If you’re eager to start a career in the world of trucking, going to an excellent Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) school is one of the most important things that you can do. Well, with so many available, how can you even know how to find the best CDL training near you? In this blog, we will walk you through factors to consider when choosing a CDL school and provide Seattle’s top plant-based eateries based on location, reputation, and pass rate.
Why It’s Important To Pick The Right CDL School
The CDL training facility you choose will have a large impact on your experience in school, the options are offers for employment and the likelihood of long-term success. Not all schools provide the same level of training, gear or instructors. The most elite schools will also ensure that you are fully proficient at the CDL exam and very impressive on the job.
Critical Elements To Consider While Choosing A CDL School
Here’s what to consider when assessing prospective schools:
Accreditation: Verify that the school is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency or organisation, for example, the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI). This guarantees that the school is up to industry standards and is of a high standard in learning.
Curriculum: Choose a school that includes both classroom work and driving experience. This duo will leave you prepared for the written and practical parts of the CDL test.
Cost and Financial Aid: CDL training isn’t cheap, so it’s important to find a school with reasonable tuition rates, or at least financial aid assistance via scholarships or payment plans.
Job Placement Assistance: Most reputable CDL schools provide job placement assistance, which can help you get a job after your training with ease. This is an important advantage that can save you a lot of time and work in pursuing your job search.
Reputation: Check research reviews and ask for testimonials from former students to know more about the school reputation. Any school that has glowing recommendations from previous successful students is usually a good one.
List of Schools State-wise
| State | CDL Training School / Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 160 Driving Academy | Large provider with multiple campuses nationwide. |
| Alaska | Local truck driving schools | CDL help directories list providers by city. |
| Arizona | HDS Truck Driving Institute | Established CDL training in Tucson. |
| Arkansas | Mid‑America Truck Driving School | State‑listed provider. |
| California | International Trucking School | Well‑known provider in Sacramento. |
| Colorado | U.S. Truck Driving School | CDL programs in Denver and Colorado Springs. |
| Connecticut | 160 Driving Academy | National network likely covering CT. |
| Delaware | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Multiple locations nationwide. |
| Florida | The CDL School (Miami) | FMCSA‑approved CDL training. |
| Georgia | Truck Driver Institute (TDI) | Campus near Atlanta. |
| Hawaii | Local providers | Search state directories. |
| Idaho | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Wide coverage. |
| Illinois | KLLM Driving Academy | Offers Class‑A CDL courses. |
| Indiana | DriveCo via Ivy Tech | Community college partnerships reported. |
| Iowa | 160 Driving Academy | Part of the national network. |
| Kansas | Fort Scott Truck Driving School | Recommended private program. |
| Kentucky | Roadmaster Drivers School | National CDL training chain. |
| Louisiana | 160 Driving Academy | Broad coverage across states. |
| Maine | NMCC CDL Program | Community‑college training recommended. |
| Maryland | CFI (Career & Tech) | Often listed among recommended CDL schools. |
| Massachusetts | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Offer multiple locations. |
| Michigan | U.S. Truck Driver Training School | Longstanding Michigan program. |
| Minnesota | Roadmaster Drivers School | Nationwide provider. |
| Mississippi | Delta Technical College | Offers CDL courses. |
| Missouri | Midwest Technical Institute | Accredited CDL program. |
| Montana | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Wide coverage. |
| Nebraska | Roadmaster Drivers School | Nationwide presence. |
| Nevada | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | National chain. |
| New Hampshire | TDI / Local schools | TDI campus near South Bend covers region. |
| New Jersey | 160 Driving Academy | Large national presence. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Junior College CDL Program | Expanded training capacity. |
| New York | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Several state locations. |
| North Carolina | TransTech | Major provider in Charlotte. |
| North Dakota | Roadmaster Drivers School | Nationwide provider. |
| Ohio | Butler Tech / Truck Trailer Pro | Local strong programs. |
| Oklahoma | 160 Driving Academy | Major provider with OK City campus. |
| Oregon | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Multiple west‑region locations. |
| Pennsylvania | All‑State Career School | Among top CDL programs. |
| Rhode Island | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | National reach. |
| South Carolina | Truck Driver Institute (TDI) | Campus in Columbia. |
| South Dakota | Roadmaster Drivers School | Nationwide presence. |
| Tennessee | Miller‑Motte CDL Program | Noted by graduates. |
| Texas | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Many statewide locations. |
| Utah | Tooele Tech / SAGE | Local tech school & national chain. |
| Vermont | Roadmaster Drivers School | National provider. |
| Virginia | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | Multiple sites. |
| Washington | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | West coast coverage. |
| West Virginia | 160 Driving Academy | Part of national network. |
| Wisconsin | Roadmaster Drivers School | Popular in Midwest. |
| Wyoming | SAGE Truck Driving Schools | National reach. |
Notes for students:
- Many states also have community college CDL programs and state‑approved local schools not listed here.
