How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in Lakeland, FL?

CDL training in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland?

Most CDL training programs in Lakeland 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 Lakeland, FL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 40 verified training programs serving the Lakeland, Florida area.

PORT ACCESS

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

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

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

Get your Class A CDL in Lakeland. Train for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT container hauling plus tourism and seasonal freight. We've identified 40 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

40 Training Programs

Port Container Hauling

Doubles/Triples

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 112,641

Why Lakeland Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Florida's freight economy never sleeps. Year-round construction, tourism logistics, agricultural exports, and a booming population create constant demand for CDL drivers in Lakeland. With no state income tax, Florida CDL drivers keep more of their earnings. Many Lakeland training programs offer accelerated schedules so you can start earning within weeks.

Port Container Hauling

Doubles/Triples

Year-Round Schedules

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

Students comparing CDL schools in Lakeland, 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 40 training programsserving the Lakeland area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

40 CDL Schools Near Lakeland

Filter Results:

Sort by:

Top Picks in Lakeland

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Plant City, FL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Florida CDL LLC

Haines City, FL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sebring, FL

49.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Florida Truckers Institute, Inc.

New Port Richey, FL

49.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

JD CDL INC

Lakeland, FL

0.3 miles away

Career Tech LLC

LAKELAND, FL

2.8 miles away

Florida Big Rig Academy

Mulberry, FL

10.2 miles away

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Winter Haven

Winter Haven, FL

18.1 miles away

Showing 20 of 39 schools

CDL Training in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland, Florida has 40 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 Lakeland?

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 Lakeland

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 Lakeland: 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 Lakeland

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Tampa	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Tampa	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy - Orlando - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Orlando	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Orlando - Yard FMCSA Verified	Orlando	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
18 Wheels CDL School FMCSA Verified	Orlando	Class A		View Details
1ST Class CDL Truck Training FMCSA Verified	Tampa	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
A and B CDL Training Center, LLC FMCSA Verified	Lake Wales	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Career Tech LLC FMCSA Verified	LAKELAND	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
CDL Master Training LLC FMCSA Verified	Davenport	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend Classes	View Details
CDL Training of Tampa FMCSA Verified	Tampa	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Commercial Vehicle Driving Program - PTC FMCSA Verified	St. Petersburg	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Double-Check Training Academy FMCSA Verified	Orlando	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Double-Check Training Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	ORLANDO	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	Spring Hill	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey FMCSA Verified	New Port Richey	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Lakeland

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

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Lakeland

Required for your CDL medical card

FastMed Urgent Care - East Lakeland

7943 Healthcare Dr, Lakeland

(727) 220-6091

4.8

$95-$178

Walk-ins OK

CareNow Urgent Care - Downtown Lakeland

3254 Commerce Blvd, Lakeland

(904) 205-7752

4.6

$107-$163

MedExpress Urgent Care - East Lakeland

3679 Medical Center Dr, Lakeland

(352) 278-4873

4.5

$114-$191

Walk-ins OK

View All 8 Clinics in Lakeland 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 Lakeland

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local FLHSMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find FLHSMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Lakeland

How long does CDL training take in Lakeland?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland?

The Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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

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

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

Quick Stats

Why Lakeland Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Lakeland, FL

How should students compare CDL schools in Lakeland, FL?

40 CDL Schools Near Lakeland

Top Picks in Lakeland

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Florida CDL LLC

A and B CDL Training Center, LLC

SAGE Truck Driving School at HCC Plant City/Tampa FL

Florida CDL LLC

A and B CDL Training Center, LLC

RoadPro CDL Training LAKE WALES

CDL Master Training LLC

Mister CDL Inc

Lake Wales Charter Schools System

Lake Wales Charter Schools

Professional Driver Training Institute

South Florida State College

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-New Port Richey

MOOV DRIVING ACADEMY ORLANDO LLC

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Lake Sumter State College

School Bd of Highlands Co

Florida Truckers Institute, Inc.

JD CDL INC

Career Tech LLC

Florida Big Rig Academy

FleetForce Truck Driver Training-Winter Haven

CDL Training in Lakeland, Florida

Why Get CDL Training Near Lakeland?

CDL Training Costs in Florida

Trucking Jobs Near Lakeland

Compare CDL Schools in Lakeland

Tuition Costs in Lakeland

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Florida

DOT Physicals Near Lakeland

FastMed Urgent Care - East Lakeland

CareNow Urgent Care - Downtown Lakeland

MedExpress Urgent Care - East Lakeland

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Lakeland

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Lakeland

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)

Related Resources