SAGE Truck Driving Schools - CDL Training in Plant City at HCC

Negative experience: My instructor Richard just sat there for 3 1/2 hours playing casino on his phone..When I need help to correct my reverse offset I had to ask a student for help.

Negative experience: Not customer oriented at all. Did not help me in any fashion after I contacted them several times and emailed them all of the documents and everything they required and then just radio silence. Had absolutely no interest in helping me whatsoever. Even after I was told they would contact me back three days ago they still have not contacted me back.

Positive experience: I was reluctant to signing up due to the disappointing reviews But with my level of optimism, I pushed through. I began class the week hurricane Helen hit on September 23, 2024, our class got pushed out for two weeks for clean up. Got the okay to come back and had to finish up with a different class. And then comes Milton that same week. So we lost another two weeks for clean up! Keep In mind, per my agreement my class should only run me 10 consecutive weeks. And my completion date should have been on December the 2nd. And since we basically lost those 4 weeks, it was no sweat for me. I just knew that should only prolong it by 2 to 3 more weeks. I actually made the necessary adjustments as far as work in order to open up my schedule and do double days at the training field or to come everyday if I had to in order for this not to drag out and get this done so that I can move on to my next goal. As anyone with common sense you would think an institution that is receiving federal funds would function in accordance. First in would be the first out! And delay enrollment until things are caught up with those that they have already been enrolled. I started out being scheduled 2 or 3 days per week some of my former classmates if I seen them at the field would say they were going to be there from 8am to 4pm basically doing a double. Anytime that I would try to communicate with the program director, Jennifer, about picking up more days. She was always with a student enrolling or in a “meeting “. Okay no sweat! I maintained my resilience, smiled through the bullshit and remained pleasant and took what she decided to give me. And before you knew it, I was ultimately dropped down to one day a week at the field. I began to see lots of new people, and it had been verified that these same people that I am now seeing, are out there a couple times a week. So, I reach out to who is over the program, Jennifer. Not to cry over spilled milk about how we are now going into February and I know for a fact that there are people who have tested out and are completed before me that started after me. I wanted to express that I am at the point of testing out the second week of February, and I would like for my last two days on the field to be consistent with my test date so that everything will be fresh and I can retain everything properly since things have been so spaced out for me at a reason not of my own except for a day missed for not feeling well. I expressed to her upon me looking in my file with my trainer, I have 3 more drive days left. She began to investigate and made me feel as if she was going to try to cheat me out of my days in which she has been accused of doing. I had open communication with her anytime that I may not have been able to make it that day so I should have always been able to make up that day. But to continue, as I expressed my learning style and the lack of consistency with scheduling and how it could contribute to my lack of success. In an ald Karen like fashion, she began to tell me 1: about her having 50 students and how she has to keep everyone happy2: how it was either she give me one day per week or I wouldn’t have driven for two weeks 3: how she tells people not to quit there jobs for the program (which you do need flexibility in order to complete this said course.) I have a family and work In the Medical field so I can create my own work schedule so walking away from my previous employer didn’t set me back. But it has been dragging out for moths now and I’m ready to regain some structure! Your turn over rate and who Jennifer is choosing to keep happy before others is none of my concern! First in, First out! That’s the correct fashion especially if someone has expressed that they have open availability which is not hindering them in the scheduling process. People are afraid to speak up upon their fear of retaliation. But, I am and will always stand up for what is right and what is wrong proudly. I will seek other avenues of counsel if things are not corrected.

Fantastic experience: I just passed my test today. Matt is an awesome teacher. Knowledgeable, patient and will prepare you for the test completely. I can't recommend him enough. If you practice and follow his instructions you should have no problem passing the CDL test. I'm glad I picked SAGE and I feel 100% prepared for my first job. Thank you Matt!

Fantastic experience: I’d give more than 5 stars if I could. Everyone I dealt with my highly knowledgeable and professional. Matt was a great instructor and the Sage team were all there 100%, not once did I get the feeling that anyone I dealt with was just there for a job. They all take pride in what they do and care about you as a student. They teach you how to be a truck driver, not just how to pass a test. The job placement with recruiters coming in to meet you is also a very beneficial aspect of going through Sage.

