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.

Do CDL schools provide certification?

Yes, accredited CDL training schools prepare students for their commercial driver license (CDL) certification exam. After completing an ELDT-approved program, students are eligible to take the CDL skills test at their state DMV. CDL Schools USA lists only FMCSA-verified schools that meet federal certification training standards.

What is the difference between CDL certification and CDL training?

CDL training refers to the hands-on instruction and classroom education provided by truck driving schools. CDL certification is the official credential you receive after passing your state CDL skills test. Accredited CDL training programs prepare you for certification by covering required ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel hours.

How much does CDL training cost in Costa Mesa, CA?

CDL training in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa?

Most CDL training programs in Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 129 verified training programs serving the Costa Mesa, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Costa Mesa, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Costa Mesa?We have identified 129 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Costa Mesa area (Pop: 112,174).

Quick Stats

129 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 112,174

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Costa Mesa, 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

129

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Costa Mesa, CA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Costa Mesa, 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 129 training programsserving the Costa Mesa area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

129 CDL Schools Near Costa Mesa

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Top Picks in Costa Mesa

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

H.B. ELDT Training LLC

Westminster, CA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

SoCal Truck Driver Academy LLC

Westminster, CA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Costa Mesa, LA

34.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Blue Goose Community Development

Costa Mesa, LA

34.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_road

Side job

Costa Mesa, LA

34.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Showing 20 of 119 schools

CDL Training in Costa Mesa, California

Costa Mesa, California has 129 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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa?

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 Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa: 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 Costa Mesa

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC FMCSA Verified		Class A		View Details
160 Driving Academy - Oceanside - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Oceanside	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Oceanside - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Oceanside	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - San Bernardino - Classroom FMCSA Verified	San Bernardino	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - San Bernardino - Yard FMCSA Verified	San Bernardino	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
A & B Interstate 215, LLC FMCSA Verified	San Bernardino	Class ATanker	VA Approved	View Details
A.B.C. Schooling LLC FMCSA Verified	Perris	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
All In CDL Training FMCSA Verified	Long Beach	Class A	VA Approved	View Details
Allure Entertainment FMCSA Verified	Los Angeles	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
America Truck Driving School Riverside FMCSA Verified	Riverside	Class AClass BHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
America Truck Driving School Santa Ana FMCSA Verified	Santa Ana	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
American Tech Logistics FMCSA Verified	Bloomington	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ancora for Long Beach Community College FMCSA Verified	Long Beach	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
AZTLAN TRUCKING SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	Los Angeles	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa

Required for your CDL medical card

Industrial Medicine Associates - Anaheim

1490 Executive Blvd, Anaheim

(714) 463-6535

4.8

$85-$152

Walk-ins OK

Physicians Immediate Care - Central Long Beach

7003 Clinic Way, Long Beach

(916) 233-2939

4.7

$56-$113

Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care - East Santa Ana

5988 Medical Center Dr, Santa Ana

(714) 216-9988

4.6

$95-$145

Walk-ins OK

View All 41 Clinics in Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa

How long does CDL training take in Costa Mesa?

CDL training programs in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa, CA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Costa Mesa, CA

How should students compare CDL schools in Costa Mesa, CA?

129 CDL Schools Near Costa Mesa

Top Picks in Costa Mesa

H.B. ELDT Training LLC

SoCal Truck Driver Academy LLC

Hebrew Academy

H.B. ELDT Training LLC

SoCal Truck Driver Academy LLC

Hebrew Academy

Covenant Hills CDL Training

College of Instrument Technology-Office

HIGH IMPACT ACADEMY INC

Brea Olinda Unified School District

SIMMONS TRUCKING SCHOOL INC

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

The Truck Master School - La Puente

CAMINO REAL CAREER SCHOOL

Marcus Safe Start

Southern States ELDT

Winn Parish School Board

Southeast Transportation Safety, LLC

1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC

1st Premier Trucking Academy

CDL future trucking academy (On site training)

Blue Goose Community Development

Side job

CDL Training in Costa Mesa, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Costa Mesa?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Costa Mesa

Compare CDL Schools in Costa Mesa

Tuition Costs in Costa Mesa

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

DOT Physicals Near Costa Mesa

Industrial Medicine Associates - Anaheim

Physicians Immediate Care - Central Long Beach

MedExpress Urgent Care - East Santa Ana

CDL Testing & DMV in Costa Mesa

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Costa Mesa

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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