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 25 verified training programs serving the Merced, California area.
Top Merced CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers
California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in Merced
Get your Class A CDL in Merced. Get qualified for Port of LA/Long Beach intermodal, Central Valley agriculture, and Silicon Valley logistics. We've identified 25 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.
Quick Stats
Why Merced 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, Merced CDL programs offer specialized training for California's unique driving conditions including mountain grades, urban congestion, and agricultural transport regulations.
Quick Facts: CDL Training in Merced, CA
Local CDL training answer
How should students compare CDL schools in Merced, CA?
Students comparing CDL schools in Merced, 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 25 training programsserving the Merced area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.
25 CDL Schools Near Merced
Top Picks in Merced
Editor's ChoiceHughson Unified School Di
GREEN VALLEY TRUCK SCHOOL
Big Rig Truck Driving School
Truck Nation School-Modesto
Ripon Christian School
Summerville Union High School
Merced Community College
Advanced Career Institute Merced Ca
Empire Truck Driving School
Turlock Unified School District
Mid Valley Truck School, LLC
Madera Central Valley Opportunity Center, Inc.
Shaunna Kauffman
Madera Unified School District
Madera county superintendent of schools
Madera County Superintendent of Schools
Western Pacific Truck School (Modesto)
The Truck Master School-Modesto
Avon Truck Driving School Inc
CTDS Truck Driving School
Showing 20 of 25 schools
CDL Training in Merced, California
Merced, California has 25 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. The ports, agriculture & tech logistics sector creates critical demand for qualified CDL holders, and major freight corridors such as I-5/I-10/I-15 freight corridors connect new drivers to local, regional, and interstate opportunities. Average CDL driver salary in California is about $62,400 per year, with experienced drivers earning up to $95,000.
Why Get CDL Training Near Merced?
- 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 Merced
Get hired after you complete your CDL training
Top employers hiring near Merced: 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 Merced
Side-by-side comparison of top training programs
School Name | City | Program Types | Key Features | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Career Institute Merced Ca FMCSA Verified | Class A | Manual Trans. | ||
Avon Truck Driving School Inc FMCSA Verified | Class A | Manual Trans.Weekend Classes | ||
Big Rig Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified | Class AHazmatTanker | Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved | ||
Central Unified School District FMCSA Verified | Class AHazmat | Manual Trans.Weekend Classes | ||
Centro truck driving school FMCSA Verified | Class AHazmat | Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved | ||
CTDS Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified | Class AClass BHazmatTanker | Weekend Classes | ||
Empire Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified | Class AClass B | Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved | ||
Class AHazmatTanker | Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes | |||
GREEN VALLEY TRUCK SCHOOL FMCSA Verified | Class AClass BTanker | Manual Trans. | ||
Hughson Unified School Di FMCSA Verified | Class AClass BHazmatTanker | Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved | ||
Madera Central Valley Opportunity Center, Inc. FMCSA Verified | Class A | Manual Trans.Evening Classes | ||
Madera Community College FMCSA Verified | Class AHazmatTanker | Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved | ||
Madera county superintendent of schools FMCSA Verified | Class AHazmatTanker | Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes | ||
Madera County Superintendent of Schools FMCSA Verified | Class AHazmatTanker | Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved | ||
Madera Unified School District FMCSA Verified | Class AClass BTanker | Manual Trans. |
Tuition Costs in Merced
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.
Get Matched FREECDL Testing & DMV in Merced
Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local DMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.
Find DMV OfficeRequired Online Compliance Training
Before driving for a fleet operating out of Merced, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Merced
How long does CDL training take in Merced?
How much does CDL school cost in California?
Can I get a CDL in Merced without quitting my job?
How do I know if a CDL school in Merced is legitimate?
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in California?
Do I need a TWIC card to drive trucks in California?
What makes California CDL training different?
This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in California, including training programs in Merced 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