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FL CDL - Am I required to go to school?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by cdoubled05, Jul 24, 2010.

  1. Jul 24, 2010 #1
    cdoubled05

    cdoubled05 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jul 24, 2010
    FL
    0
    Hello everyone!

    I am 25/M/FL who never ever thought about being a trucker until recently. A close family friend of mine has been a trucker for as long as I can remember. It is truly her calling in life. She absolutely loves it. Her brother owns a couple of trucks and she has been working with him for a while now. He plans on owning around 50 by next year.

    I have been reading over the FL DMV site and google searching to find an answer, but I haven't come across anything concrete. I asked my trucker friend and she said I was completely wrong, but everything I have read so far makes me think otherwise.

    I am under the impression that in FL there is no minimum training required. So it sounds like I can go after a CDL license without attending school.(private or my local community college) I was hopefully planning on studying for the CDL written and skills test # home. The friend of my family has already told me she would be willing to take me under her wing and let me ride with to learn.

    I am basically trying to get around going to school. What could be better than learning from someone who has first hand experience and has been driving her whole life anyway!? Since it is her brother that owns the trucks I would pretty much be guaranteed work after I am legal to drive and actually know what I am doing after riding with her for however long that might take.

    Am I completely wrong here? Any drivers from FL care to chime in!? I appreciate any help!

    Warm regards from FL,
    Chris
     
    cdoubled05, Jul 24, 2010
    cdoubled05, Jul 24, 2010
    #1
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  3. Jul 24, 2010 #2
    Bigray

    Bigray Road Train Member

    1,135
    383
    Nov 23, 2007
    Tampa, Florida
    0
    if you can learn on the job then go for it. you dont have to attend a school, although it helps in obtaining a j.o.b. (just over broke).

    schools for the most part just teach you have to get the CDL, basics. the real learning comes from on the job learning.

    insurance is always factor for someone starting out. exp. determines if they are hirable per ins. co. / has been my experience.
     
    Bigray, Jul 24, 2010
    Bigray, Jul 24, 2010
    #2
    cdoubled05 Thanks this.
  4. Jul 24, 2010 #3
    Trashtrucker1265

    Trashtrucker1265 Road Train Member

    1,310
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    Dec 14, 2009
    Inverness, Fl
    0
    The only problem with not attending a school is going to be the insurance requirements with these bigger companies. If you've got a a company willing to give you a shot and their insurance will pick you up without a school certification, I'd say go for that route. But know if you want to stick it out with this career you better stick with it for atleast a couple years with that company because if within a months time you realize you don't like that particular company and you want to move on elsewhere you're going to have a tough time finding any major carrier to pick you up, insurances with these companies are going to be your biggest hurdle, it's up to you, but to answer your original question it is not required by the state of Florida to attend a school in order to obtain you Class A.
     
    Trashtrucker1265, Jul 24, 2010
    Trashtrucker1265, Jul 24, 2010
    #3
    cdoubled05 Thanks this.
  5. Jul 24, 2010 #4
    cdoubled05

    cdoubled05 Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Jul 24, 2010
    FL
    0
    Well that is good to hear! So insurance is the main issue if I don't attend a school. Good to know! Thanks for such fast replies! I will have to talk with my friend and her brother to see if they would be willing to work something out with me in regards to insurance and what not.
     
    cdoubled05, Jul 24, 2010
    cdoubled05, Jul 24, 2010
    #4
  7. Jul 24, 2010 #5
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
    0
    I think you can take a quick test at the DMV and get your learners permit. Then I believe you just need to drive with a qualified driver in the truck with you. You will still have to take the driving test in a truck though to obtain your cdl A. You said you have a friend that has trucks so maybe they will let you use one to take the test in. Like the other guys said though the insurance companies are going to be your biggest hurdle. Not many companies will hire you unless you go to an ACCREDITED school. If it works out for you let us know how your journey went. Good luck!
     
    chompi, Jul 24, 2010
    chompi, Jul 24, 2010
    #5
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