How to get a CDL in Florida 2023

Seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a popular idea in Florida. To understand each step that a prospective truck driver must take, it is wise to become familiar with CDL requirements and standards for the State of Florida. See everything you will need to do on the Florida Highway and Motor Vehicle Safety website HERE. To summarize the requirements, it is important to note that you must pass three basic tests.

You must pass a knowledge test. This can be described as the CLASSROOM section that covers practical and general information related to commercial vehicles. It also includes specific topics that the FMCSA requires a commercial vehicle driver to comprehend. This part of the training can even be done online.

You must pass a physical. Florida requires commercial vehicle drivers to be at least 18 years of age, to pass a vision test, and to meet certain physical standards to confirm that they do not have a serious health condition that could affect their ability to drive safely. Here is a link for a list of the PHYSICAL requirements.

You must pass a skills test. This is the behind-the-wheel portion of CDL training. Obviously, one can meet the classroom and physical requirements from afar. But actually gripping the wheel, sitting in the seat, shifting gears, and gaining real-world experience of what is involved in driving the truck is essential. The average cost for behind-the-wheel training in Florida in 2023 is about $3500 and may take about 2 weeks, depending on how fast a student progresses.

It is highly common for behind-the-wheel schools to have direct connections with companies that can help CDL school graduates to find employment. In addition to those contacts, many trucking companies will send recruiters to talk to CDL students to explain what options may be immediately available, based on the student’s needs and circumstances.  With supply chain issues, and the pressing demand for drivers, there are many opportunities for those seeking a career as a commercial vehicle driver.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online. We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide, then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Tips to Safely Drive Your Commercial Vehicle Past Overhead Objects

Those in passenger vehicles usually zip under bridge overpasses without thinking twice, but those clearance signs provide crucial information for truck drivers. Hitting overhead objects is a real danger for large rigs. Make sure that you are aware of your vehicle’s height and that you always have sufficient overhead clearance. Don’t assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct. Remember the following tips.

1. A road that has been repaved or that is covered with firmly packed snow may have less actual clearance space than the clearance shown on posted signs.
2. The weight of your cargo affects your vehicle’s height. An empty container sits higher than one that is loaded. Just because you got under a bridge when you were loaded doesn’t mean that you can pass safely when empty.
3. If you doubt that you have enough clearance to pass under an object, go slowly. If you aren’t sure whether you can make it, take another route.
4. Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes they are not. Be especially cautious with those.
5. The design of some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt. This can especially be a problem when passing objects along the edge of the road, such as signs, trees, or bridge supports.  Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the center of the road.
6. Before you back into an area, check for overhanging objects such as trees, branches, or electric wires. It’s easy to miss seeing them while in reverse.

 CDL Direct is committed to providing high-quality online Entry Level Driver Training.  We not only partner with many behind-the-wheel truck driving schools but can provide job placement services to help get our students on the road and provide for their families right away!

Brake failure is probably one of the most terrifying possibilities for commercial vehicle drivers. However, proper vehicle maintenance, driving at safe speeds, and braking properly will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades. 

Proper commercial vehicle maintenance, which includes regularly inspecting brakes, is of the utmost importance. And it is the law! This significantly reduces the risk of brake failure. Improper maintenance that contributes to a commercial vehicle accident can even result in criminal charges and jail time! 

But what if it still happens? Your best option is to use an escape ramp. Escape ramps—also called runaway truck ramps—are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers. If there is one, there will be signs indicating the location of the entrance to the ramp. 

Ramps are usually located a few miles down from the top of the downgrade. Some escape ramps use soft gravel that will assist in bringing the vehicle to a stop more quickly. Others turn uphill to stop the vehicle and let soft gravel keep it in place. If no escape ramp is available, take the least hazardous escape route you can, such as an open field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill. Make the move as soon as you know your brakes don’t work! The longer you wait, the more momentum will build, thus making it hard to stop.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online. We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs. If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide, then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Truck Driver Safety While Loading or Unloading

While most of the risks of being a truck driver are faced while you are driving your CMV, you must also be aware of potential dangers when the truck is being loaded or unloaded. In some situations, you may be loading the cargo yourself, perhaps using a hand pallet jack, a powered pallet jack, or a forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that anyone using a forklift or a powered pallet jack complete a training program, so do not use these unless you have been properly trained and certified.

