How much does CDL training cost in California, MD?

CDL training in California, MD 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 California?

Most CDL training programs in California 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 California, MD?

Yes, several CDL schools in the California 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 California 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 43 verified training programs serving the California, Maryland area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in California, MD

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in California?We have identified 43 FMCSA-verified programs serving the California area (Pop: 5,000).

Quick Stats

43 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 5,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in California, MD

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 California, MD?

Students comparing CDL schools in California, MD 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 43 training programsserving the California area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

43 CDL Schools Near California

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Top Picks in California

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Eclipse DOT

California, VIRGIN ISLANDS, U.S.

class_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_road

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

College of Southern Maryland

La Plata, MD

California, MD

46.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Bussard Enterprises, LLC

California, MD

46.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

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1st Premier Trucking Academy

California, MD

46.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Robert K Gillmer LLC

California, MD

46.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

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DP ELDT TRAINING

California, MD

46.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_road

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

California, MD

46.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

+1 XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Showing 20 of 42 schools

CDL Training in California, Maryland

California, Maryland offers 43 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near California?

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

CDL Training Costs in Maryland

CDL training in Maryland 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 Maryland

Trucking Jobs Near California

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Maryland

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Maryland

Top employers hiring near California: 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 California

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1ST CDL TRAINING CENTER OF NOVA FMCSA Verified	Alexandria	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.
1st Kennedy Transport FMCSA Verified		Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Advanced CDL Solutions LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
AJ Fickett FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Arlington Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Arlington	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Arlington Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Arlington	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Best CDL Training LLC - BEHIND THE WHEEL FMCSA Verified	Deale	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.
Best CDL Training LLC - CLASSROOM FMCSA Verified	Annapolis	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Bussard Enterprises, LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CDL EZ NOW FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
CDL Training FMCSA Verified	Upper Marlboro	Class AClass B	VA Approved	View Details
CDL4LESS FMCSA Verified	Clinton	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Cheapest ELDT only 2500 for CDL FMCSA Verified		Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Chesapeake College FMCSA Verified	Wye Mills	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in California

Avg. Private School

$6,800

Avg. Public School

$4,500

Price Range

$3,800 - $8,500

DC metro area has premium pricing.

Nearby Cities

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CDL Testing & MVA in California

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local MVA office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

Find MVA Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of California, 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 California

How long does CDL training take in California?

CDL training programs in California, MD 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 Maryland?

CDL training costs in Maryland 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 California without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the California 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 California 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 Maryland?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Maryland: 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 California?

The CDL driver job outlook near California, MD is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Maryland 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 California?

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 California 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 Maryland, including training programs in California 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 Maryland

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in California, MD

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in California, MD

How should students compare CDL schools in California, MD?

43 CDL Schools Near California

Top Picks in California

Eclipse DOT

College of Southern Maryland

Rappahannock Community College

Eclipse DOT

College of Southern Maryland

Rappahannock Community College

CDL4LESS

Hope project Training Academy

HOPE Project Training Academy MD1

Maryland CDL (p.k.a. Affordable CDL Training)

CDL Training

Gear Up CDL Training, LLC

CDL EZ NOW

Bussard Enterprises, LLC

1st Premier Trucking Academy

Robert K Gillmer LLC

DP ELDT TRAINING

Faulcon CDL Training

D&W auto services LLC

1st Kennedy Transport

Five Star Driver Training and Safety Consulting

ELDT Solutions - On Site CDL Training

AJ Fickett

CDL Training in California, Maryland

Why Get CDL Training Near California?

CDL Training Costs in Maryland

Trucking Jobs Near California

Compare CDL Schools in California

Tuition Costs in California

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Maryland

CDL Testing & MVA in California

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in California

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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