Looking for an approved trucking school in St. Petersburg, FL?

Well, your options are very limited. 

But don’t fret. 

Here, we’re going to list and review the best trucking schools in St. Petersburg, FL, as well as the ones near the city. This way, you won’t have to travel too far to get your Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). 

On top of that, we’ll also list and review the best company-sponsored trucking schools around the country.

This way, there’s something here for everyone. 

So let’s get reviewing! 

Best Trucking Schools in St. Petersburg, FL (Private)

Here is the list of the best trucking schools in and near St. Petersburg, FL:

• Pinellas Technical College – St. Petersburg Campus
• Roadmaster Drivers School
• Champion Truck Driving School
• 160 Driving Academy

Now, let’s review each one.

Pinellas Technical College – St. Petersburg Campus

Address: 901 34th Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Phone: (727) 893-2500

The Pinellas Technical College’s branch in St. Petersburg offers:

• Commercial Vehicle Driving
• Commercial Class B Driving

Its 320-hour training course is split between in-class instruction and 1,000-mile practical driving sessions. This gives you all you need to ace the written and practical CDL examinations.

And, as it’s a technical college, you can get your training for much cheaper. Pinellas advertises affordable programs to those with a low budget. You don’t need to splash out crazy money here. 

Better yet, you’ll be able to take advantage of small class sizes. Instructors can pay more attention to you and your training. 

Other benefits include:

• Complete accreditation
• Experienced faculty
• Course tailored to local requirements

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Roadmaster Drivers School

Address: 5025 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610

Phone: (800)-831-1300

Travel time from St. Petersburg: 24 minutes

RoadMaster Drivers School is hands down one of the best trucking schools in the state. And it’s only 24 minutes away from St. Petersburg!

Here, you’ll learn from the most experienced instructors that have worked across the country for many years. You might even get inside tips and tricks of the trade. 

And yes, you attend small-size classes as well. So you can be sure that instructors really make time for you. 

Additionally, RoadMaster has an extensive array of highly equipped vehicles, allowing you to experience a wide range of trucks.

More benefits on offer include:

1. Nationwide presence and placement opportunities
2. Financing options
3. Spanish speaking instructors

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Champion Truck Driving School

Address: 1501 Lake Ave. SE, Largo 33771

Phone: (727) 900-5258

Travel time from St. Petersburg: 24 minutes

Champion Truck Driving School is another great trucking school just nearby. 

Its short course, spread over just 4 weeks, will give you intensive learning sessions. So even though it’s quick, you’ll be able to learn everything you need to know. 

This school gives its students an edge by providing fully-equipped vehicles and classrooms. You’ll have everything at your disposal to succeed. 

And if you need more information, you can simply watch their countless video lectures and podcasts. Here, you’ll learn about the proper truck maintenance, road hazards, and much more. 

When you complete the training, the school even helps you with job placement assistance. 

Some other extras you can expect with Champion Truck Driving School include:

• Financing options
• Small class sizes
• Option to learn either manual or automatic transmission 

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160 Driving Academy

Address: 2552 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33612

Phone: (813) 328-7725

Travel time from St. Petersburg: 26 minutes

Of all the trucking schools listed here, 160 Driving Academy is the most popular. It has a hundred locations around the country.

That just proves how good it is. 

Here, you’ll enjoy comprehensive training, with both classroom and field instructions. This will help you ace the CDL exams on your first try. And who doesn’t want that?

On top of that, you will also have a lot of job opportunities. 

It’s a great advantage to train in a well-known trucking school. A lot of trucking companies will be more than willing to take you in. 

What’s more, the 160 Driving Academy staff even help you find the perfect job for you. 

Here are other great benefits that you will receive:

• You can qualify for a paid sponsorship 
• Staff help you earn your CDL
• Registration is so easy

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Free Company Sponsored Truck Driving Schools

Sure, the private trucking schools we mentioned include affordable options and ones that provide financing. 

But, it can still be a bit costly. 

If you can’t afford that, then why not check out the free company-sponsored truck driving schools around the country?

These companies will sponsor your training. In turn, you have to work for them once you get your CDL. So it will be free, but you’ll also be tied to a company for a few years. 

If you’re interested, here are the best company-sponsored truck driving schools:

TMC – Being a prominent name in the industry, TMC offers a range of free trucking programs. Plus, they not only pay for your training but also support your stay, with lodging arrangements for those interested in making the move.

Swift Transportation – With locations around the country, including Ocala, FL, Swift Transportation is another great option to consider. Here, you’ll learn from the best, making you a safer and better-prepared truck driver. 

Knight Transportation – Offering small class sizes and training across the country, Knight Transportation might be your company of choice. The best part is that they will support you with a trainee salary for the length of your course.

Conclusion

There you have it — the best trucking schools in St. Petersburg, FL. 

To be sure, all the private trucking schools mentioned are FMCSA-approved, offer the best quality training, and will help you ace the CDL exams. 

If that’s too expensive for you, then choose from the list of the best company-sponsored truck driving schools you can attend. 

Whichever you pick, know you’ll be in great hands. 

So what are you waiting for?

Go ahead and get started with your training today!

Pretty soon, you’ll be an official commercial driver in Florida or anywhere around the country.