Expert guides to help you get your CDL, find funding, and start your trucking career
Warning: If a school is not on the federal registry, you cannot get your license. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are verified against the 2025 FMCSA database.
Start here. These pillar guides cover everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know about getting your Commercial Driver's License in 2025, including ELDT requirements, costs, and timeline.
Can't afford CDL school? Discover WIOA grants, company-sponsored programs, and financing options to get your CDL for free.
Comparing Class A and Class B CDLs: salary differences, job opportunities, training requirements, and which one is right for you.
How much do truck drivers make in 2025? Complete salary breakdown by state, experience level, and trucking specialization.
Protect yourself from fake CDL schools and diploma mills. Learn the red flags and how to verify ELDT registration.
Pass your test on the first try
A complete CDL exam prep guide with practice strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and a day-before checklist.
Hour-by-hour breakdown of CDL training: theory classes, range practice, and road hours. Real schedules from actual schools.
Master the pre-trip inspection with our detailed checklist. Learn the 7-step method and avoid the mistakes that fail most students.
Step-by-step guide to CDL backing maneuvers with diagrams. Tips from instructors on the range test.
Online training, TPR registration & rules
Everything about online ELDT theory training: enrollment, module structure, quiz rules, 80% pass score, and TPR reporting.
Detailed breakdown of ELDT theory (online) vs BTW (in-person) training. Hours, content, and how they connect.
Step-by-step guide to using the FMCSA TPR database. Verify any CDL school before you sign a contract.
Entry-Level Driver Training explained simply: who needs it, what it covers, and how to complete it.
Schedules, requirements & who qualifies
Options for working adults: evening classes, weekend-only programs, and how long flexible CDL training takes.
Everything you need before starting CDL school: DOT physical, CLP permit, drug test, and background check explained.
Age requirements for CDL: intrastate at 18, interstate at 21, and why it's never too late to start trucking.
Honest guide to CDL eligibility with a criminal record. What disqualifies you and which companies hire.
Hazmat, tanker & earning more
Complete hazmat endorsement guide: TSA background check, fingerprinting, training, and how much more you can earn.
All CDL endorsements explained with example jobs and salary uplift. Which endorsements pay the most?
Already have a Class B CDL? Here's how to upgrade to Class A, ELDT requirements, and when it's worth it.
FMCSA updates, CDL mills & red flags
The FMCSA crackdown on CDL mills explained. What "CDL mills" are, how to avoid them, and why enforcement matters.
Latest FMCSA rule changes affecting CDL training in 2025. New requirements, enforcement updates, and compliance tips.
Complete research guide for CDL schools: where to find reviews, red flags to watch for, and 10 questions to ask.
Honest assessment of trucking careers in 2025: pay vs cost of living, demand outlook, and quality of life factors.