Homestead – The Homestead based Technical Institute fills it's first classes for CDL Truck Driving training. The initial interest and participation has been overwhelming, CDL Technical Institute will be starting full classes on Monday September 29th. The area employers are eagerly waiting for graduates to complete the program that they helped build. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Technicians is expected to rise 43.1% for Automotive Technicians and 36.3% for Diesel Technicians by 2020.

Local employers can feel the skills gap negatively impacting their businesses due to the lack of a qualified and capable workforce. “There is a shortage of Technicians. It’s not just in Homestead, it’s not just in Florida, it’s nationwide. CDL Technical Institute is a good fit for Homestead. Driving the big rigs is a great job and career. Many of the local trucking companies have expressed that they will be hiring the graduates from the program because they are assured that the graduates are prepared most of the equipment that they have available. CDL Technical Institute is an institution of higher learning with its specific focus on shorter-term Diploma and Occupational Associate Degree programs training students in high-demand careers including Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology and Commercial Truck Driving.

One of the best companies to apply to after completing the program is Armellini and you can visit their website at http://www.drivearmellini.com

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New Federal Rules Require CDL Learner's Permits Before Commercial Road Skills Testing

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will be implementing several legislative changes on July 1, 2015 that will affect commercial driver testing. House Bill 118, passed during the 2015 Session of the Georgia General Assembly also limits cellphone use while operating a commercial vehicle.

These procedural changes bring Georgia into compliance with new Federal mandates. House Bill 118 Testing Procedure Changes (Commercial Driver) Commercial Driver's License (CDL) customers must hold a CDL learner's permit for a minimum of 14 days (two weeks) before scheduling a CDL road test. Commercial learner's permits are obtained by providing all previously required documentation and successfully passing a General Knowledge Test and testing for any endorsements (if required).

The CDL learner's permit will be valid for 180 days (six months) and may be renewed one time for an additional 180 days (six months). Upon the expiration of the second 180 day term, the CDL learner's permit holder shall upgrade to a commercial driver's license after the appropriate vehicle testing, or the customer shall submit a new application, pay the required fees, and retake the required knowledge and skills tests to obtain a new CDL instructional permit.al

The Question everyone is wondering now is if Florida will be following with similar legal changes.