Independent truck driving schools are in most every state - They have no affiliation with a specific trucking company, although they may have relationships with them to hire students upon successful completion of the truck driving school. With independent truck driving schools you will most likely be responsible for the costs associated with the class which can be several thousand dollars in some instances. Some schools offer financial aid and scholarships, and you may be eligible for grants. You should check with the school prior to enrolling to see what your options are.
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Company Sponsored - Unlike independent truck driving schools, company-sponsored schools are tied directly to an individual company. Admittance to the school is like be hired by the company (assuming you successfully complete the program). With a company sponsored truck driving school you most likely will not responsible for the costs of the program. However, you will likely have to commit to working for the company for a minimum period of time upon completion. You also don't have to worry about finding a job upon completion of the program and can start work almost immediately.
ALABAMA
ESD Truck Driving School
1436 Shoal Creek Road
Decatur, AL 35603
PHONE: (866) 432-0430
EMAIL: [email protected]
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicant must be at least 21 years of age
Applicant must have a valid Driver's License within the State of Alabama
Tennessee and Mississippi residents will be upon review of the school director
Applicant must have the basic fundamental skills to read, write, and speak the English language as per F.M.C.S.R.
TRAFFIC/CRIMINAL QUALIFICATIONS: (For Job Placement Circumstances)
(Please note: Any of the following conditions MAY be cause for CONDITIONAL ADMITTANCE
More than one at fault accident in the past three years
If applicant's license is currently suspended, canceled, or revoked - or has ever been suspended, canceled, or revoked
One or more careless and/or reckless driving convictions in the last three years
Any drug or alcohol related violations in the last five years
Three or more moving violations in the last three years
Felony Conviction - (CASE BY CASE)
Misdemeanor Conviction - (CASE BY CASE)
Parole or Restricted Probation
Truck Driver Institute
4939 U.S. 78
Oxford, AL 36203
PHONE: (800) 848-7364
During your 3 weeks (15 days) of training for your CDL license at Truck Driver Institute, you are not yet hauling freight and therefore, not paid. When you get your CDL license, you will have the opportunity go to work with a carrier of your choice and join a senior driver to complete your on-the-job company orientation and training (and will be paid).
Tuition: Up to $5895 depending on state.
Admission Policy:
Must not be on Probation
Certain Felonies may be excluded such as Felony Auto Theft
Must be at Least 21 years old
Bevill State Community College
101 State Street
Sumiton, AL 35148
PHONE: 205-648-3271, ext. 5256
Admissions to the Program
Prospective students must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid driver's license, with a driving record free of violations which may hinder or prevent employment as a truck driver. Students should obtain information from trucking companies concerning individual requirements for employment. In addition, each applicant should be of good character, mentally alert, physically qualified, and able to read and write the English language.
TUITION: $1693.50
Calhoun Community College
6250 US Highway 31 North
Tanner, AL 35671
PHONE: (256) 306-2584
CDL Training Program
The CDL Training class provides driver license testing information and training for unskilled drivers who wish to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and endorsements. This course will also provide information on federal requirements for the state’s standards for the licensing of commercial drivers.
To receive a CDL, you must pass knowledge and skill tests. This training will assist you in preparing to pass the written and road tests. Classes are conducted monthly. Certificates are presented upon successful completion of the training. Trucking recruiters are available to meet with students to provide information regarding job opportunities.
Contact the CDL office for more information:
(256) 260-2462
(256) 306-2928
Classes are scheduled monthly, Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm:
Course: 160 hours/4 weeks
Training: $2,850.00*
Premier Driving Academy
7601 Theodore Dawes Road
Theodore, AL 36582
PHONE: (877) 653-2535
New classes start every Monday for our Class A CDL course. Students attend Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 6 pm for 4 weeks to complete the 160 hours that most carriers will require.
At Premier we walk our students all the way through the training process, starting with the written testing.
