Program Objective:

The objective of the Commercial Vehicle Driving (Class A) program is to provide quality educational training designed to meet the current and future needs of the truck driving industry by preparing the students for a Class “A” Commercial Driver License. To accomplish this, the following guidelines are established: assist students to choose, prepare for, enter, and be gainfully employed in the trucking field; offer a program which emphasizes sound fundamentals while responding to the needs of this particular industry; provide courses to meet current and specific needs of the student and this industry.

Entrance Dates and Program Hours:

Classes begin approximately every 13 weeks.

Dec. 4, 2023 to Mar. 20, 2024

Monday – Friday

•  Morning: 7 A.M. – 12 P.M.
• Afternoon: 12 P.M. – 5 P.M.
• Evening: 5:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M

Feb. 5, 2024 – May 16, 2024

Monday – Friday

•  Evening: 5 P.M. – 10 P.M.

 Apr. 8, 2024 – Jul. 11, 2024

Monday – Friday

•  Morning: 7 A.M. – 12 P.M.
• Afternoon: 12 P.M. – 5 P.M.
• Evening: 5:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M

Please call (305) 557-1100, Ext. 2326 to obtain more information on starting dates.  

Length of Program:

The average length of this program is 320 hours (approximately 13 weeks) for Class A Commercial Vehicle Driving full-time students.

Program Cost:

• In-state residents—$2.56 per hour (Subject to change)
• Out of state resident—$10.25 per hour (Subject to change)
• $15.00 application fee
• Material fee—Varies by program
• Identification Card fee—$5.00 per trimester
• Students must purchase books/kits and/or uniforms, if applicable
• Approximate Total $2,340

Admission Requirements:

• Application
• Interview by Guidance Counselor
• Must be 18 years old
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License and good driving record
• Fees for supplies and textbooks will be required
• Must pass DOT Health Examination
• Must pass DOT Drug Test
• Must obtain a State of Florida “CDL Learners Permit”
• Must obtain a certificate of completion for “Entry Level Driver Training” (ELDT)

Program Content:

The content includes but is not limited to the following: rules and regulation, introduction to equipment, defensive and preventive driving, preventative maintenance and inspection, license information for commercial drivers, loading and unloading cargo; reporting delays or accidents on the road; verifying load against shipping papers;, keeping records., testing and licensing the commercial driver and employability skills and safety.

Graduation Requirements:

• Completion of all Occupational Completion Points (OCP’s)
• No financial obligations
• Students must complete the Clearance packet to receive program certificate.

Employment Requirements:

• Commercial truck drivers usually have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Employers prefer that commercial truck driver complete a program at a professional truck driving school.
• They must have a commercial driver’s license (Commercial Vehicle Driving)

Career Opportunities:

Road Drivers, Local Drivers, Independent Lines Drivers, Major National Haulers, Moving Industry Drivers, Straight Truck Drivers.

Program Outlook:

The Commercial Vehicle Driving (Class A) program provides students with the technical knowledge and skills for employment as commercial vehicles drivers in the trucking industry. Instruction includes a combination of classroom theory and practical experience. This program is approved by the Florida Department of Transportation. Full-time instructors are Third Party Examiners.

Occupational Outlook

O*NET Program Detail

Curriculum Framework

Salary:

The average wage for this career in Florida is $20.74 hourly or $43,140 annually.

Job Outlook:

Employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030.