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.

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.

How much does CDL training cost in Visalia, CA?

CDL training in Visalia, 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 Visalia?

Most CDL training programs in Visalia 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 Visalia, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Visalia 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 Visalia 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 58 verified training programs serving the Visalia, California area.

TWIC ELIGIBLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Top Visalia CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in Visalia

Get your Class A CDL in Visalia. Get qualified for Port of LA/Long Beach intermodal, Central Valley agriculture, and Silicon Valley logistics. We've identified 58 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

58 Training Programs

TWIC Card Prep

Intermodal Container

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 141,384

Why Visalia CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

California's freight economy is the largest in the US. Whether you're hauling agriculture from the Central Valley, tech equipment from Silicon Valley, or containers from the ports, Visalia CDL programs offer specialized training for California's unique driving conditions including mountain grades, urban congestion, and agricultural transport regulations.

TWIC Card Prep

Intermodal Container

Agriculture Transport

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Visalia, 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

58 CDL Schools Near Visalia

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Top Picks in Visalia

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 5

Farmersville, CA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Mccormick instructional Drivers Academy LLC5

Woodlake, CA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Woodlake Unified School District

Woodlake, CA

Call Now

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 5

Farmersville, CA

5.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mccormick instructional Drivers Academy LLC5

Woodlake, CA

11.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Friant Water Authority

Lindsay, CA

14.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

DINUBA ROAD YARD

Dinuba, CA

14.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

ROAD YARD 4

Dinuba, CA

14.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Donnas Instruction Hub, LLC 10

Tipton, CA

18.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kings Canyon Unified School District

Reedley, CA

19.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 1

Reedley, CA

21.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO)

Hanford, CA

22.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Armona Union Elementary School District

Armona, CA

23.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MERCURY TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL LLC

Selma, CA

23.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Selma Unified School District

Selma, CA

23.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Donnas Instruction Hub LLC 15

Selma, CA

23.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Parlier Unified School District

Parlier, CA

23.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Yosemite Unified school District

Parlier, CA

24.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MV Transportation - Selma, CA

Selma, CA

24.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

lower tule river irrigation district

Pixley, CA

25.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

KMS Mechanics

Pixley, CA

25.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Tribe

Lemoore, CA

26.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC Main

Yokuts Valley, CA

26.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 47 schools

CDL Training in Visalia, California

<p>Visalia offers CA verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near Visalia?

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 Visalia

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 Visalia: 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 Visalia

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Fresno Yard FMCSA Verified	Fowler	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
A2Z TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL INC FMCSA Verified	Selma	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Apache Truck Training Service FMCSA Verified	Sanger	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Armando Suarez Flores TBUESD FMCSA Verified	Terra Bella	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Armona Union Elementary School District FMCSA Verified	Armona	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
CITY OF CORCORAN FMCSA Verified	Corcoran	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
City of Delano FMCSA Verified	Delano	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of Lemoore FMCSA Verified	Lemoore	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Craig J Mellon FMCSA Verified	Fowler	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
DADD FMCSA Verified	Delano	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Delano Joint Union High School District FMCSA Verified	Delano	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Delano union Elementary School district FMCSA Verified	Delano	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
DINUBA ROAD YARD FMCSA Verified	Dinuba	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 1 FMCSA Verified	Reedley	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 5 FMCSA Verified	Farmersville	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Visalia

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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CDL Testing & DMV in Visalia

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

Find DMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Visalia

How long does CDL training take in Visalia?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Visalia 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 Visalia 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 Visalia 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

Top Visalia CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in Visalia

Quick Stats

Why Visalia CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Visalia, CA

58 CDL Schools Near Visalia

Top Picks in Visalia

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 5

Mccormick instructional Drivers Academy LLC5

Woodlake Unified School District

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 5

Mccormick instructional Drivers Academy LLC5

Friant Water Authority

DINUBA ROAD YARD

ROAD YARD 4

Donnas Instruction Hub, LLC 10

Kings Canyon Unified School District

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC 1

Kings Community Action Organization (KCAO)

Armona Union Elementary School District

MERCURY TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL LLC

Selma Unified School District

Donnas Instruction Hub LLC 15

Parlier Unified School District

Yosemite Unified school District

MV Transportation - Selma, CA

lower tule river irrigation district

KMS Mechanics

Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Tribe

Donna's Instruction Hub, LLC Main

CDL Training in Visalia, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Visalia?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Visalia

Compare CDL Schools in Visalia

Tuition Costs in Visalia

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Visalia

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