The first week of training is focused on classroom time to prepare you for your permit. Our classroom instructor will use DVDs, practice tests, and oral instruction to ensure your success. You will be trained for the 3 required endorsements (general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicle) as well as the 4 additional endorsements ( hazmat, tanker, doubles and triples, and bus passenger). We have found that there is certainly an added benefit to having all 7, especially when it comes to job placement.
During your first week you will also be taught trip planning, map reading, driver logs, federal motor carrier regulations, and operation lifesaver (interaction with railroads).
Shelton State Community College
9500 Old Greensboro Road
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
PHONE: (251) 578-1313
CONTACT RACHEL WALDROP 205.391.2386
PROGRAM:
The course of instruction is to prepare students for entry level positions in the industry as a tractor-trailer driver. Students will receive classroom, range, and highway training for Class “A” (tractor-trailer) Commercial Driver’s License with air brake, tank, hazardous materials, and doubles/triples endorsements when applicable. Upon successfully passing the Commercial Driver’s License written exam and skills requirements, the student will receive his/her operator’s license from the Alabama Department of Public Safety and a certificate of completion from Shelton State Community College.
DURATION:
The Truck Driving Technology Program is an 8 week program that meets Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Courses are taught year round.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Must have current Class “D” Drivers License with no serious driving violations.
- Must be 21 years of age or older for Tractor-Trailer Driver Training.
- DOT Driver’s Physical and Drug Screen Required.
- Current Moving Violations Report from the Department of Public Safety
- Must have acquired CDL Learner's Permit before class starts from the Department of Public Safety
COST:
Tuition: $1,500.00 (WIOA or VA assistance may be available if you qualify)
Moving Violation Report: Approximately $6.00
Physical and Drug Screen: Approximately $100.00
Permit Exam: $25.00
Retake any portion of Permit Exam: $15.00
Purchase of Permit: $36.25
ALASKA
Center for Employment Education
Anchorage Main Office
(Located in the Alaska Teamster Building)
520 E. 34th Avenue Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99503
Main Office: 907-279-8451
Fax: 907-279-6088
Out of Town: 800-478-4233
EMAIL: [email protected]
Commercial Driver Courses
At Center for Employment Education, we take care to provide our customers high quality services personalized for their unique needs. Our staff can assist you in scheduling a program that is right for you depending on your background and experience.
We provide a variety of CDL Training and Testing services:
Industry Standards
In order to be employed as a truck driver, a DOT Physical is required by State and Federal law for all CDL applicants. An applicant must be at least 21 years of age to operate in interstate commerce or *19 years of age to operate in intrastate commerce at the time of application and must have held a valid drivers license for at least one year.
North Industrial Training , LLC
Palmer Office:
1740 N. Terrilou Ct.
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: 1-888-367-6482 or (907) 357-6400
Fax: (907) 357-6430
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
&
Anchorage Office:
3700 Centerpoint Dr
Suite 102
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 743-7700
Fax: (907) 743-7721
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Length of Program
- 160 Hours (Homework Required)
Format of Program
Prerequisites for Enrollment
- 19 Years of Age or Older by Graduation Date
- DMV Driver's History Report
- DOT Physical Card
- FMCSA/DOT Drug Test (If accepted, test can be done no more than 10 days before class begins)
- Social Security Card
- Valid Alaska Driver's License
DMV License / Endorsement Fees
- DMV - CDL License Fee $100 (paid to State of Alaska)
- DMV - CDL Permit Fee $15 (paid to State of Alaska)
Course Cost:
$6,500
Admissions Requirements:
- 19 years of age by graduation date
- Alaska Driver's License (valid license for at least one year)
- Social Security Card
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Clean Driving Record: Any one of the following lists of violations on a driving record will prevent a prospective applicant from enrolling in a driving program:
- Two traffic citations, 15 mph over the posted speed limit in a two-year period.
- One traffic citation, 15 mph over the posted speed limit with a suspension or revocation in a two-year period.
- A suspension and a revocation within a two-year period.
- A total of 10 points on your driving record in the last two years.
