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 47 verified training programs serving the San Carlos, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in San Carlos, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in San Carlos?We have identified 47 FMCSA-verified programs serving the San Carlos area (Pop: 20,000).

Quick Stats

47 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 20,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in San Carlos, 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
47

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in San Carlos, CA?

Students comparing CDL schools in San Carlos, 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 47 training programsserving the San Carlos area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

47 CDL Schools Near San Carlos

CDL Training Market in San Carlos, CA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

  • Active Schools1
  • ELDT Verified1
  • Average Tuition$4,000
  • Starting From$4,000
  • Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in San Carlos have access to 1 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $4,000 up to premium programs around $8,000.

Many schools in San Carlos offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Top Picks in San Carlos

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

San Carlos School

San Carlos, CA

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

International truck driving school

Newark, CA

Call Now
#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Domestic Truck Driving School

Newark, CA

Call Now

San Carlos School

San Carlos, CA
In San Carlos
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Hercules Training Center

Hercules, CA
34.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Dave’s Truck Driving CDL

Novato, CA
43.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Dave’s Truck Driving CD A/B

Novato, CA
45.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

PJ Trucking Academy

Watsonville, CA
47.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Durham School Services

San Carlos, CA
In San Carlos
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

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Dewrell Wesley

Redwood City, CA
3.2 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

San Mateo Union High School District

San Mateo, CA
6.1 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

BESTWAY TRUCK AND BUS DRIVING SCHOOL

Hayward, CA
11.3 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Pacific Truck Driving School Inc.

hayward, CA
11.3 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Fremont Truck Driving School

Hayward, CA
11.4 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

CDL Truck Rental & Sales Inc

Hayward, CA
11.8 miles away

American truck and bus driving school

Hayward, CA
11.9 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

CALIFORNIA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

HAYWARD, CA
12.3 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

The Truck Master School - Hayward

Hayward, CA
12.6 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Atkar Truck Driving School

Hayward, CA
14.1 miles away

Cdl instructor trucking LLC

Hayward, CA
14.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

National Driving School Inc.

San Lorenzo, CA
14.9 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

Fremont Unified School District

Fremont, CA
16.5 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

Protected from bots

School Of Trucking

Oakland, CA
17.1 miles away
+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Showing 20 of 40 schools

CDL Training in San Carlos, California

San Carlos, California has 47 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 San Carlos, 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 San Carlos?

  • 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 San Carlos

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 San Carlos: 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 San Carlos

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
A&B Truck & Bus Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Academy of Truck Driving
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Alameda - Contra Costa Transit District
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
American truck and bus driving school
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Antioch Unified School District
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Atkar Truck Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Bestway truck & bus cdl school湾区商业驾校
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
BESTWAY TRUCK AND BUS DRIVING SCHOOL
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
CALIFORNIA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Cdl instructor trucking LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
CDL Truck Rental & Sales Inc
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
City of Hayward
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
City Of San Jose
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Coast To Coast Trucking School
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Evening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in San Carlos

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.

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

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DOT Physicals Near San Carlos

Required for your CDL medical card

Redwood City Health and Wellness

61 Renato Ct Ste 2, Redwood City
5

Peninsula Medical Associates

406 N San Mateo Dr Ste B, San Mateo
5

Consolidated Health Management Team

26010 Eden Landing Rd Ste 1C, Hayward
5

💡 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 San Carlos

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 San Carlos, most employers require current DOT/FMCSA certifications. Complete training online, at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in San Carlos

How long does CDL training take in San Carlos?
CDL training programs in San Carlos, 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 San Carlos without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the San Carlos 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 San Carlos 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.

Complete CDL Training Guide for San Carlos Area Residents

While CDL training options directly in San Carlos are limited, there are excellent opportunities throughout California and nearby areas. Here's everything you need to know to start your trucking career.

CDL Jobs in California

Average Salary
$50,000 - $70,000
Key Industries

agriculture, ports, technology, and entertainment

In-Demand Specializations
  • Port drayage
  • Refrigerated for agriculture
  • Intermodal
Major Routes

I-5, I-10, I-15, I-80

Top Employers

JB Hunt, FedEx, Amazon, port trucking companies

Funding Options

EDD WIOA grants, ETP funding for community colleges

Nearby Cities with More Options

Consider these nearby cities with more FMCSA-verified CDL schools:

View All California Schools

California CDL Requirements: What You Need to Know

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate)
  • Hold a valid driver's license
  • Pass a DOT physical examination
  • Complete ELDT from an FMCSA-registered provider
  • Pass CDL knowledge and skills tests
3-8
Weeks to complete
View Full Requirements

Can't Afford CDL School?

Many trucking companies offer FREE CDL training with employment commitment.

View Paid Training Programs