
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE DRIVING
Prepare for the open road—or a local route. Whether long haul or around town, truck drivers are in demand. Get ready for your CDL exam in our 11-week program.
THE RIVER’S COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PROGRAM IS…
- A fast-track to your new career—complete your training in about 11 weeks.
- A flexible timeline, with new classes starting each month.
- Hands-on learning—after classroom training and observation, you’ll get behind the wheel.

AVAILABLE PROGRAM
Commercial Vehicle Driving
Career and Technical Education Programs
Credits or Hours: 160
The commercial vehicle driving program covers one-on-one training, road safety, federal rules and regulations and over-the-road or local job search considerations.
Here’s a closer look at how the CDL training breaks down:
- Week 1: On-campus instruction in entry-level driver training theory (40 hours)
- Weeks 2, 3, and 4: Road skills training through a mix of practical instruction and observation
After successfully completing the commercial vehicle driving program, students will be prepared to take the CDL exam.
CDL Training Timeline: Schedule, Hours & Location
The training program takes four weeks to complete, or 11 weeks if you’re attending part-time. New classes start each month.
Typical hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but part-time options with evening and weekend hours may also be available.
The behind-the-wheel portion of the training takes place at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds at 15601 Midway Road in Ft. Pierce.
Program Requirements: Before You Apply
In addition to your application, before you start the program, you’ll need to:
- Obtain a Florida DOT medical card
- Complete a drug screening
- Get a commercial driver learner’s permit
- Order your motor vehicle report
Commercial Driving/CDL Career Opportunities
With their Class A CDL license, our graduates find employment driving commercial vehicles such as:
- Semi-trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Buses
Jobs hauling freight often also include loading and unloading goods along established routes.
Graduates may also pursue adjacent roles such as terminal manager, dispatcher, equipment operator or highway maintenance technician.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At Indian River State College, our students who study Commercial Vehicle Driving can go into these careers:
QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO EARN YOUR CDL IN FLORIDA?
Learn more about our program and how The River can prepare you for a successful truck-driving career. Reach out for info or speak to an admissions counselor.
Jimmy Kern
jkern@irsc.edu
500 NW California Blvd
(Building E Room 214)
Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986
