How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in Palmdale, CA?

CDL training in Palmdale, CA 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 Palmdale?

Most CDL training programs in Palmdale 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 Palmdale, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Palmdale 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 Palmdale 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 99 verified training programs serving the Palmdale, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Palmdale, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Palmdale?We have identified 99 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Palmdale area (Pop: 169,450).

Quick Stats

99 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 169,450

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Palmdale, CA

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 Palmdale, CA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Palmdale, CA 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 99 training programsserving the Palmdale area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

99 CDL Schools Near Palmdale

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Top Picks in Palmdale

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School

Lake Hughes, CA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Easy CDL Sylmar

Sylmar, CA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Palmdale, LA

37.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_roadpassenger_theory

Showing 20 of 90 schools

CDL Training in Palmdale, California

Palmdale, California has 99 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. California handles over 40% of all US containerized imports through the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. Average CDL driver salary in California is about $62,400 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $95,000. The ports, agriculture & tech logistics sector creates critical demand for qualified CDL holders near Palmdale, and major freight corridors such as I-5/I-10/I-15 freight corridors connect graduates to local, regional, and long-haul work. Every school listed on this page is tied to FMCSA Training Provider Registry review, which matters because ELDT completion must come from a registered provider before a first-time CDL applicant can take the skills test.

Why Get CDL Training Near Palmdale?

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 California often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in California

CDL training in California 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 California

Trucking Jobs Near Palmdale

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in California

2,500+

Open trucking positions in California

Top employers hiring near Palmdale: 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 Palmdale

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC FMCSA Verified		Class A		View Details
10-4 trucking FMCSA Verified	Lancaster	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
AGT Trucking School FMCSA Verified	Canoga Park	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Allure Entertainment FMCSA Verified	Los Angeles	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency FMCSA Verified	Lancaster	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
AZTLAN TRUCKING SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	Los Angeles	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved	View Details
Banderas Rental LLC FMCSA Verified	Ontario	Class AClass B	Weekend Classes	View Details
Blue Goose Community Development FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Brian Tackett - Independent Instructor FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	VA Approved	View Details
Bullett Xpress LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CAMINO REAL CAREER SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	La Puente	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL future trucking academy (On site training) FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Cerro Coso Community College FMCSA Verified	Tehachapi	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Chaffey Joint Union High School District FMCSA Verified	Ontario	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Palmdale

Avg. Private School

$7,500

Avg. Public School

$2,800

Price Range

$2,000 - $9,500

Community Colleges in CA are significantly cheaper due to state subsidies.

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CDL Testing & DMV in Palmdale

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Palmdale

How long does CDL training take in Palmdale?

CDL training programs in Palmdale, CA 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 California?

CDL training costs in California 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 Palmdale without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Palmdale 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 Palmdale 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 California?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in California: 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.

Do I need a TWIC card to drive trucks in California?

A TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card isn't required for all CDL jobs in California, but it's essential for port trucking. If you want to haul containers from the Port of LA, Port of Long Beach, or Port of Oakland—where drivers earn $75,000-$95,000/year—you'll need TWIC clearance. The application takes 8-12 weeks and costs $125.50, so start the process during CDL training.

What makes California CDL training different?

California CDL training must address unique state requirements: CARB (California Air Resources Board) truck emission regulations, agricultural transport rules for Central Valley hauling, mountain grade driving on I-5 Grapevine and Donner Pass, and urban congestion management for LA/SF metro areas. California also requires the Supplemental Driving Test for certain endorsements. Look for schools that include these California-specific components.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in California, including training programs in Palmdale 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 California

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Guide

CDL Schools in Palmdale, CA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Palmdale, CA

How should students compare CDL schools in Palmdale, CA?

99 CDL Schools Near Palmdale

Top Picks in Palmdale

Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School

Easy CDL Sylmar

GSF Driving & Truck Training School - Sylmar

Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School

Easy CDL Sylmar

GSF Driving & Truck Training School - Sylmar

Village Christian Schools

USDA Forest Service-Angeles National Forest Training and Conference Center

van nuys high school

Chayka Truck Driving LLC

Del Valle Training Center

Holy Martyrs Armenian Ferrahian School

Winn Parish School Board

Elvira's Trucking Academy

The academy

Blue Goose Community Development

1st Premier Trucking Academy

Brian Tackett - Independent Instructor

Southeast Transportation Safety, LLC

CDL future trucking academy (On site training)

1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC

Bullett Xpress LLC

Marcus Safe Start

CDL Training in Palmdale, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Palmdale?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Palmdale

Compare CDL Schools in Palmdale

Tuition Costs in Palmdale

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

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