CDL Schools Near Me — Find Training Programs (2026)
Find CDL schools and truck driving training programs near you. Compare costs, program lengths, and job placement rates. FMCSA-approved schools for 2026.
How to Find CDL Schools Near You
Finding the right CDL school is the first step toward a trucking career. Since February 2022, all new CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider. Practice with the free CDL practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (32 questions with answer explanations).
You can continue preparing with the printable cdl practice test, which includes answer explanations for every question.
Where to Search for CDL Schools
- FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR): The official database at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov lists every approved CDL school by location
- Community colleges: Many offer affordable CDL programs with financial aid eligibility
- Private truck driving schools: Faster completion times, often 3-6 weeks
- Company-sponsored programs: Major carriers like Werner, CRST, and Swift offer free training with employment commitment
What to Look For in a CDL School
- FMCSA registration: Required — unlisted schools can't certify you for the skills test
- Job placement rate: Top schools place 90%+ of graduates
- Behind-the-wheel hours: Look for 40+ hours minimum driving time
- Equipment: Training on modern trucks with automatic and manual transmissions
- Class size: Smaller classes mean more driving time per student
Free CDL Study Tools
Interactive CDL resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Class A Driver's License Practice Test -2 — 32 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- CDL flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CDL study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CDL cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
- To pass each Commercial Driver's License (CDL) knowledge test, an applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions. (ecfr.gov)
- The TSA fee for a new or renewing Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) threat assessment is $85.25, effective January 1, 2025. (tsa.gov)
- The TSA fee for a new or renewing Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) threat assessment is reduced to $41.00 for applicants who already hold a valid TWIC card. (tsa.gov)
- A state must use a different version of the test when a Commercial Driver's License applicant retakes a previously failed knowledge test. (ecfr.gov)
- A commercial learner's permit (CLP) is valid for no more than one year from its initial issue date unless the holder retakes the general and endorsement knowledge tests. (ecfr.gov)
- CDL knowledge tests may be given in written form, verbally or in automated format, and in a foreign language as long as no interpreter is used. (ecfr.gov)
- A commercial learner's permit holder must be at least 18 years old and cannot take the CDL skills test in the first 14 days after the permit is first issued. (ecfr.gov)
Facts verified Oct 18, 2026 against Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), U.S. DOT; tests administered by each state driver licensing agency. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CDL Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Passing score | 80% on each knowledge test | ecfr.gov |
| Exam fee (Hazmat endorsement (TSA threat assessment)) | $85.25 | tsa.gov |
| Exam fee (Hazmat endorsement, TWIC holder) | $41.00 reduced rate | tsa.gov |
| Retake policy | Retake must use a different test version | ecfr.gov |
| Validity (Commercial learner's permit) | Max 1 year from initial issuance without retesting | ecfr.gov |
| Delivery | Written, verbal or computer; foreign language allowed, no interpreter | ecfr.gov |
| Eligibility (Commercial learner's permit) | Age 18+; 14-day wait before the skills test | ecfr.gov |
Facts verified Oct 18, 2026 against Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), U.S. DOT; tests administered by each state driver licensing agency. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Important: Only FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) listed schools can certify your ELDT completion. Without this certification, you cannot take the CDL skills test. Always verify a school's TPR listing before enrolling.
Types of CDL Training Programs
Community College CDL Programs
Cost: $2,000-$5,000 | Duration: 4-16 weeks
Best for budget-conscious students. Eligible for Pell Grants, WIOA funding, and federal financial aid. Longer programs but thorough training with more classroom hours.
Private CDL Schools
Cost: $3,000-$10,000 | Duration: 3-6 weeks
Fastest path to your CDL. Intensive programs with full-time schedules. Many offer financing, weekend classes, and accelerated options. Popular chains include Roadmaster, 160 Driving Academy, and SAGE.
Company-Sponsored Training
Cost: $0-$1,000 | Duration: 3-4 weeks
Major trucking companies pay for your training in exchange for a 1-2 year employment commitment. Good option if you're ready to start working immediately. Companies include CRST, Werner, Swift, and Schneider.
