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 43 verified training programs serving the Lake Wales, Florida area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Lake Wales, FL

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Lake Wales?We have identified 43 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Lake Wales area (Pop: 25,000).

Quick Stats

43 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 25,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Lake Wales, 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
43

43 CDL Schools Near Lake Wales

CDL Training Market in Lake Wales, FL (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

  • Active Schools5
  • ELDT Verified5
  • Average Tuition$3,500
  • Starting From$3,500
  • Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Lake Wales have access to 5 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $3,500 up to premium programs around $7,000.

Many schools in Lake Wales offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Top Picks in Lake Wales

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Red Hills Landworks, LLC

Tallahassee, FL

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Miller's Tree Service, LLC.

Tallahassee, FL

Call Now
#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Miller's Tree Service

Tallahassee, FL

Call Now

Red Hills Landworks, LLC

Tallahassee, FL
3.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Miller's Tree Service, LLC.

Tallahassee, FL
7.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Miller's Tree Service

Tallahassee, FL
8.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

PWNA-Tallahasse

Tallahassee, FL
8.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Tallahassee, FL
10.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Central Transport - 323

Tallahassee, FL
11.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bartlett Tree Experts Tallahassee FL

Tallahassee, FL
12 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Tallahassee Community College - Transportation & Logistics Center of Excellence

Tallahassee, FL
13.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Leon County Schools Transportation

Tallahassee, FL
13.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Training Academy and Consultant Services, LLC

Tallahassee, FL
16.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

TLHR

Tallahassee, FL
16.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gadsden Technical College

Quincy, FL
17 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Thomas R. Willis

Cairo, GA
17 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Grady County Board of Education

Cairo, GA
17.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Driving Academy

Quincy, FL
18.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL MENTORS TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL of FLORIDA

Quincy, FL
18.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hawkins inc. Thomasville GA

Thomasville, GA
22.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Southern Regional Technical College - Bainbridge Campus

Bainbridge, GA
23.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Blue Bell Creameries - Tallahassee

Thomasville, GA
23.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Thomasville City School

Thomasville, GA
23.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 38 schools

CDL Training in Lake Wales, Florida

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Lake Wales, FL</strong> offers <strong>43 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in FL earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Lake Wales schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Lake Wales?

  • 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.

Trucking Jobs Near Lake Wales

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 Lake Wales: 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.

Compare CDL Schools in Lake Wales

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Brooks County Schools
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Evening Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Evening Classes
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AHazmat
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Class ATanker
Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Lake Wales

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.

Need Help Choosing?

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

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Lake Wales

Required for your CDL medical card

WorkMed Occupational Health - North Tallahassee

5611 Market St, Tallahassee
5
$115-$200
Walk-ins OK

Physicians Immediate Care - West Tallahassee

2319 First St, Tallahassee
4.8
$92-$152
Walk-ins OK

TruckDoc Medical - South Tallahassee

4511 Second St, Tallahassee
4.3
$85-$161
Walk-ins OK

💡 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 Lake Wales

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 Lake Wales

How long does CDL training take in Lake Wales?
CDL training programs in Lake Wales, 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 Lake Wales without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales?
The Lake Wales, 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.