Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of CDL Training in Cary, Charlotte, Concord, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, High Point, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.
Are you ready to kickstart a trucking career but unsure where to start your CDL training in North Carolina?
This article breaks down the top CDL schools in the state, comparing their programs, costs, and unique features.
Find out which training program fits your needs and get on the road to becoming a professional truck driver.
TransTech – Class A and Class B CDL Training Programs
TransTech is North Carolina’s largest CDL training provider, graduating over 2,000 students annually. The school offers both Class A and Class B CDL training programs.
Highlights of TransTech’s Programs:
- Training duration: Four-week course for full-time students and ten-week course for part-time students.
- Multiple locations: Training centers are located in Asheville, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Newton, Raleigh-Durham, and Winston-Salem.
- Small class sizes: Personalized attention with a focus on individual student needs.
- Modern facilities: Equipped with advanced training equipment and tools for hands-on learning.
- Certified trainers: Classes led by professional and certified trainers for high-quality instruction.
- Third-party testing: Ensuring you’re well-prepared for the CDL exam.
- Financial assistance: Options available to help make tuition more affordable.
- Job placement assistance: Strong industry connections provide job opportunities to graduates.
TransTech’s blend of fast-track training and robust support services ensures aspiring truck drivers are well-prepared for their careers.
Johnston Community College – NC Truck Driver Training School
The NC Truck Driver Training School at Johnston Community College delivers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the trucking industry’s demands.
Key Features of the Training Program:
- Comprehensive curriculum: Topics include vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations, trip planning, cargo handling, weight and size laws, general maintenance, hours of service, and accident prevention.
- Quality instruction: Classes held at college facilities using equipment provided by the college.
- National recognition: A program recognized on a national level, ensuring high employability.
- Strong employment connections: Graduates pursued by top companies such as Covenant Transport, Darling Ingredients, Epes Transport System, and more.
- Financial assistance: Options available to aid with tuition and fees.
- Enrollment requirements: Meeting specific criteria ensures well-prepared graduates.
With robust industry ties and comprehensive training, Johnston Community College equips students for successful trucking careers.
Guilford Technical Community College – Truck Driver Training (TDT) Program
Guilford Technical Community College offers a well-rounded Truck Driver Training (TDT) program spanning 320 hours.
Essential Aspects of GTCC’s TDT Program:
- Extensive curriculum: Includes vehicle inspections, tractor-trailer operation, road safety regulations, and defensive driving.
- Flexible scheduling: Weekday and weekend classes available to suit different needs. Eight-week weekday classes or 16-week weekend classes.
- Admission requirements: Class A driver’s permit, DOT physical exam, and drug screening.
- Safety emphasis: Focus on accident prevention and driving safety.
- Job prospects: Industry growth projected, making CDL training a solid investment.
- Financial aid: Options like the Metallica Scholarship for eligible students to offset costs.
With its focus on safety and comprehensive training, GTCC’s program is ideal for those aiming for a trucking career.
Carolina Trucking Academy – CDL Training Program
Located in Raleigh, the Carolina Trucking Academy provides flexible and detailed CDL training programs.
Program Highlights:
- Training schedule: Offers both weekday and weekend classes.
- Comprehensive coursework: 160 hours of instruction including classroom, range training, behind-the-wheel practice, night driving, and road observation.
- Certified instructors: Ensures high-quality education.
- Tuition coverage: Includes books, supplies, DOT physical, and drug screening.
- Financial support: Available through WIA, VR, VA, GI Bill benefits, and local workforce boards under WIOA.
- Job placement: Partnerships with industry-friendly companies for job placement post-training.
- Specialized courses: Class B CDL, CDL refresher courses, passenger endorsement, and hazmat endorsement.
Carolina Trucking Academy’s flexible scheduling and comprehensive support services set students up for success.
Vance-Granville Community College – Truck Driver Training Program
Vance-Granville Community College’s Truck Driver Training Program offers a thorough nine-week course that prepares students for immediate employability in the trucking industry.
Key Features of VGCC’s Training:
- Nine-week curriculum: Combines classroom instruction, online assignments, range driving, and road driving.
- Eligibility requirements: Must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid NC driver’s license, and obtain a CDL permit. English proficiency required.
- Affordable tuition: Cost effective at $1,200 with scholarships through WIOA and the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
- Daytime schedule: Weekday training sessions.
- Robust preparation: Graduates well-positioned for commercial driving or owner-operator roles.
VGCC offers a practical and cost-effective CDL training option, ensuring students are workforce-ready upon graduation.
Choosing the right CDL training program in North Carolina involves considering several factors, including curriculum quality, job placement services, cost, and scheduling flexibility. By evaluating these top schools, you can find the program that best aligns with your needs and career goals.