- Any driving under-the-influence (DUI) conviction within the last two years.
- A total of three moving violations in the last two years.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
- FMCSA/DOT Drug Test within 10 days prior to class
ARIZONA
Trainco Truck Driving School
1971 Jagerson Ave Bldg 1000
Kingman, AZ 86409
PHONE: (928) 692-3017
FAX: (928) 757-0837
Trainco® Ann Arbor is conveniently located on the Washtenaw Community College campus. Here we offer a full service CDL training program with both day and night class options to suit your schedule. Our 4-week day class runs Monday through Thursday 8 am to 6 pm, and our 5-week night class runs Monday through Friday 5:30 to 11:30 pm.
Arizona CDL
1313 N. 25th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85009
PHONE: (602) 278-9159
Hands On Training Written Practice Test COST: $1499.00
Our program eliminates all the wasted time by giving you personalized one on one instruction. You will receive two solid hours behind the wheel everyday for 7 days and you only have to be here for the time we have you scheduled in the vehicle.
Yes, you as an ex-felon qualify for training! CDL Truck School does not discriminate against ex-felons. CDL Truck School is open 7am-4pm Monday – Friday. Sunday is by appointment. CDL is closed Saturdays.
Phoenix Truck Driving Institute
2621 S. 51st Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85043
PHONE: (877) 205-5372
EMAIL: [email protected]
Phoenix Truck Driving Institute Requirements
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Must have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent or demonstrate the ability to benefit (ATB) by passing an approved test.
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Must be 21 years of age by the time the program is completed for all interstate licenses.
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Must have an active Arizona driver license and proof of at least one year of driving experience with a standard operator’s license (automobile) issued by the state or country before you can receive an Arizona Commercial Driver License (CDL).
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Must meet Department of Transportation physical requirements under Section 391.41, Subpart E of Drivers Commercial Qualifications. Learn more here.
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Must pass a drug test.
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Must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries and make entries on reports and records. All qualifications must be met as set forth by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Must have a U.S. valid social security card.
Southwest Truck Driver Training
842 S. 59th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85043
PHONE: (877) 990-0808
SWTDT Approved Truck Driver Training Program
Ask yourself this question, "If I'm in school longer, am I giving up paychecks along the way?" Why go to school longer when you can be working in as little as 4 - 5 weeks by taking our programs. Southwest Truck Driver Training understands the reality and the hardship of being out of work when going to school, and has designed our truck driver training programs to get you back to work faster.
•Family Owned & Operated
•Lifetime Job Placement Assistance
•Modern industry standard equipment
•Oil field job placement assistance
•Armed Forces veterans on staff
•Guard & Reservist supportive employers
•State-of-the-art Instructional Driving Range with covered awnings
•Both Male and Female Instructors
•Training and Testing for Class A and B license
HDS Truck Driving Institute
6251 S. Wilmot Road
Tucson, AZ 85756
PHONE: (877) 205-2141
EMAIL: [email protected]
Applicants must either possess a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent like a GED or, depending on the program, demonstrate the ability to benefit by passing an approved test.
Applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent must provide to the institute showing a graduation date or a transcript of the GED test scores. The school keeps the documentation on file. If the school enrolls a person who does not possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency certificate (non-degree program only):
Pima Community College
4905 E. Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85709
PHONE: (520) 206-4500
Program Features and Costs
Motor Vehicle Division Reports
Individual background checks (if required)
Department of Transportation physical
Drug screening
Commercial Driver's License and endorsements' fees
Please contact the Truck Driver Training Office for additional information on the total cost for any certificate in this program at (520) 206-2744.
COSTS: Instate $3049.75 Out of State Costs: Just under $5000
No Financial Aid Avavilable
Admissions Requirements:
At least 18 years old
Pass a DOT Drug Screen and Physical
Have had a regular driver’s license for at least one year
Criminal Record depends on Conviction and time lapse since conviction.
