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 33 verified training programs serving the San Francisco, California area.

TWIC ELIGIBLE
FMCSA VERIFIED 2025
AG TRANSPORT

Top San Francisco CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in San Francisco

Get your Class A CDL in San Francisco. Get qualified for Port of LA/Long Beach intermodal, Central Valley agriculture, and Silicon Valley logistics. We've identified 33 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

33 Training Programs
TWIC Card Prep
Intermodal Container
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 873,965

Why San Francisco CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

California's ports handle 40% of US imports. If you plan to work in the San Francisco area, you'll need a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) for port access. Many San Francisco CDL schools include TWIC preparation in their programs. Port trucking pays $75,000-$95,000/year, significantly above OTR rates. Don't miss the opportunity by choosing a school that doesn't prepare you for intermodal operations.

TWIC Card Prep
Intermodal Container
Agriculture Transport

Quick Facts: CDL Training in San Francisco, 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
33

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in San Francisco, CA?

Students comparing CDL schools in San Francisco, 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 33 training programsserving the San Francisco area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

33 CDL Schools Near San Francisco

Top Picks in San Francisco

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Novato, CA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Dave’s Truck Driving CD A/B

Novato, CA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

San Carlos School

San Carlos, CA

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Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Novato, CA
35 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Dave’s Truck Driving CD A/B

Novato, CA
36.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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San Carlos School

San Carlos, CA
43.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Hercules Training Center

Hercules, CA
46.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Monkey Moto School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Rivadavia Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Albert's of Standard Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Bill's Defensive Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Bay Area Motorcycle Training

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Guerrero Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Ann's Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Winsen Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
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J.R. Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Bay Pass Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Confident Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Payless Driving Lesson

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Discount Driving Lessons

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
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Michael Wong Driving Instructor School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
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Academic Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
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Keith Driving School

San Francisco, CA
In San Francisco
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Showing 20 of 33 schools

CDL Training in San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California has 33 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. The ports, agriculture & tech logistics sector creates critical demand for qualified CDL holders, and major freight corridors such as I-5/I-10/I-15 freight corridors connect new drivers to local, regional, and interstate opportunities. Average CDL driver salary in California is about $62,400 per year, with experienced drivers earning up to $95,000.

Why Get CDL Training Near San Francisco?

  • 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.

Trucking Jobs Near San Francisco

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 San Francisco: 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.

Compare CDL Schools in San Francisco

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Agan Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass BHazmat
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Ann's Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Weekend Classes
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Coco Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Evening Classes
Driving Instructor Yu
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes

Tuition Costs in San Francisco

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.

Need Help Choosing?

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

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CDL Testing & DMV in San Francisco

1377 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the San Francisco DMV. CDL testing available

Visit San Francisco CDL DMV

Required Online Compliance Training

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

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in San Francisco

How long does CDL training take in San Francisco?
CDL training programs in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.