How much does CDL training cost in Columbia, CA?

CDL training in Columbia, 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 Columbia?

Most CDL training programs in Columbia 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 Columbia, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Columbia 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 Columbia 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 30 verified training programs serving the Columbia, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Columbia, CA

Name: CDL Schools in Columbia, CA
Creator: CDL Schools USA
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Columbia?We have identified 30 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Columbia area (Pop: 10,000).

Quick Stats

30 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 10,000

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

Students comparing CDL schools in Columbia, 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 30 training programsserving the Columbia area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

30 CDL Schools Near Columbia

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Top Picks in Columbia

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Foothill Horizions Outdoor School

Sonora, CA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Bret Harte High School

Angels Camp, CA

San Andreas, CA

18.8 miles away

Western Pacific Truck School (Modesto)

Modesto, CA

40.9 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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The Truck Master School-Modesto

Modesto, CA

41.2 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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MISSION TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL, LLC

Modesto, CA

42.7 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Turlock, CA

44.6 miles away

Western Pacific Truck School (Stockton)

Stockton, CA

45.7 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Empire Truck Driving School

Turlock, CA

45.9 miles away

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Akal Truck Driving School, LLC

Stockton, CA

47 miles away

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Showing 20 of 29 schools

CDL Training in Columbia, California

Columbia, California has 30 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia

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 Columbia: 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 Columbia

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Stockton - Yard FMCSA Verified	Stockton	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Akal Truck Driving School, LLC FMCSA Verified	Stockton	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Apex Truck Driving School - Stockton branch FMCSA Verified	Stockton	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Avon Truck Driving School Inc FMCSA Verified	Modesto	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Big Rig Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Ceres	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Bret Harte High School FMCSA Verified	Angels Camp	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Brigght life trucking school FMCSA Verified	Stockton	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.
BSC Truck Driving School INC FMCSA Verified	Stockton	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Calaveras USD FMCSA Verified	San Andreas	Class ATanker	Weekend Classes
Centro truck driving school FMCSA Verified	Modesto	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
CTDS Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Modesto	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes
Empire Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Turlock	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Foothill Horizions Outdoor School FMCSA Verified	Sonora	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Golden Truck Driving School Inc. FMCSA Verified	Lathrop	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
GREEN VALLEY TRUCK SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	Ceres	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details

Tuition Costs in Columbia

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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DOT Physicals Near Columbia

Required for your CDL medical card

Adventist Health Occupational Health

19747 Greenley Rd s2, Sonora

(209) 536-3780

4.4

Peak Performance Care

13949 Mono Way, Sonora

(209) 532-1288

Adventist Health Pain Surgery Center

12811 Covey Cir, Sonora

(209) 536-3790

4.5

View All 6 Clinics in Columbia 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 Columbia

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

Find DMV Office

Required Online Compliance Training

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

DOT Reasonable Suspicion Hazmat Awareness Hazmat Recurrent Defensive Driving HIPAA for Couriers Heat Stress & Slip/Trip Dry Ice Handling HOS / ELD Compliance Lithium Battery Shipping Bloodborne Pathogens Cargo Securement FSMA Sanitary Transport Forklift Certification

View All Certification Courses

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Columbia

How long does CDL training take in Columbia?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia, CA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Columbia, CA

How should students compare CDL schools in Columbia, CA?

30 CDL Schools Near Columbia

Top Picks in Columbia

Foothill Horizions Outdoor School

Bret Harte High School

Summerville Union High School

Foothill Horizions Outdoor School

Bret Harte High School

Summerville Union High School

Hughson Unified School Di

GREEN VALLEY TRUCK SCHOOL

Truck Nation School-Modesto

Big Rig Truck Driving School

Ripon Christian School

Performance Trucking Academy By Mosqueda

Calaveras USD

Western Pacific Truck School (Modesto)

The Truck Master School-Modesto

MISSION TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL, LLC

Centro truck driving school

Avon Truck Driving School Inc

CTDS Truck Driving School

Turlock Unified School District

Western Pacific Truck School (Stockton)

Empire Truck Driving School

Akal Truck Driving School, LLC

CDL Training in Columbia, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Columbia?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Columbia

Compare CDL Schools in Columbia

Tuition Costs in Columbia

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

DOT Physicals Near Columbia

Adventist Health Occupational Health

Peak Performance Care

Adventist Health Pain Surgery Center

CDL Testing & DMV in Columbia

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Columbia

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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