Duration of Program:
M-F is 1 month
Weeknights is 8 weeks
Weekends is 10 weeks
Swift Driving Academy
2200 W. 75th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85043
800-800-2200
To get your career in trucking rolling, a Swift Driving Academy is the place to start. Tuition for the comprehensive course is $3,900. Swift will reimburse you for the total cost of the course over the period of 26 consecutive months of employment with Swift.
Academy Locations
- Arizona
2200 S 75th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85043
866.480.8766
PTDI Certified Course
- Idaho
1428 Seventh Avenue North
Lewiston, ID 83501
866.398.8274
PTDI Certified Course
- Tennessee
1940 East Brooks Road
Memphis, TN 38116
800.914.8751
PTDI Certified Course
- Texas
2450 S Business Highway 45
Corsicana, TX
903.872.2077
PTDI Certified Course
- Virginia
2841 Charles City Road
Richmond, VA 23231
804.588.5274
Crowley Ridge Technical Institute
1620 Newcastle Road
Forrest City, AR 72335
PHONE: (870) 633-5411
Total cost of program*:
$ 1,511.67
A background check will be conducted prior to acceptance into the program. When testing for entry to the program, the background check form must be completed and the non-refundable $50 fee paid.
A signed Driver's License Release form is required. The Motor Vehicle report must indicate no previous DWI, DUI, or reckless driving for the past three (3) years. No more than two (2) preventable accidents or three (3) minor traffic violations in the past three (3) years.
University of Arkansas Fort Smith
5210 Grand Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72913
PHONE: (479) 462-5072
Visit Schneider's career site to see a variety of open positions.
FEES&COSTS:
CDL Tuition and Fees
Tuition
The tuition for the Commercial Driver Development Program is $2700, and includes the cost of the DOT physical, a required drug screen, and one attempt at the road skills test. Tuition is due before an appointment can be made at the clinic we specify for the DOT physical and drug screen.
CDL Admissions Entry Requirements:
•Proof of U.S. Citizenship. Please contact the CDL site at
479-462-5072 to obtain information on the documents
required.
•Reading and math skills at a minimum of a 7th grade level
(reading assessment will be given at time of application).
•Students must be at least 21 years of age.
•Students must be able to pass a DOT physical and drug screen.
•Students must be able to read and speak the English language
sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand
highway signs, and respond to inquiries and make entries on
reports and records in the English language.
•Students must provide a clean driving record from the Department
of Motor Vehicles.
•No DUI’s or illegal transportation in the last five years, and no
suspensions or revocations of your license in the last three years
(one moving violation per year over the last three years is allowed).
•Payment of tuition is required to enter the program.
•Public record background checks are performed on all CDL applicants.
Restrictions may apply to applicants for the CDL Program who have
felony convictions. Failure to disclose a felony conviction may
result in the applicant being denied admittance into the CDL Program.
North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Drive
Harrison, AR 72601
PHONE: (870) 743-3000
The Truck Driving Certificate of Proficiency provides students the knowledge and skills training to successfully complete requirements for the Arkansas Class A Commercial Driving License (CDL). The program consists of seven weeks of classroom time and eight weeks of an internship with the company of a student's choice. Students must maintain a 75-percent average for all portions of the course. Overall program objectives are:
- To train drivers to be competent in the safe operation of a truck for hire or in private business.
- To teach students federal, state, and local laws relating to safe operation of commercial trucks
- To teach students portions of the Interstate Commerce Act that pertain to the truck driving profession
- To train students in all non- driving activities required by the trucking industry
- To teach students the importance of employee and employer relationships relating to job security and customer service.
Prerequisites: Prior to enrolling in the Truck Driving Program, applicants must be at least 18 years old to qualify for an intrastate (within the state of Arkansas) CDL or 21 years old to qualify for an interstate (able to cross state lines) CDL. Additionally, applicants must have a satisfactory Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) record check and have passed the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screening test and physical exam prior to being accepted into the program. This certificate may be used as one of the technical disciplines required for the AAS in General Technology.