Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of CDL Training in Anaheim, Antioch, Bakersfield, Berkeley, Burbank city, Carlsbad, Chico, Chula Vista, Clovis, and Concord.
Thinking about launching a trucking career and need the best CDL Training in California?
This guide breaks down the top programs to help you start a successful journey in trucking.
We’ve researched and compiled essential details on reputable CDL training schools across California to simplify your decision-making process.
Schneider – CDL Training
Schneider is a well-respected trucking company offering CDL training and employment opportunities for new drivers. This training program provides extensive hands-on and classroom experiences to help you attain your CDL and start working.
With Schneider, you can look forward to:
- Diverse Opportunities: Drivers are trained for roles in van truckload, dedicated, intermodal, tanker, solo, team, over-the-road, regional, and local driving positions.
- Inclusivity: Schneider supports part-time positions, military personnel transitioning into civilian careers, and women in trucking.
- Advanced Equipment: Training involves state-of-the-art equipment and technology, ensuring you become proficient in the latest trucking advancements.
- Paid Training Program: This program provides paid training, which helps you offset the costs while you learn.
One of Schneider’s standout features is their apprenticeship initiative tailored to military veterans, guiding them in leveraging their skills in a civilian capacity. This can be especially beneficial if you’re a veteran looking for a smooth transition.
Though specific costs and schedules are not listed online, you can easily gather more detailed information by contacting Schneider’s recruiting team.
To learn more about this robust program, check out the Schneider CDL Training.
United Truck Driving School – Class A CDL Training Program
United Truck Driving School has been a staple in California’s truck driving education landscape since 1978. The school’s Class A CDL training program is detailed and well-rounded, designed to help you successfully pass both written and driving CDL exams.
Key features of the program include:
- Course Duration: The 160-hour program spans four weeks, balancing between theoretical classroom instruction and practical, behind-the-wheel experience.
- Modern Equipment: Trainees use late-model trucks, familiarizing them with current industry standards.
- Job Placement Assistance: Post-graduation, the school helps you quickly find employment through job placement services.
- Future-Proofing Careers: With the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 4% increase in truck driving jobs from 2021-2031, a CDL from United paves the way for a promising future.
If you’re near Riverside or San Diego and looking for a solid foundation in truck driving, United Truck Driving School is an excellent choice to consider.
Connect with them for more info on the United Truck Driving School website.
El Camino College – Truck Driver Training Program
El Camino College’s Truck Driver Training Program is designed to address the high demand for truck drivers in California’s bustling metro areas. This program offers a balance of academic and hands-on training over ten weeks.
Highlights of this program include:
- Comprehensive Duration: 170 hours of training which robustly prepare you for the California commercial truck class “A” license written exam and driving test.
- Competitive Wages: Graduates typically earn a median hourly rate of $22.66, with potential increases up to $33.41.
- Inclusive Curriculum: Theoretical and practical lessons ensure you are fully prepared for both exams and real-world driving.
- DMV Exam Assistance: The college provides support in scheduling your DMV exams, streamlining the process to get your CDL.
- Accessibility: The program is open to anyone with a valid standard California driver’s license, minimizing entry barriers.
El Camino College blends solid instruction with practical experience, making it a valuable option for aspiring truck drivers.
Explore the El Camino College CDL program for more information.
Knight Transportation – Paid CDL Training
Knight Transportation offers a compelling option for paid CDL training in Rancho Dominguez, CA. This program is tailored to individuals who have a CDL but lack formal training.
Key aspects of the training include:
- Training Duration: 2-4 weeks of over-the-road training with certified trainers.
- Compensation: Trainees receive $650 per week plus monthly bonuses, which provide financial stability during training.
- Benefits Package: Trainees receive competitive medical plans, 401(k) with company match, stock purchase plans, and more.
- Job Structure: Drivers typically spend 7-10 days on the road followed by 2-3 days of home time.
- Veteran Support: The Fleet of Heroes program offers tailored support to military veterans transitioning to civilian truck driving careers.
- Experience Requirements: No previous experience is needed, making it an accessible choice for newcomers.
Knight Transportation’s training program offers an attractive blend of compensation, support, and benefits, ideal if you seek structured and paid CDL training.