Fantastic experience: Just graduated from Sage 4/18/24. If you like a SLOWER paced, hands on training then this school is for you. Chris was a knowledgeable in-class instructor who really tried to ensure you understood federal/state regulations as well as the inns & outs of the industry. Matt and Richard were great driving instructors who really took the time to make you comfortable with not only driving and but also understanding the most important aspects of the vehicle. Jourdan and Christina were awesome resources with scheduling, general questions and helping you find a job. I really enjoyed my time there and I'm thankful for knowledge I gained as a student.

Fantastic experience: Man I must say I was really impressed with this school I must say they have the best staff here overall. Matt is a great teacher , he makes sure you’re comfortable and teaches you how to become a truck driver. Christina and jourdan were amazing as well they both were very helpful along my journey. Just want to say thank you all for helping me get my CDLS today god bless you all.

Fantastic experience: Thanks to Sage, their staff and teachers I was able to obtain my CDL A with Endorsement HM/Tank. Highly qualified staff, willing to take you by the hand, and go with you step by step until you achieve your goals, 200% recommended… Thank you Sage and all staff

Fantastic experience: Everyone at SAGE was amazing! Great experience and people at the Plant City HCC campus. I can't say enough great things about the staff and instructors. I've been driving for almost a year since attending SAGE and it completely changed the trajectory of my life. Now I have my HAZMAT and TANKER endorsements and I'm home every night delivering fuel. God bless SAGE.

Fantastic experience: I attended Sage Truck Driving School in Nov. 2020 during Covid. Due to the circumstances with Covid my training was modified a bit. A lot of class work was done at home. I felt I was being short changed, made me very nervous. This was absolutely NOT true! All of my trainers (wish I could remember names) were attentive and thorough. All I knew about trucking was that I wanted to do it. I learned everything I needed to know at Sage. I struggled with backing maneuvers, terrible with the 45'. I never did it right in class. The first time I did it correctly was the day I passed my state exam on the first try. Which is a testament to the training I received! Thank you to everyone at Sage Truck Driving School!

Fantastic experience: I graduated from Sage Trucking at the beginning of June. I enjoyed taking the CDL A Driver course. I feel that the instructors although following the curriculum were each able to provide their own unique techniques, providing helpful ways to help learn the material. I'm greatful for the time that is granted and encouraged throughout the program to have hands-on practice with the vehicles. Especially if you are not specifically scheduled for training. That allowed me great flexibility to get some practice in. I also feel that the way the driving time is set up, ensures the student is actually retaining the proper skills necessary to obtain the license. The office staff (Christina and Jordan) were extremely helpful throughout the process ensuring all your questions are answered clearly as well as assisting in any needs that may arise. I personally had a scheduling issue with testing date last minute. They were able to graciously assist me in rescheduling, in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to obtain their CDL license.

Fantastic experience: Searched around for months before deciding on a CDL school. Choose Sage for the 1 on 1 drive training and because it wasn’t affiliated or pushing me to join a specific company. Instruction turned out to be extremely informative and to the point.

Fantastic experience: It was great. Love the instructor because he loves what he does and the women staff seem to really care about the students. Christina and Jordan are amazing and even after completion are still there to help in anyway possible. I’ll forever appreciate them.

Fantastic experience: I chose Sage because of the one on one, when it was time to go on the road for your drive hours in school. I didn't have a favorite instructor, they all was pretty cool and taught me something different that I could use toward the test and in my career. Even the two ladies in the office was ready at anytime before I start school, during, and once I finish school. But overall I was inspire with Sage the way they stuck to their word on how the school do things and how the schedule would goes for school.

Fantastic experience: The staff at SAGE CDL Truck school, Plant City at HCC is professional and amazing! I was looking at other CDL schools before I contacted SAGE. I was impressed when Christina explained the whole CDL training curriculum while being honest and giving me direct answers. Registration process was seamless, Jourdan walks you through the enrollment process, provides information on financial aid options available (not from SAGE). I have a busy schedule with my current job, Jourdan helped manage my training schedule per my request. In class instructors are very knowledgable, and it is vital to study material SAGE provides to prepare for CDL endorsement test. Sage has highly skilled range instructors. Range instructors share vital knowledge to prepare students for CDL road test. At SAGE CDL Truck school, they look after their students.

Fantastic experience: The training process was phenomenal I couldn’t have learned how to drive manual 18 wheelers faster or better. My favorite part about class were the different experienced drivers teaching from different angles giving you the opportunity to grasp many techniques and skills from different viewpoints.

