CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 26 verified training programs serving the Gainesville, Florida area.

PORT ACCESS
FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Gainesville CDL Schools: Port Access, Tourism Logistics & Year-Round Work

Florida's Non-Stop Freight Economy Creates $70K+ Careers in Gainesville

Get your Class A CDL in Gainesville. Train for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and JAXPORT container hauling plus tourism and seasonal freight. We've identified 26 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

26 Training Programs
Port Container Hauling
Doubles/Triples
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 141,085

Why Gainesville Drivers Should Get Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Florida's freight economy never sleeps. Year-round construction, tourism logistics, agricultural exports, and a booming population create constant demand for CDL drivers in Gainesville. With no state income tax, Florida CDL drivers keep more of their earnings. Many Gainesville training programs offer accelerated schedules so you can start earning within weeks.

Port Container Hauling
Doubles/Triples
Year-Round Schedules

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Gainesville, FL

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000 – $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
26

26 CDL Schools Near Gainesville

Top Picks in Gainesville

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Outer Lane Enterprises, LLC

Micanopy, FL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department)

Hawthorne, FL

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Hawkins inc. Brooker FL

Brooker, FL

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Alachua County Public School (Transportation Department)

Hawthorne, FL
17 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hawkins inc. Brooker FL

Brooker, FL
18.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

R J C Railroad Services LLC (FL)

Starke, FL
22.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

School Board of Levy County

Bronson, FL
22.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bradford County School District

Starke, FL
24.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Florida Technical College

Starke, FL
24.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Union County School District

Lake Butler, FL
25.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gilchrist County School District

Bell, FL
32.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

RIVERLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Dunnellon, FL
37 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Florida Gateway College

Sanderson, FL
38.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Putnam County School

Palatka, FL
39.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Green Cove Springs, FL
40.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Clay County District Schools

Middleburg, FL
41.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Florida CDL Training Inc

Middleburg, FL
41.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Columbia County School District

Lake City, FL
42.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

National Training Inc

Green Cove Springs, FL
44.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

FTS LLC

Green Cove Springs, FL
44.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Baker County School Board

Macclenny, FL
44.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CSX Transportation - BALDWIN

Jacksonville, FL
47.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Dixie District School Transportation

Cross City, FL
48.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Training in Gainesville, Florida

<p>Gainesville offers FL verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near Gainesville?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in Florida often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Florida

CDL training in Florida typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Gainesville

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Florida
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Florida

Top employers hiring near Gainesville: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Gainesville

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AHazmat
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
City of Williston
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Evening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
VA Approved
FTS LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening Classes

Tuition Costs in Gainesville

Avg. Private School
$6,500
Avg. Public School
$3,200
Price Range
$2,800 - $7,500

Florida has many 'CDL Mills' – warn users about unaccredited schools.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Gainesville

Required for your CDL medical card

GoHealth Urgent Care - Gainesville

4624 Commerce Blvd, Gainesville
4.9
$114-$157
Walk-ins OK

CityMD - West Gainesville

1203 Industrial Pkwy, Gainesville
4.7
$94-$162
Walk-ins OK

FleetMed Occupational - Gainesville

4081 Corporate Way, Gainesville
4.7
$78-$138

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & FLHSMV in Gainesville

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local FLHSMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find FLHSMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Gainesville

How long does CDL training take in Gainesville?
CDL training programs in Gainesville, FL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in Florida?
CDL training costs in Florida range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Gainesville without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Gainesville area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Gainesville is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Florida?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Florida: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
Why is Florida good for new CDL drivers?
Florida offers several unique advantages for CDL drivers: no state income tax (higher take-home pay), year-round work with no seasonal slowdowns, three major ports (PortMiami, Port Everglades, JAXPORT) creating container hauling demand, constant construction creating flatbed/dump truck jobs, and tourism logistics requiring dedicated freight service. CDL drivers in Florida average $54,600/year, with port drivers earning up to $78,000.
What types of trucking jobs are available near Gainesville?
The Gainesville, FL area offers diverse trucking jobs: regional LTL freight along I-95/I-75, port drayage from Florida's major ports, construction hauling (Florida's building boom shows no signs of slowing), refrigerated transport for Florida's agriculture and food service industry, and tourism logistics supporting theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines. Many positions offer home-daily or home-weekly schedules.