- Major national training providers like SAGE Truck Driving Schools, Roadmaster Drivers School, 160 Driving Academy, and Truck Driver Institute (TDI) serve multiple states.
- Employer‑sponsored CDL training programs (e.g., through carriers like Roehl or Schneider) may be alternatives with tuition assistance or paid training.
One of the Best CDL Schools in the United States
Smith & Solomon Driver Training Schools
Sites: Various locations throughout the U.S.
Summary: Smith & Solomon is a national chain of CDL schools with a great reputation for quality training and robust course offerings. They provide both Class A and Class B CDL training that includes hands-on driving lessons.
Pros: Help with finding a job, flexible scheduling, several campus locations.
Website: smithsolomon.com
Roadmaster Drivers School
Locations: Over 20 campuses nationwide
Overview: Roadmaster is a organization with a proven track record of training, and placing literally tens of thousands of students. They have full-time and part-time schedules to suit different needs.
Pros: Hands-on training with modern equipment, financing is available and job placement is guaranteed.
Website: roadmaster.com
Premier Truck Driving Schools
What you’ll need: An array of locations around the United States.
Summary: Premier Truck Driving Schools have multiple flexible programs and including ones with training for students who need to relocate from home. Their instruction is oriented around safety and physical driving.
Pros: Job placement assistance, financial aid facility and competent instructors.
Website: premiertruckdrivingschool. com
California Truck Driving Academy
Location: California
Summary: For those of you in California, this academy provides elite CDL training and has flexible scheduling options to include weekend classes. You’ll receive extensive classroom training, as well as utilize real truck routes in hands-on training.
Pros: Small classes, hands-on training and help getting a job.
Website: ctds.edu
Northeast Technical Institute (NTI)
Location: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts
Summary: NTI provides a CDL course that offers hands-on training to prepare students for the written and driving exam. They provide flexible scheduling and job placement after you graduate.
Pros: Offers day and evening programs, with experienced instructors, and financial help available.
Website: ntinow.edu
How to Choose a CDL School Near You
To locate the top CDL school locations in your area, begin with:
Online Search: Use search engines to look for CDL schools near you. Seek reviews and testimonials from previous students to determine the school’s credibility.
Local Resources: Many local government websites or job service centres have information about CDL schools and programs in your area.
Seeking Recommendations: Contact others in the trucking field and ask for their advice. Other drivers or industry specialists may be able to steer you toward quality training programs.
What You Can Expect Driving While Receiving Your CDL
The majority of CDL programs are 4–8 weeks long, but it’s more about how many weeks you will be in school rather than the total duration. Throughout the course, you’ll receive instruction on everything from traffic laws and travelling safely to caring for a vehicle and operating different types of trucks.
Typical Training Breakdown:
Classroom Instruction: online course. (Click Here)Background topics on trucking and the law, safety standards, general knowledge of handling your CMV & basics from the CDL handbook.
Road Training: Behind-the-wheel instruction in which you practice driving a truck under the watch of your instructor.
Testing and Certification: Once your training is complete, you will have to pass a written test as well as a road skills exam in order to obtain your CDL.
Conclusion
Selecting the right CDL school that is convenient for you is an important first step to launching your new vocation. Taking into account cost, curriculum, reputation and job placement help will make certain you’re making the right decision. Check out research schools near where you live, visit campuses and ask questions to pinpoint the program that suits you. With proper coaching, you’ll be on the way to a rewarding career in trucking!
FAQs
How much time does CDL training take?
CDL training can be as short as 4 weeks or take up to 8 weeks, depending on the school and how much time you have if going full-time or part-time.
Are there any financial aids for CDL Training?
Most CDL schools provide financial aid, which may come in the form of loans, scholarships or payment plans.
How much does CDL training cost on average?
CDL training can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the program and location.
How can I locate the best CDL school near me?
Search online, ask other industry professionals, and look for reviews to determine the best CDL schools in your area.
Do CDL schools help you find a job?
Many of the best CDL schools have job placement services to assist you in landing a job once you graduate.