Fantastic experience: The instructors are patient and encouraging. They were happy to share their knowledge and answer any questions I had. The office staff are friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Great school. Instructor Matthew was very informative. They’ll teach you everything you need to know to confidently pass your state test. I passed on my first attempt having never driven with a trailer.

Fantastic experience: The training is top notch. Just really good. Very personal. Not a place you get lost in the shuffle at. From the office staff and the classroom instructor to the guys teaching you how to drive on the road. Very handsome on. Make sure you get what you need.

Fantastic experience: Great instructors and staffs, they are very thorough, detailed and hide nothing from you. I’ve never driven big trucks before but I was able to get my CDL in one shot because of them. I highly recommend the is school anybody who wants to become a truck driver.

Fantastic experience: They were great at teaching and there is a lot of hands on experience, the instructors will explain everything and if you have questions they don't mind answering. Because of sage I was able to get a promotion at work

Fantastic experience: They not only taught me to pass the test the first time around but I also took something useful from each instructor. I’ve used much of what they trained in the real world. I highly recommend this school.

Fantastic experience: I already had my class a cdl but took the full course as a refresher, the instructors were knowledgeable and covered all the topics including paper logs. Which is good incase of eld malfunction, you still have at least some experience doing it. I hardly use the skills learned in practice yard, but if situation arose that I needed and had room, I know what to do, but they have to teach what the state mandates. The city driving prepared me for things I do everyday. To be honest, if someone asked where they should go fir a cdl, sage in plant city would be top of the list, I have been an over the road driver for 4 years now. Sage was the first step in learning, and each day is the next step.

Fantastic experience: Great program. Very thorough and the instructors are phenomenal.

Fantastic experience: The instructors were awesome. They want you to pass. If you listen to their instructions you'll be a success like me

Fantastic experience: Great school with knowledgeable instructors and the ladies at the office are very helpful. Ps Mat is the man

Fantastic experience: I attended Sage in Plant City 4 yrs ago to obtain my CDL. My back ground is military and law enforcement. I was very impressed with the staff and instructors. I've been with Knight Transportation since graduating and I continue to maintain a close personal and professional relationship them. I highly recommend them.

Fantastic experience: I had the best experience at Sage Truck Driving School at HCC a plant city working with Jourdan and Christina and all the instructors was amazing they really take the time to work with you and guide you to be successful and pass your test to get your CDL I want to Thank the entire staff for everything and a special thanks to instructor Matt he was the best and really helped me a lot to get ready for my test and showed me some useful tips for driving as well he deserves a raise for sue lol!!! Thank you Sage for making my dream a reality!!

Fantastic experience: It’s amazing! Matthew is the best!!!!!

Fantastic experience: I’m so glad I decided to enroll at SAGE definitely a life changing decision. The staff and instructors was very helpful and professional!

Fantastic experience: Recently completed my CDL training at Sage School and was thoroughly impressed. Matthew, my instructor, was exceptional in breaking down complex concepts, making learning a breeze. Jordan and Christina in the office were efficient and helpful, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. The entire staff was supportive and professional. Highly recommend Sage School for anyone seeking their CDL.

Fantastic experience: Sage truck driver school is the best! My favorite instructor was Matt

Fantastic experience: The staff was very helpful, patient and knowledgeable as was the instructors. Highly recommend!!!

Fantastic experience: Enrolling in Sage Truck Driving school will always be one of the best decision I’ve ever made. I will always be grateful for the amazing staff and instructors that helped me earn my CDL. Plus, they are always there for refreshers, as well as reviewing job offers in the future. I definitely recommend this school to anyone interested in trucking. Sage is well-known and has the reputation that trucking companies seem to crave so I was hired within weeks of passing my road tests. I don’t think “Thank you” covers it but I am happy in my new career and look forward to see what the next mile brings.

Fantastic experience: I would rate Sage with more than 5 stars. For me it meant a new opportunity. I had no experience in the world of trucks, and the learning was wonderful, the dedication and commitment of the instructors and all the staff was outstanding. Then over the road I have had the opportunity to remember and apply each teaching received. I'm very grateful for the patience they showed to my Spanglish

Fantastic experience: I recently graduated from SAGE (July 2023). My experience was very good. Matt is a very good instructor, he shared his knowledge and I learned a lot from him. I recommend this school 100%.

