If you've found your way to this article, then you might be contemplating getting your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and beginning your journey as a professional truck driver. Congratulations! As Obi-Wan Kenobi would say, "You've taken your first step into a larger world."
However, that world can be fraught with scams, fraud, and deception, so it's crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge so you can move forward with confidence.
That's where I come in.
Before you can get your CDL and hit the road, you have to first go through a training program, or CDL school. And just like you'd want the best education for your kids, so too should you look for the best training for your future.
In this guide, I'll break down how to tell the good CDL schools from the bad, how to avoid scams and "CDL mills," and how to make sure your investment in training leads to real, lasting success. Because that's what it is: an investment. Make the wrong one, and it could cost you thousands of dollars, weeks of wasted time, and a cynical view of the trucking industry.
Why Your CDL School Matters
How To Verify a CDL School
Good vs. Bad CDL Schools: What to Look For
CDL School Expenses
How to Spot (and Avoid) Scams
Final Thoughts
Attending a CDL training school is where your journey as a professional truck driver begins. Starting out on the right foot is critical because it will lay the foundation for your long-term success. A good school is all about equipping you with the real skills, confidence, and readiness you'll need every day on the road by:
Choosing the right CDL school is the difference between simply earning a license and becoming a truly confident, capable professional driver.
You're already on the right track just by reading this article. But before you sign up for a CDL training program or put down a deposit, make sure you do these important steps first:
RED FLAG ALERT: If a school can't be found on the registry or hesitates when you ask about it, it's best to keep looking.
This is such an important question, and I'm so glad you asked it! Just because a CDL school is registered with the FMCSA doesn't necessarily mean it's the right fit for you. Each school brings different levels of experience, teaching methods, and training quality, but there are certain qualities to look for (that also help you ask the right questions) that separate the best from the rest:
Note: These standards aren't required by law, but they will help you gauge the quality of a CDL training program.
I know, I know: you want to start earning that money! And the right training and certification will set you up to do just that. But there's some upfront expenses to know about first.
CDL school tuition usually falls within the broad range of $3,000 to $10,000, depending on location, training type, and whether it's community college or private school sponsored (higher upfront cost, but broad job options after graduating) or carrier sponsored (lower upfront cost with built-in job pipelines, but generally involves a contractual work commitment).
In addition to tuition, expect extra costs like:
Pro Tip: To get the full rundown, make sure you ask the school for a written cost sheet that itemizes every fee. If they won't provide one, take your business elsewhere.
There's been a lot of talk in the news lately about fraudulent, unaccredited CDL training programs, or "CDL mills," issuing bunk licenses to non-vetted drivers. It's a real problem for everyone on the road and for the trucking industry at large. This is why I've linked to it twice already and can't stress enough that you must check a program's status on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry first and foremost. But, aside from that, here are a few other telltale "red flags" to look out for:
Legitimate training programs are transparent, professional, and more than happy to answer your questions in writing.
Pro Tip: Ask to talk to a student who's going through the program to get insights on their thoughts and experience.
1. How many total hours of classroom, range, and road training are included?
2. How much actual seat time will I personally get behind the wheel?
3. What's the student-to-instructor ratio? (If it's a crowd around one truck all day, then you're paying to watch)
4. Do you train on backing and maneuvers until proficiency, or just "run through it"?
5. Do you teach shifting and manual transmission operation (to set you up for driving positions that require it)
6. What does a typical training week look like? (Most programs take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months)
7. Which endorsements (HazMat, Passenger, School Bus, etc.) are included?
8. Beyond attendance, what are your graduation requirements?
9. Who are your instructors, and what's their driving experience?
10. What's your refund policy (get it in writing), and what fees are non-refundable?
If they are vague or weird about answering any of these, exercise caution and move along.
The best CDL training programs are future-oriented and share four key traits:
Those four boxes are the ones you need to check when choosing a CDL school. That'll ensure you don't just pass your driving test, but that you are well-positioned for a successful and fulfilling life as a professional truck driver — on and off the road.