How much does CDL training cost in Monterey, CA?

CDL training in Monterey, 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 Monterey?

Most CDL training programs in Monterey 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 Monterey, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Monterey 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 Monterey 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 21 verified training programs serving the Monterey, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Monterey, CA

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Monterey?We have identified 21 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Monterey area (Pop: 15,000).

Quick Stats

21 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 15,000

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

Students comparing CDL schools in Monterey, 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 21 training programsserving the Monterey area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

21 CDL Schools Near Monterey

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Top Picks in Monterey

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Eclipse DOT

Monterey, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

class_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_road

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Carmel Valley, CA

Salinas, CA

13.9 miles away

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Salinas Union High School District

Salinas, CA

14.1 miles away

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Monterey, California has 21 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 Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey

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 Monterey: 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 Monterey

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
A&B Truck & Bus Driving School FMCSA Verified	San Jose	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Alisal Union School District FMCSA Verified	Salinas	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved
American Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Monterey	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Center for Employment Training FMCSA Verified	Soledad	Class AClass B	VA Approved	View Details
City Of San Jose FMCSA Verified	San Jose	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Coastal Trucking Institute, LLC FMCSA Verified	Salinas	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Coastal Trucking Institute, LLC FMCSA Verified	Salinas	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
DoubleR investments L.L.C. FMCSA Verified	Salinas	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Eclipse DOT FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	Carmel Valley	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Gilroy Unified School District FMCSA Verified	Gilroy	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.
MTS Training Academy, Inc. - Watsonville FMCSA Verified	Watsonville	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes
NMCUSD FMCSA Verified	Salinas	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Pajaro Valley Unified School District FMCSA Verified	Watsonville	Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Pajaro Valley Unified School District FMCSA Verified	Watsonville	Class AClass BHazmatTanker

Tuition Costs in Monterey

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 Monterey

Required for your CDL medical card

Castroville Chiropractic Clinic

11282 Merritt St, Castroville

(831) 633-4067

4.8

Doctors on Duty

1505 Main St, Watsonville

(831) 722-1444

4.3

Doctors on Duty

558 Abbott St a, Salinas

(831) 755-7880

4.1

View All 11 Clinics in Monterey 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 Monterey

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 Monterey, 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 Monterey

How long does CDL training take in Monterey?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in California

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Monterey, CA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Monterey, CA

How should students compare CDL schools in Monterey, CA?

21 CDL Schools Near Monterey

Top Picks in Monterey

Eclipse DOT

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

PJ Trucking Academy

Eclipse DOT

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

PJ Trucking Academy

Center for Employment Training

American Driving Academy

Salinas City School District

Salinas Union High School District

Spreckels Union School District

Coastal Trucking Institute, LLC

Coastal Trucking Institute, LLC

Alisal Union School District

Santa Rita Union School District

NMCUSD

DoubleR investments L.L.C.

MTS Training Academy, Inc. - Watsonville

Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Pajaro Valley Unified School District

Gilroy Unified School District

San Jose Unified School District

A&B Truck & Bus Driving School

CDL Training in Monterey, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Monterey?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Monterey

Compare CDL Schools in Monterey

Tuition Costs in Monterey

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

DOT Physicals Near Monterey

Castroville Chiropractic Clinic

Doctors on Duty

Doctors on Duty

CDL Testing & DMV in Monterey

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Monterey

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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