Fantastic experience: They care about you

Fantastic experience: The pretrip instruction was great. The backing training was good. Good road time with the same truck that you take the test in. Knowledgeable instructors.

Fantastic experience: I would like to thank Jourdan and Christina. I sincerely appreciate the time you all spent accommodating my schedule. I would also like to thank Matt. I passed my CDL road test today and truthfully, because of Matt's patience, dedication and knowledge I was able to successfully accomplish my goal. He has been one of the BEST trainers / instructors I have worked with! The program was enjoyable and I have learned a lot from him. I honestly want to thank him for his time, patience, encouragement and efforts in helping me.

Fantastic experience: Great school with one on one training and instructors who have a lot of experience and knowledge and patience. Would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning about truck driving.

Fantastic experience: SAGE Driving School is THE place to get your CDL driver training! The staff are 1st Class & professional! At SAGE you are never just a number! They genuinely care about your success as a Commercial Driver! They are willing, within reason, to work around your schedule and you NEVER share Road Experience Training with another student! It is always just you and the instructor. The day I took my CDL exam with the DOT Examiner I absolutely SMASHED all phases of testing. And it was due in LARGE part to the exceptional training I received at SAGE! Thanks guys for helping me to realize my Career Dream! Edward Dueitt Cool Transport Jax

Fantastic experience: The entire team was always extremely helpful and really strives to make sure of your success. They always exercised flexibility in scheduling and the instructors made sure that they understood your training needs and made sure to train you correctly.

Fantastic experience: The staff at Sage was incredibly helpful. I had to take a break from school for a few months and upon my return they seamlessly inserted me back into the program so that I could finish my program. I highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I graduated sage in 2017. I struggled learning the Maneuvers whereas I'd never driven with a trailer Etc. The instructors encouraged me and pushed me on. I've now been driving 6 years. Great place to go to school!

Fantastic experience: The best experience I have ever had with a school they teach you every thing you need to know and so much more

Fantastic experience: Excelente lugar, la mejor opción para obtener tu CDL-A

Fantastic experience: Fast and friendly service. Took my order very quick and it was ready as soon as I got to the window.

Negative experience: My experience here wasn’t the best, first off the price is $5150, which is ironic because 5150 is the code for a mental health person. But anyhow, you get 11 4 hour drives. Which is only 44 hours of actual hands on training. But you start with a week worth of classroom and after that they will schedule you for your drives. In the classroom it’s just permit prep in my opinion because most people didn’t have their permit in my class and after the week of classroom you couldn’t get scheduled for drives if you didn’t have the permit as of yet. Half of my drives were with another student, which is going against there whole “one on one” training. They only had 1 automatic truck which had no ac and 1 manual truck. The instructors were okay. They did there job but you could tell they didn’t care if you passed or failed. They also took me to a new location to do my test. Which I ended up failing 3 times because of the test location, the backing maneuvers are set up as if your already a pro backer. The only positives of the school is they have recruiters come in during the week of classroom, also you get the 160 hour of completion certificate which most schools give out anyway. Also they say they give you lifetime job placement and that’s basically just them sending you ads for trucking jobs that are hiring.

Negative experience: *honest review* I am a current student of Sage truck driving at the plant city location . I initially chose the school because they promoted 1 on 1 training . After what I experienced over the 4mths if I had to do it all over again I would absolutely choose another school . I was not advised before paying my tuition that it would take this long to complete my training . I was told by Christina that it was 8-10wks . I quit my job late jan and started in early feb thinking I would be done at least by April . I did 2 wks of classroom training . And waited nearly a month before I actually started being trained for driving. Another misconception is the 1 on 1 training . You’re actually sharing your 4 hr training with another student , which takes away from your training experience. They only have 3 trainers so I literally only got to practice once a week, until I complained then they scheduled me twice a week. It took me 3 mths to complete 44 hrs of drive time . 2 of the trainers had very little patience and for the majority of the time seemed extremely unenthused . I literally always felt helpless when I would work with them because they just didn’t care enough to do their job. The trucks themselves are old , and need repairs . The one I practiced in had no ac, the steering wheel was always too tight to manage maneuvers and the check engine light was always on . I was told just days before my skills test that 12 students tested and only 5 passed . That says a lot about the training they received . After all of the above , not to mention the $400 retest fee, this school cares nothing about your journey or your success and obviously only about your money . I would not recommend anyone to come here unless all of the above doesn’t raise a red flag . I did not pass on my 1st try because I passed a boundary line . I’ve been told I have to wait 2-3 wks to retest even though I’ve already paid the retest fee . Another unfair experience. They say you get what you paid for but for $5100 I certainly expected better than what I’ve been getting . I hope this helps someone avoid the inconvenience and confusion myself and other students had to deal with .

