(866) 389-2727

4.5

$89-$139

Walk-ins OK

View All 50 Clinics in Fort Lauderdale All Locations

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

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Fort Lauderdale

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 Fort Lauderdale

How long does CDL training take in Fort Lauderdale?

CDL training programs in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale?

The Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale 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

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

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

Quick Stats

Why Fort Lauderdale Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Fort Lauderdale, FL

9 CDL Schools Near Fort Lauderdale

Bartlett Tree Experts Oakland Park FL

Academy Bus, LLC

Central Charter School

7079 - Hallandale Beach, FL

Sheridan Technical College

MIA

CDL Training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Why Get CDL Training Near Fort Lauderdale?

CDL Training Costs in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Fort Lauderdale

Compare CDL Schools in Fort Lauderdale

Tuition Costs in Fort Lauderdale

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Florida

DOT Physicals Near Fort Lauderdale

Concentra Urgent Care

CVS MinuteClinic

CVS MinuteClinic

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Fort Lauderdale

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Fort Lauderdale

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)

Related Resources

DriveSchoolHub.com

CDLSchoolsUSA.com