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If you have been away from commercial driving for a while, you may not need to start your training from the beginning. Refresher training is designed to help experienced drivers revisit important skills, become familiar with current practices, and spend structured time behind the wheel before returning to commercial driving. So, how long does refresher training take? There is no single federally required duration for every CDL refresher course. At National Training, the Refresher CDL Training program is a five-day, 40-hour program for experienced drivers. The training focuses on practical commercial driving skills and can be adjusted around areas where a driver needs additional practice.

How Long Does CDL Refresher Training Take?

CDL refresher training can vary by school because federal regulations do not establish a standard number of hours for general refresher programs for experienced drivers. FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training requirements instead apply to specific situations, including first-time Class A or Class B CDL applicants, Class B drivers upgrading to Class A, and drivers seeking certain endorsements for the first time. National Training’s Refresher CDL Training program is structured as five days of training totaling 40 hours. It is intended for experienced commercial drivers who want focused practice before returning to the road.

What Is CDL Refresher Training?

CDL refresher training is additional instruction for someone who already has commercial driving experience and wants to review or strengthen existing skills.

It is different from entry-level CDL training because the goal is not to introduce commercial driving from the beginning. Instead, refresher training concentrates on skills an experienced driver may not have used recently.

At National Training, students receive hands-on instruction in a semi tractor-trailer. Training can address areas such as pre-trip and post-trip inspections, basic vehicle control, shifting and transmission operation, backing and docking, visual search, hazard perception, and speed and space management.

Who Is National Training’s Refresher Program For?

National Training’s refresher program is intended for experienced commercial drivers, and the school’s current program information states that students must hold a Class A CDL to enroll. A driver might consider refresher training after spending an extended period away from tractor-trailer driving, or when specific skills such as backing, inspections, shifting, or vehicle control need additional attention.

Where Does National Training Offer CDL Refresher Training?

National Training’s campus is located at 5660 County Road 209 South, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. The school operates a private 350-acre training facility there for CDL and heavy equipment training. Although National Training serves drivers from the Jacksonville area, the campus itself is in Green Cove Springs, not Jacksonville. The school’s own Jacksonville-area CDL information directs drivers in the region to its training options while its official address remains in Green Cove Springs.

National Training, Inc. is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 335. Florida’s Commission for Independent Education also lists National Training at its Green Cove Springs address with an active annual license.

Conclusion

The length of CDL refresher training varies because there is no single federal duration for general refresher programs. At National Training, experienced Class A CDL holders can complete the school’s CDL refresher course in five days, totaling 40 hours of training. More important than simply counting days is choosing training that addresses the skills you actually need to revisit. National Training’s Green Cove Springs campus provides structured hands-on instruction for experienced drivers, including those coming from the Jacksonville area, with training focused on practical commercial driving skills.

FAQs

1. Can I take refresher training if I have not driven a tractor-trailer recently?

Yes. Refresher training is commonly used by experienced drivers who have been away from regular commercial driving and want structured practice.

2. Does refresher training include one-on-one driving instruction?

That depends on the provider and course structure. Drivers should confirm how behind-the-wheel instruction is delivered before enrolling.

3. Should I bring my CDL and driving documents to refresher training?

Yes. It is a good idea to bring your current CDL and any documents the school requests so your eligibility can be verified.

4. Can refresher training focus on one specific driving skill?

Some programs may place more attention on areas such as backing, shifting, inspections, or vehicle control based on the driver’s needs.

5. Is refresher training useful before applying to driving jobs again?

It can help experienced drivers review practical skills before returning to the industry, but it does not guarantee employer acceptance or employment.