Negative experience: They promise one on one training but they sit there on chairs playing with there phones. while they put you in the truck with another new student I have photos and video. The place where your practicing was under construction and there trucks were always down for maintenance.picture of guy in red classmate the other is one of the instructors doing nothing. I’m in debt now over $5,000 because this is what you will see. Christina and Beverly are in the office and they don’t give a care in the world this is the WORST SCHOOL EVER.

Fantastic experience: I want to thank these people a 1000 times !!!!Excellent staff and instructors. I am very thankful to have attended their school. They are really great team .

Negative experience: I would not recommend SAGE Truck Driving School. Their instructors are highly unprofessional. Instructors seem to have preference to which students receive the proper training, while other students receive sub-par training. While I did pass my CDL test, I had to hire a private truck owner to learn driving maneuvers that I should have been properly taught at SAGE. They have old trucks which frequently broke down. While I was taking the test the truck broke down causing me to have to re-take my test.

Fantastic experience: Best truck driving school, best instructors, staff, and facilities. One student and one instructor per truck.

Fantastic experience: Excellent school I would recommend to all my friends wanting and needing training to make the there first and last choice

Fantastic experience: Having no prior experience in a tractor trailer, I was looking for a school that provided the most one on one driver training and I found it with Sage Plant City. I was pleased with all of the instructors that assisted me as well as the the office personnel, Jourdan and Christina. They went out of their way to accommodate any request I had. I felt that the school wanted you to succeed and it showed in their approach to teaching you the ins and outs of the PTI to the skills portion of the class. They are there to help as long as you are a willing participant. Thank you Beverly for providing a good learning environment and ensuring that everything that was needed to learn was available .

Fantastic experience: I don’t really do reviews, but from my time spent a Sage Truck Driving school in Plant City, I feel I must say something. I would give this school more than 5 stars if I could. From the time you sign up with Beverly Van Valkenburg your success begins. She will construct your program and introduce you to Christina Oltmanns and Jordan Flansburg who are in charge of the classroom and job placement, they really make you feel the personal attention that Sage Trucking is known for. While in class you meet the driving range instructors who enforce the importance of safety when you are around those 80,000 pound vehicles. The one thing that sticks in my mind the most came from Chris, one of the instructors, who told us “we better attack this program with all our might because the state just doesn’t give you a CDL, you earn it.” Beverly schedules your drive times on specific days that are convenient for you. If you feel more comfortable with a specific instructor, she will do her best to accommodate you. Your success is one of her main concerns. Safety is paramount; John Dees, head of the driving range, makes sure you drive a nice clean safe truck. Practicing the pre-trip and in cab inspection is a MUST. With persistence and determination, you will pass the state test. Thank you, Beverly and your staff, for an outstanding experience and training.

Negative experience: If you have to take the manual road test do not go here Not unless you want to drive a 53 footer sleeper on a 2 Way Rd.

Fantastic experience: Thank you sage , best in the biz,super knowledgeable !!

Fantastic experience: Sage is an absolutely professional establishment. It has very experienced and knowledgeable instructors in the classroom and on the range. Everyone is super nice, including the state examiners. I just received my tractor trailer CDL and excited to go OTR. I have to say, all the instructors are going the extra mile to teach effectively by being calm and collective. I am an instructor myself (Helicopters) and strongly believe that if you are lucky enough to get great instructors (which is unfortunately not guaranteed in many schools) you will successfully move into your job. SAGE TRUCKING is the driving school you want to join! Mrs. Beverly, (the program director) did also a phenomenal job by going out of her way to accommodate and help me through this program. Thank you so much to all of you !

Fantastic experience: 3/24/18 I tested here and the people are really nice. If you get a chance to meet Doug you are in luck. He is knowledgeable and professional. Thank you for your time it was a pleasure to meet you. I didn’t pass my test but I would recommend them highly if you go to there school you won’t be disappointed