How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider.

How much does CDL training cost in Florence, SC?

CDL training in Florence, SC typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Florence?

Most CDL training programs in Florence take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Florence, SC?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Florence area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Florence 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's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

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 28 verified training programs serving the Florence, South Carolina area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Florence, SC

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Florence?We have identified 28 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Florence area (Pop: 39,494).

Quick Stats

28 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 39,494

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Florence, SC

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

28 CDL Schools Near Florence

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Top Picks in Florence

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Darlington County School District

Lamar, SC

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SCDE Lamar

Lamar, SC

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sumter, SC

41.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Southeastern Community College

Fair Bluff, NC

42.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

SCDE Manning

Manning, SC

43 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 25 schools

CDL Training in Florence, South Carolina

<div class="space-y-4"> Florence, SC offers 28 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification. CDL drivers in SC earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Florence schools. Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis. </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Florence?

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 South Carolina often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in South Carolina

CDL training in South Carolina 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.

View all CDL schools in South Carolina

Trucking Jobs Near Florence

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in South Carolina

2,500+

Open trucking positions in South Carolina

Top employers hiring near Florence: 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.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Florence

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
#2 - Palmetto Training, Inc. (Sumter) FMCSA Verified	Sumter	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Aerotech Helicopters LLC FMCSA Verified	Kingstree	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ancora for Central Carolina Technical College FMCSA Verified	Sumter	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ancora for Williamsburg Technical College FMCSA Verified	Kingstree	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of Laurinburg FMCSA Verified	Laurinburg	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Darlington County School District FMCSA Verified	Lamar	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
F.E.S - Fire & Equipment Services FMCSA Verified	Sumter	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Founder FMCSA Verified	Mullins	Class AClass B		View Details
Jennifer C.Oliver FMCSA Verified	Cheraw	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Kershaw County FMCSA Verified	Camden	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Laurel Hill Elementary School - District 2 FMCSA Verified	Laurel Hill	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Laurel Hill, NC- NPGA FMCSA Verified	Laurel Hill	Class AHazmatTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
Lee County School District FMCSA Verified	Bishopville	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Marion - Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. FMCSA Verified	Marion	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Marion County Schools FMCSA Verified	Marion	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Florence

Avg. Private School

$5,200

Avg. Public School

$3,300

Price Range

$2,800 - $6,600

Port of Charleston drives trucking demand.

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CDL Testing & DMV in Florence

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Florence

How long does CDL training take in Florence?

CDL training programs in Florence, SC 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 South Carolina?

CDL training costs in South Carolina 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 Florence without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Florence 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 Florence 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 South Carolina?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in South Carolina: 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.

What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Florence?

The CDL driver job outlook near Florence, SC is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with South Carolina experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.

Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Florence?

The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Florence CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in South Carolina, including training programs in Florence and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in South Carolina

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Florence, SC

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Florence, SC

28 CDL Schools Near Florence

Top Picks in Florence

Darlington County School District

SCDE Lamar

Founder

Darlington County School District

SCDE Lamar

Founder

Lee County School District

Marion County Schools

Marlboro County School District

Aerotech Helicopters LLC

Jennifer C.Oliver

Redden and Sons

#2 - Palmetto Training, Inc. (Sumter)

Ancora for Williamsburg Technical College

Williamsburg County School District

Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA)

Sumter, SC - CSX Transportation

Ancora for Central Carolina Technical College

F.E.S - Fire & Equipment Services

Sumter School District

SCDE Sumter

Southeastern Community College

SCDE Manning

CDL Training in Florence, South Carolina

Why Get CDL Training Near Florence?

CDL Training Costs in South Carolina

Trucking Jobs Near Florence

Compare CDL Schools in Florence

Tuition Costs in Florence

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in South Carolina

CDL Testing & DMV in Florence

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Florence

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

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