A state senator has introduced a bill that would require student truck drivers in Florida to complete a six-year training course. At press time, no action had been taken on the bill introduced by Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, which would require the six years of training to include two years of driving experience.
The Professional Truck Driving Institute, which certifies truck-driving schools nationwide, recommends a minimum of 148 hours of instruction for entry-level tractor-trailer drivers, at least 44 hours of which are with the student behind the wheel – standards that could be met in a matter of weeks, not years.
At press time, no Florida truck-driving schools had PTDI certification.
