Getting a CDL in South Florida, how?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Data, Mar 9, 2016.

  1. HaulIt

    HaulIt Bobtail Member

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    Jul 31, 2013
    South West Florida
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    East coast or west coast?

    There are third party testing sites that will rent you a truck for one day practice on their range and testing next day in same truck. Some of the trucks are beer wagons...single axle international with 5 speeds like a car and 35' trailers. 700-1200 bucks.

    You need to show up with permit, which are super easy to take test at DMV. Permits are good for 6 months and can be extended 6 more months.
     
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  3. Data

    Data Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2016
    SFL USA
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    Thank you so much for lots of info.
    I guess I'm in a screwed situation here. The way I see it, it goes like this.

    Option 1: I sign up with a "free" school, be their slave OTR for 1 year and then go local.
    Option 2: I go to a local college/school and pay up to $5000.00 (holly cow) for something I don't need, like learning how to drive a truck.
    Option 3: I go and take the written test at DMV and try to find a local company to rent me a truck for a day.

    I have no problem taking the test on my own (I most likely will do that). But I would like to drive a week or so with someone, do pre drive checks etc. Just to get back into it again and then take the driving test.
     
  4. Data

    Data Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2016
    SFL USA
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    I spend some time on google, but can't seem to find any. Would you happen to know one.
    Or even better, a school that offers refresher courses, that might work.
     
  5. HaulIt

    HaulIt Bobtail Member

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    Jul 31, 2013
    South West Florida
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    Suncoast Trucking in Punta Gorda North of Fort Myers is one. They will work with you first day for a few hours, set up cones for backing practice, parallel parking, dock backing. They will assist you in the pre trip. But you do need to be able to drive.

    You could look for other third party testing sites on Google. Maybe on your local county DMV site.

    Over here on West coast Florida the DMV don't give the skills test. You have to go to a third party testing place. One is the local beverage company, but they just do the testing for their own revolving door new hires and never return your call for third party testing. The other place is that Suncoast Trucking. I know several people who went there who work for local contractors.
     
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  6. HaulIt

    HaulIt Bobtail Member

    44
    39
    Jul 31, 2013
    South West Florida
    0
    Data Thanks this.
  7. Data

    Data Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2016
    SFL USA
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    OK, now we're getting somewhere (I think)
    I found Metropolitan Trucking and Technical Institute and CDL Key Power driving school.
    They offer all kinds of packages (no pricing on their website) before I call them, does any one know them, or should I make a new thread about asking for opinions/experiences with them?

    Thanks
     
  8. MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    South Carolina
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    I am fairly sure the Metropolitan (MTTI) was the one I thought was a bit sketchy... Their training area looks like an old junk yard was cleared off. If I am thinking of the right place. And sometimes their answers were a bit vague like they were trying not to give you the full answer. Would not allow me to take a copy of their courses/pricing list either.
     
  9. Data

    Data Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2016
    SFL USA
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    A little update on this.
    I read the DMV CDL Handbook, did some practice tests and went to DMV to take them.
    I'm now a proud owner of a Temporary Driving Permit for class A with N and T endorsements.
    I will do the hazard when I get close to finishing the practical part.

    which leads me to some new questions, better asked in a new post. I'll do that now.
    Thanks for the info and help so far.
     
  10. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    12,849
    Sep 10, 2013
    S.W. Florida
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    Where you located in Florida?
     
  11. Data

    Data Bobtail Member

    30
    19
    Mar 9, 2016
    SFL USA
    0
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