WIOA-Funded Programs
Cost: Free | Duration: Varies
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides free CDL training for eligible candidates through local workforce development boards. Check your state's CareerOneStop center.
CDL Training Costs & Financial Aid
CDL training costs vary widely but financial help is available:
- Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year at eligible schools — doesn't need to be repaid
- WIOA funding: Free training through workforce development programs
- VA/GI Bill: Covers CDL training for veterans at approved schools
- State grants: Many states offer trucking-specific scholarships and grants
- School financing: Most private schools offer monthly payment plans
- ✓Verify the school is listed on FMCSA Training Provider Registry
- ✓Compare at least 3 schools on cost, duration, and placement rate
- ✓Ask about behind-the-wheel training hours (40+ recommended)
- ✓Check if financial aid, Pell Grants, or WIOA funding is available
- ✓Read reviews from recent graduates
- ✓Visit the school if possible to see equipment and facilities
- ✓Ask about job placement assistance after graduation
- ✓Confirm which CDL class (A, B, C) the program trains for
CDL: Pros and Cons
- +cdl — structured CDL training builds a solid foundation of skills
- +Multiple training formats available: online, in-person, and hybrid
- +Hands-on practice prepares you for real-world job scenarios
- +Training programs often include job placement assistance
- +Continuing education keeps your skills current with industry changes
- −Training programs can be time-intensive (weeks to months)
- −Quality varies significantly between training providers
- −Costs for comprehensive programs can be substantial
- −Hands-on components may require travel or in-person attendance
- −Self-paced learning requires strong discipline and motivation
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| cdl — structured CDL training builds a solid foundation of skills | Training programs can be time-intensive (weeks to months) |
| Multiple training formats available: online, in-person, and hybrid | Quality varies significantly between training providers |
| Hands-on practice prepares you for real-world job scenarios | Costs for comprehensive programs can be substantial |
| Training programs often include job placement assistance | Hands-on components may require travel or in-person attendance |
| Continuing education keeps your skills current with industry changes | Self-paced learning requires strong discipline and motivation |
Sample CDL Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CDL practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
During a school bus pre-trip, a driver checks the tires and finds one steer axle tire has a tread depth of 3/32 of an inch. This tire is ________.
- A. acceptable; steer axle tires only require 2/32 of an inch
- B. unacceptable; steer axle tires require a minimum of 4/32 of an inch
- C. acceptable as long as there are no visible cuts or bulges
- D. unacceptable; all school bus tires must be replaced at 6/32 of an inch
Answer: B. unacceptable; steer axle tires require a minimum of 4/32 of an inch
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require a minimum tread depth of 4/32 of an inch on steer axle tires, so 3/32 is below the legal limit and the bus must not be driven.
After completing the final run of the day, what must a school bus driver do before leaving the vehicle?
- A. Complete the mileage log and secure the steering wheel
- B. Walk through the entire bus to ensure no student has been left behind
- C. Check tire pressure and fluid levels
- D. Report any discipline issues to dispatch
Answer: C. Check tire pressure and fluid levels
Drivers are required to walk the full length of the bus and check every seat — including under seats — to confirm no child remains on board. Students falling asleep or hiding can easily be missed otherwise.
Why should a school bus driver count students as they board and exit at a stop?
- A. To ensure all students cleared the danger zone before moving
- B. To track ticket sales
- C. To report ridership to the state daily
- D. It is not necessary
Answer: A. To ensure all students cleared the danger zone before moving
Counting students helps confirm everyone is safely clear of the bus before it moves.
At a railroad-highway grade crossing, what must a school bus driver do before proceeding across the tracks?
- A. Slow to 15 mph and proceed if no train is visible
- B. Stop 15 to 50 feet before the tracks, open the door, and listen for approaching trains
- C. Stop only when the warning lights are flashing or gates are down
- D. Yield to other traffic, then cross without stopping
Answer: B. Stop 15 to 50 feet before the tracks, open the door, and listen for approaching trains
Federal regulations require school bus drivers to stop between 15 and 50 feet from railroad tracks, open the service door, and listen for trains before crossing — regardless of whether signals are active.
Take the full CDL practice test
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy