How much does CDL training cost in Gardendale, AL?

CDL training in Gardendale, 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 Gardendale?

Most CDL training programs in Gardendale 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 Gardendale, AL?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Gardendale 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 Gardendale 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 28 verified training programs serving the Gardendale, Alabama area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Gardendale, AL

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Gardendale?We have identified 28 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Gardendale area (Pop: 16,579).

Quick Stats

28 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 16,579

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Gardendale, 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 Gardendale, AL?

Students comparing CDL schools in Gardendale, 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 28 training programsserving the Gardendale area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

28 CDL Schools Near Gardendale

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Top Picks in Gardendale

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Bevill State Community College 101

Sumiton, AL

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 117

Sumiton, AL

Birmingham, AL

4.6 miles away

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160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Yard

Birmingham, AL

8.5 miles away

ACE CDL Driver Training Institute

Birmingham, AL

10.1 miles away

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Trussville, AL

12.4 miles away

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Showing 20 of 28 schools

CDL Training in Gardendale, Alabama

Gardendale, Alabama offers 28 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 Gardendale?

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 Gardendale

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 Gardendale: 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.

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Compare CDL Schools in Gardendale

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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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
Alabama Institute For Deaf And Blind FMCSA Verified	Talladega	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
Anderson & Anderson Transportation Group Llc FMCSA Verified	Birmingham	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Arab City Schools FMCSA Verified	Arab	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Attalla City Schools FMCSA Verified	Attalla	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
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
Central Alabama Community College FMCSA Verified	Childersburg	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
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

Tuition Costs in Gardendale

Avg. Private School

$5,000

Avg. Public School

$3,200

Price Range

$2,700 - $6,400

Growing trucking industry presence.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near Gardendale

Required for your CDL medical card

Southern Immediate Care at Valleydale

4500 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham

(205) 900-7991

4.9

American Family Care Vestavia

708 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills

(205) 438-9679

4.7

American Family Care Parkway

9232 Parkway E, Birmingham

(205) 833-6888

4.6

View All 40 Clinics in Gardendale 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 Gardendale

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 Gardendale, 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 Gardendale

How long does CDL training take in Gardendale?

CDL training programs in Gardendale, 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 Gardendale without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Gardendale 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 Gardendale 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 Gardendale?

The CDL driver job outlook near Gardendale, 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 Gardendale?

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 Gardendale 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 Gardendale and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Alabama

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Gardendale, AL

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Gardendale, AL

How should students compare CDL schools in Gardendale, AL?

28 CDL Schools Near Gardendale

Top Picks in Gardendale

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

SAV School of Trucking LLC

Public School

Oneonta City Schools

Wallace State Community College

Central Alabama Community College

Talladega City Schools

Alabama Institute For Deaf And Blind

Wallace State College Double Springs

Attalla City Schools

Arab City Schools

Stick Shift Driving Academy

Jefferson County Schools

160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Yard

ACE CDL Driver Training Institute

160 Driving Academy - Birmingham - Classroom

kla trucking school

Anderson & Anderson Transportation Group Llc

Trussville City Schools

CDL Training in Gardendale, Alabama

Why Get CDL Training Near Gardendale?

CDL Training Costs in Alabama

Trucking Jobs Near Gardendale

Compare CDL Schools in Gardendale

Tuition Costs in Gardendale

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Alabama

DOT Physicals Near Gardendale

Southern Immediate Care at Valleydale

American Family Care Vestavia

American Family Care Parkway

CDL Testing & ALEA Driver License in Gardendale

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Gardendale

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)

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