Should I pay for my school?

Do yourself a favor. Find a Company that will train you. There are plenty of them. They will require you to work for them for 12-16 months to pay off your schooling. You should stick with your first Company for at least 1 year anyways. Good luck!

 

Myself I hate it when someone has leverage over me, so I'd pay out of pocket. Just my own take on things.

 

I agree, sucks to pay the $ but it’ll most likely give you options you might appreciate
I would also look into grants. A lot of stuff floating around in some areas to to covid and the economy, might be a long shot but worth a search

 

Yeah, you're the Canadian version of an American Southern Hillbilly!
I'm the "real McCoy" though.

 

Jacksonville, Florida is a very good location for new cdl drivers.
Let me dig through my notes and see what I can find.
How old are you; there's no maximum age limit, but there is a minimum age limit.

 

Eagle Transport hires new cdl school grads from 200 hr. schools.
Jacksonville, FL
$67,000 - $92,000 a year
This is local/ home every day work.
During the paid training period, you’ll spend 15 days in a truck with a trainer (20 days for recent graduates)

 

I received a grant for mine but, if necessary, would have paid out of pocket. You run the very real risk of being mistreated simply because "you owe them". Every company you work for will have some leverage over you, whether it's because you can't afford to quit or because they keep you too far from home too often. Don't give them the added leverage of being able to sue you for more than their 'training' was worth if you decide to leave.

 

The state of Florida will pay for cdl school, free to you.
Check the "WIOA Program - Florida" & "Career Source Florida"
Another Florida resident is going through that process now.
I'll find his thread and post it for you. He lives in Naples, so you'd go to a different school in Jacksonville; same program though.
Here it is:
CDL Training Journal - Suncoast Trucking Academy