How much does CDL training cost in Palatka, FL?

CDL training in Palatka, 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 Palatka?

Most CDL training programs in Palatka 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 Palatka, FL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Palatka 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 Palatka 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 19 verified training programs serving the Palatka, Florida area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Palatka, FL

Name: CDL Schools in Palatka, FL
Creator: CDL Schools USA
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Palatka?We have identified 19 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Palatka area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

19 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Palatka, 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

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Palatka, FL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Palatka, 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 Palatka area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

19 CDL Schools Near Palatka

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Top Picks in Palatka

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

National Training Inc

Green Cove Springs, FL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

St Augustine, FL

DeLand, FL

47.3 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Palatka, 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 Palatka, 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 Palatka?

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 Palatka

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 Palatka: 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 Palatka

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Jacksonville	Class AClass BHazmat
ACP CDL LEARNING ACADEMY LLC FMCSA Verified	Orange Park	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
BlueTriton brands Ready Refresh FMCSA Verified	Ocala	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
City of Jacksonville Fleet Management FMCSA Verified	Jacksonville	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Cypress Truck Lines FMCSA Verified	Jacksonville	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	Green Cove Springs	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Flagler Schools Transportation FMCSA Verified	Palm Coast	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes
FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Daytona FMCSA Verified	Daytona Beach	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Ocala FMCSA Verified	Ocala	Class A	Evening Classes
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind FMCSA Verified	St Augustine	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Florida State College at Jacksonville FMCSA Verified	Jacksonville	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.
Florida Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Jacksonville	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening Classes
Just a cruizin FMCSA Verified	DeLand	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Marion Technical College FMCSA Verified	Ocala	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
National Training Inc FMCSA Verified	Green Cove Springs	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Palatka

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 Palatka

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 Palatka, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

DOT Reasonable Suspicion Hazmat Awareness Hazmat Recurrent Defensive Driving HIPAA for Couriers Heat Stress & Slip/Trip Dry Ice Handling HOS / ELD Compliance Lithium Battery Shipping Bloodborne Pathogens Cargo Securement FSMA Sanitary Transport Forklift Certification

View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Palatka

How long does CDL training take in Palatka?

CDL training programs in Palatka, 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 Palatka without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Palatka 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 Palatka 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 Palatka?

The Palatka, 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 Palatka and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Florida

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Guide

CDL Schools in Palatka, FL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Palatka, FL

How should students compare CDL schools in Palatka, FL?

19 CDL Schools Near Palatka

Top Picks in Palatka

National Training Inc

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

National Training Inc

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

North Florida Technical College

North Florida CDL Training Inc

Flagler Schools Transportation

Marion Technical College

BlueTriton brands Ready Refresh

Florida State College at Jacksonville

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Ocala

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Daytona

Just a cruizin

160 Driving Academy

Roadmaster Drivers School (JAX)

Sage Truck Driving Schools-Jacksonville

Florida Truck Driving School

Cypress Truck Lines

CDL Training in Palatka, Florida

Why Get CDL Training Near Palatka?

CDL Training Costs in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Palatka

Compare CDL Schools in Palatka

Tuition Costs in Palatka

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Florida

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Palatka

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Palatka

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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