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 Richmond, CA?

CDL training in Richmond, 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 Richmond?

Most CDL training programs in Richmond 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 Richmond, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Richmond 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 Richmond 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 45 verified training programs serving the Richmond, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Richmond, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Richmond?We have identified 45 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Richmond area (Pop: 116,448).

Quick Stats

45 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 116,448

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Richmond, 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 Richmond, CA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Richmond, 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 45 training programsserving the Richmond area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

45 CDL Schools Near Richmond

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Top Picks in Richmond

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Hercules Training Center

Hercules, CA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Apex Truck Driving School

Concord, CA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Novato, CA

Call Now

Hercules Training Center

Hercules, CA

7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Novato, CA

16.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Dave’s Truck Driving CD A/B

Novato, CA

17.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

San Carlos School

San Carlos, CA

29.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Vacaville, CA

34.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

AAA Academy, LLC

Dixon, CA

48.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Contra costa trucking driving school

Richmond, CA

0.9 miles away

Academy of Truck Driving

Oakland, CA

8.4 miles away

Bestway truck & bus cdl school湾区商业驾校

Oakland, CA

8.4 miles away

Zum Services Inc - SF

San Francisco, CA

13.4 miles away

ZUM SERVICES INC - OAKLAND

Oakland, CA

13.9 miles away

Michael's Transportation Service Inc.

Vallejo, CA

14.4 miles away

MTS Training Academy, Inc. - Vallejo

Vallejo, CA

14.4 miles away

Performing Solutions

Oakland, CA

14.7 miles away

School Of Trucking

Oakland, CA

15.5 miles away

National Driving School Inc.

San Lorenzo, CA

21.1 miles away

Cdl instructor trucking LLC

Hayward, CA

21.7 miles away

The Truck Master School - Hayward

Hayward, CA

23.3 miles away

San Ramon Unified School District

San Ramon, CA

23.3 miles away

CALIFORNIA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

HAYWARD, CA

23.4 miles away

Showing 20 of 39 schools

CDL Training in Richmond, California

Richmond, California has 45 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond?

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 Richmond

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 Richmond: 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 Richmond

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
AAA Academy, LLC FMCSA Verified	Dixon	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Academy of Truck Driving FMCSA Verified	Oakland	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Alameda - Contra Costa Transit District FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
American truck and bus driving school FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Antioch Unified School District FMCSA Verified	Antioch	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Apex Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Concord	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Atkar Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Bestway truck & bus cdl school湾区商业驾校 FMCSA Verified	Oakland	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
BESTWAY TRUCK AND BUS DRIVING SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CALIFORNIA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	HAYWARD	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Cdl instructor trucking LLC FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
CDL Truck Rental & Sales Inc FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
City of Hayward FMCSA Verified	Hayward	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Coast To Coast Trucking School FMCSA Verified	San Jose	Class A	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Contra costa trucking driving school FMCSA Verified	Richmond	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Richmond

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.

Nearby Cities

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

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DOT Physicals Near Richmond

Required for your CDL medical card

AFC Urgent Care - North Oakland

2529 Central Ave, Oakland

(909) 182-3664

4.3

$103-$171

Concentra Urgent Care

801 Broadway, Oakland

(510) 251-9000

3.9

$75-$125

TruckDoc Medical - South Oakland

5230 Professional Dr, Oakland

(213) 578-6780

$75-$153

Walk-ins OK

View All 22 Clinics in Richmond 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 & DMV in Richmond

2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 497-7100

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Richmond DMV. State capital - full CDL testing

Visit Richmond CDL DMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Richmond

How long does CDL training take in Richmond?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 California

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Richmond, CA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Richmond, CA

How should students compare CDL schools in Richmond, CA?

45 CDL Schools Near Richmond

Top Picks in Richmond

Hercules Training Center

Apex Truck Driving School

Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Hercules Training Center

Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Dave’s Truck Driving CD A/B

San Carlos School

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

AAA Academy, LLC

Contra costa trucking driving school

Academy of Truck Driving

Bestway truck & bus cdl school湾区商业驾校

Zum Services Inc - SF

ZUM SERVICES INC - OAKLAND

Michael's Transportation Service Inc.

MTS Training Academy, Inc. - Vallejo

Performing Solutions

School Of Trucking

National Driving School Inc.

Cdl instructor trucking LLC

The Truck Master School - Hayward

San Ramon Unified School District

CALIFORNIA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

CDL Training in Richmond, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Richmond?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Richmond

Compare CDL Schools in Richmond

Tuition Costs in Richmond

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

DOT Physicals Near Richmond

AFC Urgent Care - North Oakland

Concentra Urgent Care

TruckDoc Medical - South Oakland

CDL Testing & DMV in Richmond

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Richmond

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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