To apply or learn more about this opportunity, visit the Knight Transportation CDL Training page.
Roadmaster Drivers School – Comprehensive CDL Training Program
Roadmaster Drivers School in Fontana, CA provides a detailed and rigorous CDL training program. Designed to help students succeed, this program combines hands-on driving practice with classroom instruction.
- Experienced Instructors: Industry-seasoned trainers guide students through every step of the learning process.
- Hands-On Training: Trainees get extensive behind-the-wheel experience with 53′ trailers, ensuring they are prepared for real-world challenges.
- Accredited Program: Approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, guaranteeing high educational standards.
- Job Placement: A high success rate, thanks to strong industry connections, facilitates immediate employment post-graduation.
- Positive Feedback: Testimonials from former students highlight the school’s ability to deliver on its promises.
For a CDL training option with a track record of producing competent truck drivers, look into Roadmaster Drivers School.
Swift Transportation – CDL Training in Fontana
Swift Transportation offers a robust CDL training program in Fontana, CA that is both comprehensive and flexible. Swift caters to the varying needs of aspiring drivers with several unique features.
- Flexible Start Dates: Weekly class beginnings provide ease for schedule management.
- Veteran-Friendly: Scholarships and targeted programs help veterans transition smoothly into trucking careers.
- Both Transmissions Covered: Training encompasses both automatic and manual transmissions, diversifying your skill set.
- Inclusive Facilities: Training centers include accommodations and amenities, fostering a supportive environment.
No initial investment is necessary, making this an accessible choice for many. Discover more about starting at Swift Transportation.
Dolphin Trucking School – Class A Program
Dolphin Trucking School, located in various California cities, offers specialized training programs, attracting a diverse range of students.
- Class A Program: A 168-hour curriculum that melds classroom learning with practical driving experiences.
- Program Costs: Tuition ranges from $3,150 to $6,480, with various financial aids available.
- Flexible Training: Includes Class A with Passenger Endorsement and Class B CDL courses, catering to specific career goals.
- Lifetime Job Placement: Continuous support ensures graduates find employment readily.
Their comprehensive CDL training meets the regulatory standards, preparing drivers thoroughly for their careers.
Choosing the Right CDL Training Program in California
Selecting an appropriate CDL training program can be pivotal to your career success. Here are key factors to consider:
- Accreditation:
Ensure the program is accredited and recognized by relevant authorities. This guarantees you receive a quality education that meets industry standards. - Duration and Costs:
- Program Length: Evaluate whether the duration fits your learning pace and schedule. Some programs may be intensive, while others spread out over a longer period.
- Cost: Understand all associated costs, including hidden fees. Look for options offering financial assistance, scholarships, or tuition reimbursement.
- Job Placement Rates:
- Research schools with high job placement rates. Institutions with strong industry connections can significantly boost your employment opportunities post-graduation.
- Experienced Instructors:
- Instructors with real-world experience can offer invaluable insights and practical knowledge, enhancing your learning experience.
- Hands-On Training:
- Adequate driving practice is crucial. Ensure the program offers substantial hands-on training with industry-standard equipment, replicating real-life scenarios.
- Endorsement Preparation:
- If you plan on hauling specialized cargo, the school should provide training for additional endorsements, such as tanker or hazardous materials.
- Flexibility:
- Assess if the school offers flexible class hours or online learning modules if you have other commitments.
- Equipment and Support Services:
- Modern, well-maintained equipment reflects an up-to-date learning environment. Additional support services, like job placement assistance and mentoring, can significantly impact your career transition.
CDL Training By State
Conclusion: Finding the Best CDL Training for You
Ultimately, choosing the best CDL training program in California requires careful consideration of your career goals, schedule, and financial capacity. Each program listed offers unique strengths, from financial aid to specific driving practice.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your trucking journey, reach out to the programs or schools listed. Contact the institutions directly to get detailed information and begin your path toward a rewarding career in truck driving.
Each section provided offers vital information that can help you make well-informed decisions when searching for “CDL training in California.” Always remember to verify the credibility and accreditation of the programs you consider to ensure they match your personal and professional needs.