Hand pallet jacks do not need special certification, but you still need to use them safely.  Make sure that the load on the pallet is properly balanced and that you have positioned the forks far enough under the pallet before raising the load.

If you are not loading or unloading the truck yourself, take the following precautions:

1. Stay clear of the forklift (or any other loading devices).
2. If you have to provide any guidance to those doing the work, stay within the visual range of the forklift driver to make sure that he sees you at all times.
3. Be aware of forklift movements at all times. Don’t assume he can see you! There are always blind spots on a forklift.
4. If you have a flatbed trailer and cargo is being loaded onto your truck via a crane, stay well clear of the space and do not stand under the load.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online. We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs. If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide, then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Do immigration and employment assistance hold the key to solving the truck driver shortage and supply chain issues?

Cheer up! It’s only going to get worse. At least that is what it feels like when reflecting on the long-term effects of a pandemic-induced supply chain crisis. It is a crisis worsened by soaring inflation, and the ripple effects are being felt in every corner of the world. 

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, November 2021 saw a peak of 46.2 million individuals residing in the US who were born in some other country. This is a sizeable percentage of the US population and these numbers have an enormous impact on driving the economy forward. In addition, each year more than 1 million more individuals immigrate to the US. What if there was a concerted effort to assist such ones to get training to be commercial vehicle drivers?

Truck drivers are in higher demand than ever, and even with average starting pay of $45,000 per year, and the ability to make over $100,000 per year with experience, the shortage of commercial vehicle drivers continues to worsen. CDL Direct offers online CDL courses to assist individuals to take the first step toward pursuing a career in truck driving. Our courses are available in English, Spanish, and Russian. You can focus on CDL A, CDL B, Hazmat, or Passenger endorsements depending on what commercial vehicle you seek to drive. US immigrants could provide a helping hand to the supply chain shortages.

Where else may there be a potential helping hand? Career Centers and Departments of Labor in each state assist those seeking employment. Many states even have apprentice programs or tuition grants that allow individuals to get training in a new field of employment. CDL Direct is working on partnerships with these centers that will make it easier to take our training courses and be able to get back to work.

The bottom line is that the supply chain issue will not fix itself. But perhaps immigration and unemployment hold the key to moving in the right direction. If you would like to discuss how you can partner with us to assist people to get training at CDL Direct, please contact us at info@usnhsa.com.

Personal Safety Tips for CDL Drivers on the Road

Truck drivers are on the road earlier in the morning and later in the day than most drivers. They are frequently by themselves. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers while on the road and what simple steps can be taken to protect yourself.

1. Don’t leave the truck unattended or unlocked. If you walk away for any reason, take the keys with you and lock the doors. Check all doors and locks at every truck stop.
2. Avoid stopping in dark isolated places. When at a truck stop, park in well-lit high-security areas.
3. Be mindful of how you carry your wallet and valuables.
4. Don’t make yourself a target by openly showing money or jewelry.

At CDL Direct, our goal is to assist all commercial vehicle drivers to be safe and successful in their careers.  We provide online ELDT courses that provide both the training needed to obtain your commercial learner’s permit along with the practical instructions that help along the way.

3 Tips for Good Driving Posture

Bad posture in your truck can affect both your health and how long you can comfortably drive. A few simple tips will help you stay comfortable and drive more effectively.

1. Adjust your seat so that your feet can comfortably access all of the pedals. Recline your seat no more than 20 degrees to prevent added pressure on your lower back.
2. Some trucks have a telescoping wheel. Adjust the wheel so that your arms can comfortably reach it and that it is not too close to your body.
3. Make sure you can access all of the controls easily, especially the gear shifter, since it will be used the most.

