Thinking of getting class B CDL in FL

Just go for the Class A. You can still drive a Class B truck, and apply where you want to for the work you want, but if you are going to pursue a career in the industry, you might as well have everything you can going for you, not have limitations for you do not know what the future holds.

 

class B or class A...........go for the A, and have it for future use. there are many jobs where a driver doesn't even touch freight. right now, any driving job is tough to find.

 

If you decide on just your Class B just go to the DMV. I wouldn't waste your time or all that money on a class B. Just find a practice test on the internet or get the book at your DMV. Just about the only difference between a Class B and a regular license is airbrakes. That's what the test will be mostly about. Hazmat is a different story. Class B pay is about $8-$10 an hour. They don't usually run by the mile. You probably won't have to worry about a log book either. Good luck to you!

 

My B was free when I drove a school bus. I'm going for the A now. I know some employees took advantage of the free B. Did you look into financial aid or a trust fund?

 

If you're going to spend the money on school then go get the Class A. Don't limit your future, especially in this economy. You need every opportunity to make a living you can take.

If you're truly only interested in a class B then go take the test as said above. After you get your permit start driving by your license bureaus. Chances are there is a company(ies) hanging out in the parking lot advertising truck rentals. You can usually rent a truck from them for $250-$350. They'll typically have you come early, take a couple test drives with them and then get you back in time for your appointment. This is usually a one and done type rental. If you fail the road test then you pay in full for the next rental.

Some places offer a set fee like $500. You pay it once and they keep bringing you the truck until you pass.

I got lucky with mine. Local garbage company hired me on with a permit and let me drive for 2 weeks before I tested. I got to use their truck, too. Might try something like that but the garbage business won't make your back feel any better.

 

Both of my 22 yr olds got class A,one is loading and delivering building supplies for a lumber yard,started 4 weeks ago at $14 per hour,gets OT at least 1-2 hours weekdays and 5 OT hrs Sat if he wants it.The other is currently unemployed and applying for driving jobs but getting no interviews,he did drive for a beer distributer for a few months but got let go because as a new driver you get the hardest routes and you have to first load the truck,then figure out your own route,a different one every day,up to 20 stops,no AC and you bust your butt getting those full beer kegs up and down steps.Both the lumberyard and beer co will try you out with no experience,cause they have a lot of turnover cause it is a hard job.IMO the local class B jobs that will be available to a new driver will involve a lot of lifting,like furniture delivery the easier jobs are already taken.

 

I agree get an A more opportunities with arise with it plus say if you were to drive dump truck you will need that A to drive with the trailer

 

Any school district hiring bus drivers, or substitute bus drivers, will get you your class B for free. Plus, you will also have the school bus endorsement in addition to the P1 endorsement.

$2500.00 for a class A is a pretty good deal. I would strongly encourage you to pursue it.