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 11 verified training programs serving the Clearlake, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Clearlake, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Clearlake?We have identified 11 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Clearlake area (Pop: 15,250).

Quick Stats

11 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 15,250

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clearlake, 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
11

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Clearlake, CA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Clearlake, 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 11 training programsserving the Clearlake area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

11 CDL Schools Near Clearlake

Top Picks in Clearlake

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Rochelle Laird Independent Training Provider - Williams

Williams, CA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Rochelle Laird Independent Training Provider - Maxwell

Maxwell, CA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Colusa

Colusa, CA

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Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Colusa

Colusa, CA
37.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Princeton

Princeton, CA
44.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Lake-Mendo Driving School

Clearlake, CA
In Clearlake
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Lakeport Unified School District

Lakeport, CA
17.2 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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SONA Concierge

Santa Rosa, CA
31.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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West County Transportation Agency

Santa Rosa, CA
37.9 miles away

JGC Truck Driving Training

Santa Rosa, CA
38.9 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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PERFECT TRUCK SCHOOL INC SANTA ROSA

Santa Rosa, CA
39.8 miles away
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DTL Truck Driving School

Woodland, CA
49.7 miles away
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CDL Training in Clearlake, California

Clearlake, California has 11 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 Clearlake, 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 Clearlake?

  • 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 Clearlake

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 Clearlake: 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 Clearlake

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 11 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
DTL Truck Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Woodland
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
JGC Truck Driving Training
FMCSA Verified
Santa Rosa
Class AHazmatTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Clearlake
Class ATanker
Weekend Classes
View Details
Lakeport Unified School District
FMCSA Verified
Lakeport
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
PERFECT TRUCK SCHOOL INC SANTA ROSA
FMCSA Verified
Santa Rosa
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Maxwell
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
View Details
Williams
Class A
Evening Classes
View Details
Colusa
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
View Details
Princeton
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
View Details
SONA Concierge
FMCSA Verified
Santa Rosa
Class AClass B
VA Approved
West County Transportation Agency
FMCSA Verified
Santa Rosa
Class AClass B
Evening Classes

Tuition Costs in Clearlake

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 Clearlake

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

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Required Online Compliance Training

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

DOT Reasonable SuspicionHazmat AwarenessHazmat RecurrentDefensive DrivingHIPAA for CouriersHeat Stress & Slip/TripDry Ice HandlingHOS / ELD ComplianceLithium Battery ShippingBloodborne PathogensCargo SecurementFSMA Sanitary TransportForklift Certification
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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clearlake

How long does CDL training take in Clearlake?
CDL training programs in Clearlake, 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 Clearlake without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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