How much does CDL training cost in Palmetto, FL?

CDL training in Palmetto, 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 Palmetto?

Most CDL training programs in Palmetto 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 Palmetto, FL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Palmetto 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 Palmetto 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 16 verified training programs serving the Palmetto, Florida area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Palmetto, FL

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Palmetto?We have identified 16 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Palmetto area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

16 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Palmetto, 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 Palmetto, FL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Palmetto, 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 16 training programsserving the Palmetto area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

16 CDL Schools Near Palmetto

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Top Picks in Palmetto

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Venice

Venice, FL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Plant City, FL

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FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Venice

Venice, FL

36.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL

39.3 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

45.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Bradenton

Bradenton, FL

6.3 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Commercial Vehicle Driving Program - PTC

St. Petersburg, FL

17.5 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Tampa Truck Driving School

Tampa, FL

27.6 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Champion Truck Driving School

Largo, FL

28.5 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Snteov inc

Largo, FL

29.2 miles away

160 Driving Academy

Tampa, FL

30.2 miles away

1ST Class CDL Truck Training

Tampa, FL

31.9 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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CDL Training of Tampa

Tampa, FL

33.7 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Roadmaster Drivers School (TPA)

Tampa, FL

34.5 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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160 Driving Academy

Tampa, FL

37.7 miles away

Gulf Coast CDL Training

North Port, FL

38 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Florida Big Rig Academy

Mulberry, FL

43.7 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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South Florida State College

Bowling Green, FL

46.5 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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CDL Training in Palmetto, Florida

Palmetto, Florida has 16 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 Palmetto, 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 Palmetto?

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 Palmetto

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 Palmetto: 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.

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Compare CDL Schools in Palmetto

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
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
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
FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Bradenton FMCSA Verified	Bradenton	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Venice FMCSA Verified	Venice	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Florida Big Rig Academy FMCSA Verified	Mulberry	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Gulf Coast CDL Training FMCSA Verified	North Port	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
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
SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL FMCSA Verified	Plant City	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Snteov inc FMCSA Verified	Largo	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
South Florida State College FMCSA Verified	Bowling Green	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.

Tuition Costs in Palmetto

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

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DOT Physicals Near Palmetto

Required for your CDL medical card

Easy DOT Physical Exam

2831 Ringling Blvd Ste F220, Sarasota

(941) 253-2530

1111DOT at Aurora Adult Primary Care

405 Interstate Blvd Ste C, Sarasota

(941) 312-1633

Elephant Healthcare

3551 42nd Ave S STE B107, St. Petersburg

(813) 309-0363

View All 43 Clinics in Palmetto All 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 Palmetto

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 Palmetto, 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 Palmetto

How long does CDL training take in Palmetto?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Palmetto 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 Palmetto 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 Palmetto?

The Palmetto, 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 Palmetto 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

CDL Schools in Palmetto, FL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Palmetto, FL

How should students compare CDL schools in Palmetto, FL?

16 CDL Schools Near Palmetto

Top Picks in Palmetto

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Venice

Mister CDL Inc

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Venice

Mister CDL Inc

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Bradenton

Commercial Vehicle Driving Program - PTC

Tampa Truck Driving School

Champion Truck Driving School

Snteov inc

160 Driving Academy

1ST Class CDL Truck Training

CDL Training of Tampa

Roadmaster Drivers School (TPA)

160 Driving Academy

Gulf Coast CDL Training

Florida Big Rig Academy

South Florida State College

CDL Training in Palmetto, Florida

Why Get CDL Training Near Palmetto?

CDL Training Costs in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Palmetto

Compare CDL Schools in Palmetto

Tuition Costs in Palmetto

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Florida

DOT Physicals Near Palmetto

Easy DOT Physical Exam

1111DOT at Aurora Adult Primary Care

Elephant Healthcare

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Palmetto

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Palmetto

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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