From Permit to Paycheck
The complete step-by-step process to earn your Class A CDL in Florida — and launch a high-paying commercial driving career on your terms.
How You Earn Your Class A CDL
Most students complete the full journey in 4 to 8 weeks — permit and medical first, then 2–4 weeks of hands-on training. Here's every step.
Get Your CDL Permit at the DMV
Study the Florida CDL Manual and pass the written knowledge exams (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles) at your local DMV to earn your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). CFI provides complete permit prep materials and practice tests so you walk in ready.
Complete Your DOT Medical Exam
Visit a certified DOT medical examiner for a physical. You'll receive a DOT Medical Certificate, a required prerequisite before you can get behind the wheel. We connect you with local DOT physicians and walk you through what to bring.
Complete ELDT Theory (Online)
Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) has two parts: Theory and Behind-the-Wheel. We refer you to an approved online ELDT Theory provider so you can complete the classroom portion remotely, on your schedule. Those theory credits transfer directly into our 165-hour program — you don't repeat material.
Start Your Hands-On Training
This is where CFI stands apart. You get true 1-on-1 behind-the-wheel instruction. Master pre-trip inspection, straight-line and offset backing, 90-degree alley docking, and real highway driving on both manual or automatic rigs.
Pass Your Florida CDL Skills Test
Your third-party Florida CDL skills test is included in your tuition ($525 value). You'll demonstrate pre-trip inspection, basic control (backing yard), and on-road driving. Because you trained 1-on-1, you walk into test day confident and prepared.
Choose Your Carrier & Start Earning
Unlike company-contract schools that lock you into one employer, CFI gives you leverage and flexibility. With an unrestricted Class A CDL, you choose the carrier, route, and pay that fit your life. We provide job placement assistance to connect you with national carriers, regional fleets, and local Tampa operations.
What a Class A CDL Pays in Florida
Trucking moves over 72% of all U.S. freight — and demand for qualified Class A drivers has never been stronger.
New CDL drivers, depending on route & carrier
Tanker, hazmat, flatbed & owner-operators
Per week, starting out in Florida
Your income depends on route type (local, regional, or over-the-road), employer bonuses, endorsements (tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples), and miles driven. With an unrestricted Class A CDL from CFI, you qualify for 100% of driver postings — and you choose the carrier that pays what you're worth.
Choose Your Carrier — No Forced Contracts
Many large CDL schools are owned by — or contractually tied to — a single carrier, forcing graduates to work for that company to pay back tuition. CFI is independent. When you train with us, you keep the leverage and flexibility to choose the carrier, route, and home-time schedule that fit your life.
National Carriers
OTR freight with sign-on bonuses and full benefits.
Regional Fleets
Home weekly with consistent routes and predictable pay.
Local Tampa Work
Home daily — construction, delivery, and municipal fleets.
Start Your CDL Career Journey
Not sure where to begin? We'll walk you through the permit, medical, ELDT Theory, and training timeline — and help you map out a schedule and financing plan that fits your life.