At CDL Direct, our goal is to assist all commercial vehicle drivers to be safe and successful in their careers.  We provide online ELDT courses that provide both the training needed to obtain your commercial learner’s permit along with the practical instructions that help along the way.

Top 5 Reasons to get a CDL License in 2022

1. Competitive Pay

Pay is a significant factor when deciding on a career. According to a recent survey, the average pay for a CDL driver as of December 2021 is over $58,000! This means that, as a CDL driver, you are in greater demand and are better compensated!

2.  Freedom

Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t prefer to be outside rather than being in an office! Most professional drivers can enjoy the freedom that comes from having more control over their work schedule and the peace associated with being alone at work (CDL Bus or Passenger Endorsements excluded, of course). If you could choose between sitting 20 feet from your boss or working miles away from your boss, what would you prefer?

3. Job Security

Many have experienced economic hardships and loss of employment. There are also enormous supply chain issues throughout the world.  Note how Businessinsider.com places great weight on the need for more CDL drivers. Professional drivers with CDL Class A and Class B certifications play an enormous role in keeping the supply chain moving. Demand on this level is unlikely to change anytime soon.

4. Easy to Begin

Time is often a major factor when someone is considering a career move. Higher education can take years to complete. When you decide to make commercial driving your career, it can be done quickly and get you on the road and earning money in a matter of weeks. First, the current requirement is to get your ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) Theory Certification. This can be done online and will prepare you for the knowledge test at the DMV to receive a CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit).

5. Low Cost

The cost of education continues to grow. Many students complete their education with a degree and enormous student loan debt.  Choosing driving as a career will make you some bank, not break the bank. Yes, the pun was intended. Online driver training options are extremely affordable and worth the investment. 

Online Classes

https://cdldirect.com

CDL Direct has helped thousands of truck drivers get started. Whether you need your start with an ELDT training course, or are looking to add endorsements, we can assist you as well!

5 Steps to Get Your Commercial Driver's License Under the New FMSCA Regulations

Who do the new ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) regulations apply to?

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has set commercial driver training standards that went into effect on February 7, 2022.  If you already had a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) before this date, you are not required to complete this standardized training. However, the following three scenarios will help you understand whether the ELDT training requirements apply to you to obtain your CDL.

1. You are seeking a CDL Class A or CDL Class B for the first time.
2. You are seeking to upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
3. You are seeking any of the following CDL endorsements for the first time:
   1. School bus (S) endorsement
   2. Passenger (P) endorsement
   3. Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement

Step 1:  Complete an Approved EDLT Theory Course

Once you have completed the ELDT training course, your registered training provider will remit your certification to FMCSA via the Training Provider Registry. This step can be taken online. The ELDT training provider link listed below is valid for online ELDT training in all 50 states:

CDL Direct

Step 2: Take the written test

The written test can be taken at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states require you to provide proof of residency and to bring proof of passing the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical requirements. They will also examine your current driving record. The online theory training in Step 1 will prepare you for this test. Once passed, you can be issued your CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit).

Step 3:  Behind the wheel training with an approved CDL Training Provider

No matter how well you understand rules for truck driving safety, there is no substitution for the skills gained from being behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle and benefitting from the experience of a CDL training instructor. Getting behind the wheel will get you ready to hit the road!

Step 4:  Take the behind the wheel skills test

Not every CDL training facility is an approved facility to administer a road test. If you choose an in-person training facility that can save time and effort, it will simplify matters. 

Step 5: Return to the DMV to get your CDL

Be sure to check with your local DMV to ensure that you have all the required documentation you need and are aware of any fees they will charge you. After receiving your certificate from your behind-the-wheel CDL driving school, showing proof you have taken and passed all required training steps, you can return to the DMV for your CDL and then be on your way!