FL CDL Class A costs

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mr.speaker, Jan 17, 2013.

  1. mr.speaker

    mr.speaker Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2012
    Tucson
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    I just wanted to share the costs involved getting my CDL Class A in the state of Florida to possibly help some new guys out .

    CDL Truck driving school 320 hrs(local Tech School) - $2900
    CDL Class A license - $81.25

    Endorsements

    HAZMAT - $7
    Doubles/Triples - $7
    Tanker - $7

    Background check for HAZMAT - $89.25
    Re-issue of CDL Class A after HAZMAT Endorsement - $31.xx

    Total = $3112.50 out of my pocket .

    Before going to a local school ,stop in your career center and see if they'll pay for it . I didn't qualify for some reason but I know of people that have got sent to various training courses free of charge.
     
    warrior81 and pokerhound67 Thank this.
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  3. pokerhound67

    pokerhound67 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 30, 2012
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    local tech school price was on the cheap side. industry average i read is around 4k. good info though. thanks on behalf of all considering this move. where you actually went to school might be helpful to those nearby looking for a good deal.
     
  4. crackinwise

    crackinwise Medium Load Member

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    Aug 21, 2011
    Central Florida
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    That school in Flagler is a good deal. The trade off is that classes are held a few times a year. The truck driving schools like roadmaster charge around 6k but they start new classes every week or so. If you are not in a bi hurry and can wait for the next class to start the tech school is the way to go.

    Mr Speaker how was the recruiting in Flagler? Did they have a lot of companies looking to hire you from their school?
     
  5. pharrari

    pharrari Light Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2012
    Sanford,FL
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    What is this re-issue fee? What the hell is that?
     
  6. dschmidt201

    dschmidt201 Light Load Member

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    Jan 6, 2012
    Chicago
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    You need to look around more I paid 2000 for my cel training 4 weeks 160 hours
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    320 hrs. vs 160 hrs. big difference when it comes to the number of companies that will hire.
     
  8. mr.speaker

    mr.speaker Light Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2012
    Tucson
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    3 companies came; CommCar, Werner, and Windy Hill. I don't think this school is "Buddied" up with any mega carriers so we didn't get a ton of recruiters.

    In Florida you can't get the HAZMAT endorsement on your permit because they won't do the background check until you get the full CDL. You can take the HAZMAT test anytime though and it's good for 30 days..So after you get the CDL then get the HAZMAT they re-issue you another license (Really just a revenue scam but we don't have a choice)

    Yeah but my school had 6 students with 3 trainers and we drove all over hell and back. We did more backing then most schools do going forward !! What did you learn in 4 weeks ? week 1 = book, week 2 = shifting/driving, week 3 = backing, week 4 = testing.. Those schools only teach you how to pass the DMV minimum standards,they don't teach crap about actually driving the truck ..We did night time driving, fog ,rain, traffic, cities, highway, went inside weight stations and met DOT officiers, backing at real docks,smith system,,etc,etc..What did you do at your 4 week school?
     
  9. dschmidt201

    dschmidt201 Light Load Member

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    Jan 6, 2012
    Chicago
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    I was just saying it seemed a little expensive I wasn't trying to bash you but I lucked up I was the only one in my class since two people failed the drug test and the other Person did not pay in time I feel like I received great training in my 4 weeks and I've been driving for 2 years now and have not been in an accident yet knock on wood
     
  10. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    Jan 18, 2011
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    Compared to many states fl is abargain--have many friends from other states pay 2x that or more just in fees& if u don't have haz- which I dropped in 05 fl issues multi year licenses depending on time driving and record--my last renewal in '11-was $91.00 But it is a 10 year license so@ 9.10 a year kinda cheap I think
    Just sayin
     
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