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.

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.

How much does CDL training cost in San Diego, CA?

CDL training in San Diego, 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 San Diego?

Most CDL training programs in San Diego 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 San Diego, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the San Diego 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 San Diego 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 56 verified training programs serving the San Diego, California area.

TWIC ELIGIBLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

AG TRANSPORT

Top San Diego CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in San Diego

Get your Class A CDL in San Diego. Get qualified for Port of LA/Long Beach intermodal, Central Valley agriculture, and Silicon Valley logistics. We've identified 56 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

56 Training Programs

TWIC Card Prep

Intermodal Container

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 1,423,851

Why San Diego CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

California's ports handle 40% of US imports. If you plan to work in the San Diego area, you'll need a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) for port access. Many San Diego CDL schools include TWIC preparation in their programs. Port trucking pays $75,000-$95,000/year—significantly above OTR rates. Don't miss the opportunity by choosing a school that doesn't prepare you for intermodal operations.

TWIC Card Prep

Intermodal Container

Agriculture Transport

Quick Facts: CDL Training in San Diego, 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

56 CDL Schools Near San Diego

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Top Picks in San Diego

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sun Diego Charter

National City, CA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

National School District

National City, CA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Lakeside, CA

18.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Poway Unified School District

Poway, CA

19.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Santa Fe Christian Schools

Solana Beach, CA

19.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 39 schools

CDL Training in San Diego, California

<p>San Diego offers CA verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near San Diego?

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 San Diego

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 Diego: 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 San Diego

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
11402 Fallbrook FMCSA Verified	Fallbrook	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ackley Moving Services FMCSA Verified	Poway	Class AClass BTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
All Tribes American Indian Charter School FMCSA Verified	Valley Center	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Atlas Tree FMCSA Verified	Spring Valley	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Bob's Crane Service FMCSA Verified	Lakeside	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
BREWER CRANE AND RIGGING FMCSA Verified	Lakeside	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
California Transportation FMCSA Verified	Santee	Class ATanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City Of Encinitas FMCSA Verified	Encinitas	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
City of Escondido FMCSA Verified	Escondido	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
City of National City FMCSA Verified	National City	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
City of Vista - Public Works Department FMCSA Verified	Vista	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
County of San Diego FMCSA Verified	Spring Valley	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Daniel Miranda FMCSA Verified	Encinitas	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
EASY FLOW LLC FMCSA Verified	Poway	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
EDCO Disposal FMCSA Verified	Lakeside	Class AHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in San Diego

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.

Nearby Cities

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 Diego

Required for your CDL medical card

OccuMed Clinic - North Chula Vista

3457 Business Park Dr, Chula Vista

(714) 575-7434

4.8

$94-$169

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic

3755 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego

(866) 389-2727

4.2

$89-$139

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic

8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, La Jolla

(866) 389-2727

3.9

$89-$139

View All 19 Clinics in San Diego All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & DMV in San Diego

3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA 92103

(800) 777-0133

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the San Diego DMV. CDL testing - appointments required

Visit San Diego CDL DMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in San Diego

How long does CDL training take in San Diego?

CDL training programs in San Diego, 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 Diego without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the San Diego 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 Diego 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 San Diego 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

Top San Diego CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in San Diego

Quick Stats

Why San Diego CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

Quick Facts: CDL Training in San Diego, CA

56 CDL Schools Near San Diego

Top Picks in San Diego

Sun Diego Charter

National School District

San Diego CCC

Sun Diego Charter

National School District

EDCO Federal

Atlas Tree

SWRFT MCAS Miramar

University California San Diego

south bay truck driving school inc

California Transportation

Western Truck School

Lakeside union school district

Ackley Moving Services

UR TRANSPORTATION, LLC

EASY FLOW LLC

PWNA-Lakeside, CA

BREWER CRANE AND RIGGING

Bob's Crane Service

SKILLED CDL TRAINING

EDCO Disposal

Poway Unified School District

Santa Fe Christian Schools

CDL Training in San Diego, California

Why Get CDL Training Near San Diego?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near San Diego

Compare CDL Schools in San Diego

Tuition Costs in San Diego

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

DOT Physicals Near San Diego

OccuMed Clinic - North Chula Vista

CVS MinuteClinic

CVS MinuteClinic

CDL Testing & DMV in San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in San Diego

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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