So I passed my CDL-A permit with air brakes, combos, doubles and triples, tanker, and passenger endorsement test yesterday. I would have taken the HAZMAT as well but they said i have to take my road test within 30 day's so I’ll wait until closer to my road test (I'm not sure they really knew what they were talking about). So here is my dilemma... I am working and can only attend weekend classes. I live in SE Florida and there are no PTDI classes offered and the only school that has weekend classes only does a total of 50 hrs $1595 and 21 hrs for $895. Price is great but when you buy cheap you get cheap. Seems as though this school really only helps you pass the road test. They are certified as a FL-DMV testing center however who is going to hire me after this kind of schooling? They told me they have many local company's that recruit and hire through them however how can one really trust the ones taking your money? I am, ok with working locally for low wages to start. Anyone in SE FL know of a good school? I am located in Palm BeachCounty. If I have to drive to Miami I will suck it up as long as it has a weekend class schedule.

Check out SAGE on a community college campus in Riviera Beach, Florida. I'm attending SAGE right now, but not at that location. Their regular program is 150 hours, which would require you to take a couple of weeks off of work to attend, for the classroom portion. However, if you talk to the director, you should be able to skip the classroom portion, or take a shorter version of it, or maybe take night classes or something. The nice thing about SAGE is that they let you drive nights and weekends. The DRIVING is the part of the training that you really need. The classroom training is valuable also, but one of the primary purposes of that is to help you get your learner's permits, which you already have.

Unfortunately, I'm still employed full-time, so I'm having to drive nights and weekends to prepare for my DMV road test. That's tough. But I don't wish to quit my job before I get my Class A, so I'm doing what I've got to do. If you ONLY drive weekends, That's probably going to take a few months, but it's doable. At our SAGE, there is a student who graduated classroom a few months ago and is still trying to get through all the drives. I'm saying that the school is flexible somewhat. Your schedule should not be a problem. Call them and see what they can do for you. I'd post their number but I don't think advertisements are allowed. Google SAGE and you will find the location I'm talking about and the phone number. -Dave