With the right training, you can embark on a successful and fulfilling career in the trucking industry!
Carolina CDL Training Center – Professional Driver Training Course
Carolina CDL Training Center offers an intensive 160-hour Professional Driver Training Course designed specifically for those with minimal or no truck driving experience.
Key Features of Carolina CDL Training Center:
- Comprehensive curriculum: The course prepares you for the written permit tests, pre-trip inspection, and the driving test.
- Hands-on training: Covers essential aspects like commercial motor vehicle laws, electronic logging, sliding tandems, chaining up, and operating a reefer trailer.
- Cost details: Program costs $4,000 for training with an automatic truck and $4,500 for a manual truck, with Class B training available at a slightly lower cost.
- Flexible scheduling: Classes start every two weeks, accommodating immediate enrollment.
- Third-party testing: Includes pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and road testing for both Class A and Class B licenses.
- Job placement assistance: Strong focus on helping graduates secure employment.
Carolina CDL Training Center provides essential skills combined with strong job placement services, making it an ideal choice for new drivers.
Miller-Motte College – CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer Program
Miller-Motte College offers a highly flexible CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer program. This program is well-suited for those who need a dependable and adaptable schedule.
Highlights of Miller-Motte College’s Program:
- Flexible program duration: Classes begin every five weeks and can be completed in as little as four weeks.
- Extensive training: Covers driving techniques, size and weight regulations, pre-trip vehicle inspections, tractor-trailer maintenance, vehicle systems, driver safety, accident prevention, and defensive driving.
- Additional courses: Offers a CDL refresher course for individuals re-entering the industry.
- Commitment to standards: Emphasizes meeting physical and medical requirements for obtaining a CDL.
- Tuition details: Offers a mix of classroom instruction and practical experience, aiming to prepare students for entry-level driving roles.
Miller-Motte College provides a thorough training environment suitable for those seeking a flexible yet rigorous CDL program.
Richmond Community College – Class A CDL Program
Richmond Community College delivers in-depth CDL training for both Class A and Class B licenses, offering an affordable and detailed curriculum.
Richmond Community College Program Highlights:
- Length and structure: The Class A program is a five-week course involving classroom, range, and road driving instruction, complemented by 40 hours of online coursework.
- Eligibility specifics: Prospective students must hold a valid Class C driver’s license and maintain a clean motor vehicle record.
- Cost efficiency: The tuition is $800 for the Class A CDL program and $499 for the Class B program, with scholarships available.
- Extra training option: A three-week behind-the-wheel training program for those with a valid Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).
- Comprehensive topics: Instruction includes driver qualifications, vehicle inspection, defensive driving, and hours of service requirements.
- Testing facility: CDL road tests are administered at the Laurinburg facility.
Richmond Community College offers a practical and cost-effective option for those aiming to become professional truck drivers or heavy vehicle operators.
Choosing the Right CDL Training in North Carolina
Selecting the right CDL training in North Carolina is critical for your success. Here is a guide to help you make the right decision:
- Accreditation and Curriculum Quality:
- Ensure that the school is accredited; this guarantees that the program meets industry standards.
- Review the curriculum to ensure it covers vital aspects like vehicle inspections, defensive driving, safety regulations, and hands-on driving practice.
- Job Placement Rates and Services:
- Opt for schools with high job placement rates and robust job support services.
- Schools that offer job placement assistance and have established connections with reputable trucking companies can ease your transition into the workforce.
- Cost and Financial Aid:
- Compare the tuition fees across different schools.
- Explore available financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs. Schools like TransTech and Carolina Trucking Academy offer various financial assistance options to help cover costs.
- Student Reviews and Testimonials:
- Look for positive reviews relating to instructor quality, comprehensiveness of training, and overall satisfaction.
- Real student experiences can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the training.
- Scheduling Flexibility:
- Consider programs with flexible scheduling, such as those offered by GTCC and Carolina Trucking Academy, which provide part-time and weekend classes.
- Flexibility is essential if you are balancing training with other commitments.
- Location and Facilities:
- Proximity to home can reduce commute times and costs.
- Modern training facilities with up-to-date equipment enhance your learning experience.
By evaluating these factors, you can choose a CDL training program in North Carolina that aligns with your needs and career goals.
CDL Training By State
Conclusion: Start Your Trucking Career with Confidence
Choosing the right CDL training program is a significant step towards achieving a successful career in the trucking industry. With various options available in North Carolina, you have the opportunity to select a program that fits your schedule, financial situation, and career aspirations.
Begin your journey into the world of trucking with confidence by opting for one of the top CDL training programs in North Carolina. Your path to becoming a professional truck driver starts here.