My situation, have CDL but haven't driven in 17 years.

Personally, I'd try to sign on with a company that will do a refresher, and charge you just a small(ish) fee to do so.
@Chinatown has mentioned many in the past, but I don't remember their names. J&R Schugel hires out of Florida; not sure about their program; @wfutch79 do you know if they do a refresher? I believe you said they do.

 

Are you certin your still a class A?

 

You left 17 years ago. So you don't have a cdl anymore? and if you do. You don t have a med card so you still don t have a cdl.

Is that how I read it?

 

Good question. Your CDL-A is automatically downgraded to Class-C if your physical isn't current.
As for training; each company has their own rules. Insurance companies have a big say in hiring now; it's not like when you drove 17 years ago. Mandatory Elogs are here now also. There's a chance you'll be fast tracked through training if your cdl is valid, meaning you have a current physical.
Best to apply with some companies that have their own school, training, refresher, etc. then take the best offer.
The closest one to you has school/training in Jacksonville; Cypress Truck Lines. Here's a photo of Cypress truck.

Here's some more to contact:
Jim Palmer Trucking
Contract Freighters (www.cfidrive.com)
Titan Transfer in Shelbyville,TN
FFE (Frozen Food Express)

 

your CDL may have been down graded to an operators license especially if you failed to renew your DOT card every 2 years.

some states require you to go to CDL school all over again and start off new, as your CDL is not renewable

some states, all you have to do is get an updated DOT card, and a refresher course (for the new employer) to get back to work.

you really need to get the EXACT information from your state's DMV regarding the disposition of your CDL,

worst case scenario, you HAVE TO GO THRU THE CDL SCHOOLING ALL OVER AGAIN, and get a NEW CDL

best case scenario, all you need is an updated DOT card...THEN a refresher course, which will be MUCH cheaper than the entire training all over again.

 

I know it doesn't make since most never forget but those are the rules.

 

many (if not all) CDL schools have about a 1 to 2 week refresher course. (or about 40 hours).

sufficient to get you back in the seat again.