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 62 verified training programs serving the Tehachapi, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Tehachapi, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Tehachapi?We have identified 62 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Tehachapi area (Pop: 10,000).

Quick Stats

62 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 10,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Tehachapi, 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
62

62 CDL Schools Near Tehachapi

CDL Training Market in Tehachapi, CA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

  • Active Schools2
  • ELDT Verified2
  • Average Tuition$4,000
  • Starting From$4,000
  • Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Tehachapi have access to 2 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $4,000 up to premium programs around $8,000.

Many schools in Tehachapi offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Top Picks in Tehachapi

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Tehachapi Unified School District

Tehachapi, CA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Cerro Coso Community College

Tehachapi, CA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Mojave USD

Mojave, CA

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Tehachapi Unified School District

Tehachapi, CA
0.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cerro Coso Community College

Tehachapi, CA
0.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mojave USD

Mojave, CA
16.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Caltrans District 9

Mojave, CA
17.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

SOUTHERN KERN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Rosamond, CA
24 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Robertson's Ready Mix LTD. - Cal-City

California City, CA
26.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mojave USD

California City, CA
28 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

king truck school

Bakersfield, CA
29.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Golden Pacific Truck Driving School

Bakersfield, CA
30.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

GHUMAN CARGO

Bakersfield, CA
30.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

DWR- SJFD

Bakersfield, CA
30.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School

Lake Hughes, CA
31.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kern High School District

Bakersfield, CA
32.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

AB TRUCK TRAINING

Bakersfield, CA
32.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

UNION TRUCK SCHOOL

Bakersfield, CA
33.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bakersfield City School District

Bakersfield, CA
33.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

412 LRS GROUND TRANSPORTATION/US AIR FORCE

Edwards, CA
34.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Greenfield Union School District

Bakersfield, CA
34.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Train 4 Less Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA
34.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Bakersfield, CA
35.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 52 schools

CDL Training in Tehachapi, California

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Tehachapi, CA</strong> offers <strong>62 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in CA earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Tehachapi schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Tehachapi?

  • 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 Tehachapi

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 Tehachapi: 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 Tehachapi

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
DWR- SJFD
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class A
Evening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
AB TRUCK TRAINING
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Andy Gump, Inc.
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
arvin transit
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.
Caltrans District 9
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes

Tuition Costs in Tehachapi

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 Tehachapi

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 Tehachapi

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

Complete CDL Training Guide for Tehachapi Area Residents

While CDL training options directly in Tehachapi are limited, there are excellent opportunities throughout California and nearby areas. Here's everything you need to know to start your trucking career.

CDL Jobs in California

Average Salary
$50,000 - $70,000
Key Industries

agriculture, ports, technology, and entertainment

In-Demand Specializations
  • Port drayage
  • Refrigerated for agriculture
  • Intermodal
Major Routes

I-5, I-10, I-15, I-80

Top Employers

JB Hunt, FedEx, Amazon, port trucking companies

Funding Options

EDD WIOA grants, ETP funding for community colleges

Nearby Cities with More Options

Consider these nearby cities with more FMCSA-verified CDL schools:

View All California Schools

California CDL Requirements: What You Need to Know

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate)
  • Hold a valid driver's license
  • Pass a DOT physical examination
  • Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider
  • Pass CDL knowledge and skills tests
3-8
Weeks to complete
View Full Requirements

Can't Afford CDL School?

Many trucking companies offer FREE CDL training with employment commitment.

View Paid Training Programs