How much does CDL training cost in Cottondale, AL?

CDL training in Cottondale, AL typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Cottondale?

Most CDL training programs in Cottondale take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Cottondale, AL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Cottondale area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Cottondale is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 18 verified training programs serving the Cottondale, Alabama area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Cottondale, AL

Name: CDL Schools in Cottondale, AL
Creator: CDL Schools USA
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Cottondale?We have identified 18 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Cottondale area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

18 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Cottondale, AL

CDL License Types

Class A, Class B, Class C

Average Training Cost

$3,000, $8,000

Program Length

3-8 weeks

Weekend / Evening Options

Available at select schools

FMCSA Registration Required

Yes

Verified Schools

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Cottondale, AL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Cottondale, AL should first confirm that the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the CDL class or endorsement they need. Then compare tuition, behind-the-wheel hours, public enrollment status, manual or automatic transmission training, weekend or evening schedules, and whether the program supports WIOA, veteran benefits, job placement, or employer-sponsored training. This page lists 18 training programsserving the Cottondale area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

18 CDL Schools Near Cottondale

Filter Results:

Sort by:

Top Picks in Cottondale

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SAV School of Trucking LLC

Hueytown, AL

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Bevill State Community College 101

Sumiton, AL

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 117

Sumiton, AL

Call Now

SAV School of Trucking LLC

Hueytown, AL

31.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Bevill State Community College 101

Sumiton, AL

44.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 117

Sumiton, AL

45.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Shelton State Community College

Tuscaloosa, AL

7.9 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Elite CDL Training

Northport, AL

11.3 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Roadmaster Drivers School (BIR)

Bessemer, AL

28.5 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Lawson State Community College

Bessemer, AL

29.5 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Gburnsconstructionllc

Bessemer, AL

32.1 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

G Burns Construction LLC

Bessemer, AL

32.1 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

One Stop CDL Training Program

Bessemer, AL

33.6 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Midfield City School

Birmingham, AL

36.4 miles away

Anderson & Anderson Transportation Group Llc

Birmingham, AL

40.4 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

kla trucking school

Birmingham, AL

42.4 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

ACE CDL Driver Training Institute

Birmingham, AL

43.4 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Classroom

Birmingham, AL

44 miles away

Jasper City Schools

Jasper, AL

45.4 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Yard

Birmingham, AL

45.5 miles away

Jefferson County Schools

Birmingham, AL

49.1 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

CDL Training in Cottondale, Alabama

Cottondale, Alabama offers 18 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near Cottondale?

Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
Financial Aid: Schools in Alabama often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Alabama

CDL training in Alabama typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

View all CDL schools in Alabama

Trucking Jobs Near Cottondale

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Alabama

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Alabama

Top employers hiring near Cottondale: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Cottondale

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class AClass BTanker	Evening Classes
160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Yard FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
ACE CDL Driver Training Institute FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Anderson & Anderson Transportation Group Llc FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Bevill State Community College 101 FMCSA Verified	Sumiton	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 117 FMCSA Verified	Sumiton	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Elite CDL Training FMCSA Verified	Northport	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved
G Burns Construction LLC FMCSA Verified	Bessemer	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved
Gburnsconstructionllc FMCSA Verified	Bessemer	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.
Jasper City Schools FMCSA Verified	Jasper	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Jefferson County Schools FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class A	Weekend Classes
kla trucking school FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved
Lawson State Community College FMCSA Verified	Bessemer	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Midfield City School FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
One Stop CDL Training Program FMCSA Verified	Bessemer	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Cottondale

Avg. Private School

$5,000

Avg. Public School

$3,200

Price Range

$2,700 - $6,400

Growing trucking industry presence.

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Cottondale

Required for your CDL medical card

Freeman Chiropractic

9770 Alabama Hwy 69 S a, Tuscaloosa

(205) 409-6333

American Family Care Tuscaloosa

9070 Alabama Hwy 69 S, Tuscaloosa

(205) 722-9500

4.5

American Family Care Midtown

710 15th St E, Tuscaloosa

(205) 526-2053

4.4

View All 15 Clinics in Cottondale All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam typically costs $55-$150 and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & ALEA Driver License in Cottondale

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local ALEA Driver License office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find ALEA Driver License Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Cottondale, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

DOT Reasonable Suspicion Hazmat Awareness Hazmat Recurrent Defensive Driving HIPAA for Couriers Heat Stress & Slip/Trip Dry Ice Handling HOS / ELD Compliance Lithium Battery Shipping Bloodborne Pathogens Cargo Securement FSMA Sanitary Transport Forklift Certification

View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Cottondale

How long does CDL training take in Cottondale?

CDL training programs in Cottondale, AL typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.

How much does CDL school cost in Alabama?

CDL training costs in Alabama range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.

Can I get a CDL in Cottondale without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Cottondale area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.

How do I know if a CDL school in Cottondale is legitimate?

All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.

Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?

Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.

Can I get financial aid for CDL school in Alabama?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Alabama: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.

What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Cottondale?

The CDL driver job outlook near Cottondale, AL is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Alabama experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.

Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Cottondale?

The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers), this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Cottondale CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A, it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Alabama, including training programs in Cottondale and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Alabama

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Cottondale, AL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Cottondale, AL

How should students compare CDL schools in Cottondale, AL?

18 CDL Schools Near Cottondale

Top Picks in Cottondale

SAV School of Trucking LLC

Bevill State Community College 101

BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 117

SAV School of Trucking LLC

Bevill State Community College 101

BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 117

Shelton State Community College

Elite CDL Training

Roadmaster Drivers School (BIR)

Lawson State Community College

Gburnsconstructionllc

G Burns Construction LLC

One Stop CDL Training Program

Midfield City School

Anderson & Anderson Transportation Group Llc

kla trucking school

ACE CDL Driver Training Institute

160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Classroom

Jasper City Schools

160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Yard

Jefferson County Schools

CDL Training in Cottondale, Alabama

Why Get CDL Training Near Cottondale?

CDL Training Costs in Alabama

Trucking Jobs Near Cottondale

Compare CDL Schools in Cottondale

Tuition Costs in Cottondale

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Alabama

DOT Physicals Near Cottondale

Freeman Chiropractic

American Family Care Tuscaloosa

American Family Care Midtown

CDL Testing & ALEA Driver License in Cottondale

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Cottondale

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

Related Resources