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 Lakewood, CO?

CDL training in Lakewood, CO 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 Lakewood?

Most CDL training programs in Lakewood 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 Lakewood, CO?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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 46 verified training programs serving the Lakewood, Colorado area.

MOUNTAIN READY

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Lakewood CDL Schools: Mountain Safety & Chain-Up Training

Don't Get Stuck on I-70. Find Lakewood Schools with Mountain Training.

Get your Class A CDL in Lakewood. Master I-70 winter driving. Find schools with skid pads and tire chain training. We've identified 46 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

46 Training Programs

Mountain Descent Safety

Tire Chain Training

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 155,984

🏔️ Colorado Mountain Driving: What Generic Schools Won't Teach You

Colorado isn't flat-land trucking. If you're training in Lakewood without learning Chain-Up Procedures and Mountain Descent safety, you're setting yourself up for failure on I-70. Drivers from Lakewood regularly cross the Rockies. Look for schools offering "Mountain Ready" certification, skid pad training, and steep grade safety courses. Don't become another runaway truck ramp statistic.

Mountain Descent Safety

Tire Chain Training

Skid Pad Practice

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Lakewood, CO

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 Lakewood, CO?

Students comparing CDL schools in Lakewood, CO 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 46 training programsserving the Lakewood area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

46 CDL Schools Near Lakewood

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Top Picks in Lakewood

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Brian Tackett - Independent Instructor

Lakewood, CO

class_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_road

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Safe Smart CDL Training

CDL Training in Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood, Colorado offers 46 verified CDL training programs. Compare tuition costs, public enrollment status, training types, and school details before you request more information.

Why Get CDL Training Near Lakewood?

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 Colorado often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Colorado

CDL training in Colorado 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 Colorado

Trucking Jobs Near Lakewood

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Colorado

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Colorado

Top employers hiring near Lakewood: 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 Lakewood

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Denver - Yard FMCSA Verified	Commerce City	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Denver Classroom FMCSA Verified	Commerce City	Class AClass BHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Adams 14 FMCSA Verified	Commerce City	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Adams12 Five Star Schools FMCSA Verified	Thornton	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Advanced CDL Solutions LLC FMCSA Verified		Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Aims Community College FMCSA Verified	Fort Lupton	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Aurora Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Aurora	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Brian Tackett - Independent Instructor FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Byers School District FMCSA Verified	Byers	Class AHazmatTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Carter Truck Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Denver	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Carter Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Denver	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
CDL 303 LLC FMCSA Verified	Commerce City	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
CDL Safety School FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL Safety School FMCSA Verified	Morrison	Class AClass BTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Lakewood

Avg. Private School

$6,200

Avg. Public School

$3,800

Price Range

$3,200 - $7,800

Denver market has good competition.

Nearby Cities

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

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DOT Physicals Near Lakewood

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

7200 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood

(303) 935-8800

4.9

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic

600 Grant St, Denver

(866) 389-2727

4.9

$89-$139

Walk-ins OK

NextCare Urgent Care - Downtown Westminster

2333 Main St, Westminster

(720) 930-1368

4.8

$68-$138

View All 50 Clinics in Lakewood 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 Lakewood

1881 S Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80232

(303) 205-5608

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Lakewood DMV. CDL services

Visit Lakewood CDL DMV

Mountain Driving Training in Other Colorado Cities

Explore CDL schools with mountain driving and tire chain safety training in nearby Colorado cities.

Mountain Descent Safety

Tire Chain Training

Skid Pad Practice

View All Colorado CDL Schools

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Lakewood

How long does CDL training take in Lakewood?

CDL training programs in Lakewood, CO 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 Colorado?

CDL training costs in Colorado 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 Lakewood without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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 Colorado?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Colorado: 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.

What is the job outlook for CDL drivers near Lakewood?

The CDL driver job outlook near Lakewood, CO is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Colorado experiencing above-average demand. Starting salaries for new CDL graduates typically range from $45,000-$55,000, with experienced drivers earning $65,000-$80,000. Many carriers offer signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for qualified CDL holders.

Should I get a Class A or Class B CDL in Lakewood?

The choice depends on your career goals. A Class A CDL allows you to drive any commercial vehicle including tractor-trailers (18-wheelers)—this opens the most job opportunities and highest pay. A Class B CDL limits you to straight trucks, buses, and dump trucks but is sufficient for local delivery, waste management, and transit jobs. Most Lakewood CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Colorado, including training programs in Lakewood and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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