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 22 verified training programs serving the Tampa, Florida area.

PORT ACCESS
FMCSA VERIFIED 2025
NO STATE TAX

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

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

Get your Class A CDL in Tampa. Train for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT container hauling plus tourism and seasonal freight. We've identified 22 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

22 Training Programs
Port Container Hauling
Doubles/Triples
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 399,700

Why Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa school that prepares you for Florida's diverse freight economy.

Port Container Hauling
Doubles/Triples
Year-Round Schedules

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Tampa, 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
22

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Tampa, FL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Tampa, 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 22 training programsserving the Tampa area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

22 CDL Schools Near Tampa

Top Picks in Tampa

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Plant City, FL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey

New Port Richey, FL

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Mister CDL Inc

Thonotosassa, FL
10.4 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
23.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey

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

Protected from bots

Florida Truckers Institute, Inc.

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

Protected from bots

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

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

Protected from bots

Nations Traffic Safety School

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

Protected from bots

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All Florida Safety Institute

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

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Flex Traffic School

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

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Grace Adaptive Driving

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

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GCS Driving Academy

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

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Auto Safety Driving School

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

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Dui Counterattack School

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

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Ramlogan's Driving School

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

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Excellence Driving School

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

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Fgn Traffic & Driving School

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

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24-7 Traffic School

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

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160 Driving Academy

Tampa, FL
In Tampa

160 Driving Academy

Tampa, FL
In Tampa

1ST Class CDL Truck Training

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

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CDL Training of Tampa

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

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Showing 20 of 22 schools

CDL Training in Tampa, Florida

Tampa, Florida has 22 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. The port logistics, construction & tourism sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders, and major freight corridors such as I-95/I-75/Florida Turnpike connect new drivers to local, regional, and interstate opportunities. Average CDL driver salary in Florida is about $54,600 per year, with experienced drivers earning up to $78,000.

Why Get CDL Training Near Tampa?

  • 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 Tampa

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 Tampa: 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 Tampa

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
160 Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
160 Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
1ST Class CDL Truck Training
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
24-7 Traffic School
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
CDL Training of Tampa
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Flex Traffic School
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
GCS Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Tampa

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.

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DOT Physicals Near Tampa

Required for your CDL medical card

Quick Care & DOT physicals

1345 N Falkenburg Rd Office Space 3, Tampa
5

DOT Physical Medical Group

2130 W Brandon Blvd Ste. 104, Brandon
5

$79 DOT Physicals at Gulf Coast Health Tampa

2130 W Brandon Blvd Ste. 104, Brandon
5

💡 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 Tampa

9550 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33626

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Tampa Driver License Office. CDL testing by appointment

Visit Tampa CDL FLHSMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Tampa

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