Truck Driving Schools in Florida
If you want to explore a career in commercial truck driving, Florida is a great state to live in. There are 36 schools in Florida that offer commercial truck driving courses, including truck driving academies, county schools, technical institutes, and education centers. This means that no matter where you live in Florida, you're probably close to a truck driving training center. The average cost of tuition for one of these programs is $2893. Truck driving programs often qualify for federal financial aid, so by filling out the FAFSA you can find out what federal loans and grants you are eligible for. The average is scholarship award in Florida is $1264, and the average student loan amount is $3596.
Attending CDL School in Florida
While the average class size in Florida is 19 students, you may not be working with that many students for the entirety of your program. Most programs in Florida take between eight and 12 weeks if you plan on earning a Class A commercial driver's license. If you plan on earning a Class B or Class C driver's license, your program may be shorter. The first few weeks of the program include preparation for the written driving exam and education on driving laws in Florida. The second half of the program involves practicing your driving skills in a truck.
- Job placement assistance after graduation
- 3-4 week, Quality truck driver training
- Automatics available
After completing your truck driving course, the next step is to get your commercial drivers license from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. You have to take a series of tests, and the specific tests you take depend on which class of driving license you are applying for. If you successfully pass all of your knowledge tests, the next step is the driving test. You have to demonstrate your knowledge in three areas: pre-trip, basic skills, and driving. Once you've successfully completed all of your exams, you can get your commercial driver's license. For any other questions regarding licensure contact the Florida DMV, the guide to the Florida DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles covering drivers license, auto insurance, car registration, traffic school and more.
Finding Trucking Jobs in Florida
Truck driving is a great career to get into right now, because the demand for truck drivers is growing very fast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job openings for truck drivers are expected to increase by 21% between 2010 and 2020. In Florida, demand for truck drivers is expected to increase by 13% between 2010 and 2020, according to O*Net.
Becoming a truck driver can help you significantly increase your income. In Florida, most truck drivers earn between $22,300 per year and $54,700 per year (O*Net, 2012). The median income for Florida truck drivers is $34,500 per year (O*Net, 2012). The amount you earn depends on how much time you spend on the road, your experience, and seniority.
Top Trucking Companies in Florida
There are many places where you can work as a truck driver in Florida. Most new graduates choose to apply for both in-state driving jobs and interstate driving jobs. If you get an in-state driving job, you may be able to return home every night. These jobs may be more difficult to find, because they tend to receive more applications. If you work for an interstate truck driving company, you may drive within your region or even throughout the country. Some of the largest truck driver employers in Florida are C.R. England, Towne Air Freight, Trimac Group, and Best Drivers.
Florida is a very popular state to live in, for many reasons. Florida tends to have very affordable real estate, possibly allowing you to purchase a much larger house than you could buy in other parts of the country for the same amount of money. The cost of living in Florida is about 4% lower than the national average, according to Sperling's Best Places. Lots of truck driving jobs are based in or near large cities, including Jacksonville, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, or Miami. However, many suburban community is give you quick and easy access to larger cities. With Disneyland and Orlando Theme Park among its attractions, Florida is a wonderful state for young families.