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 Paterson, NJ?

CDL training in Paterson, NJ 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 Paterson?

Most CDL training programs in Paterson 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 Paterson, NJ?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Paterson 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 Paterson 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 187 verified training programs serving the Paterson, New Jersey area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Paterson, NJ

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Paterson?We have identified 187 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Paterson area (Pop: 159,732).

Quick Stats

187 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 159,732

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Paterson, NJ

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

187

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Paterson, NJ?

Students comparing CDL schools in Paterson, NJ 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 187 training programsserving the Paterson area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

187 CDL Schools Near Paterson

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Top Picks in Paterson

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

AJS SCHOOL TRANS

Paterson, NJ

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

AAA SCHOOL LLC

Wayne, NJ

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Ace school bus transportation

Saddle Brook, NJ

Call Now

AAA SCHOOL LLC

Wayne, NJ

2.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ace school bus transportation

Saddle Brook, NJ

3.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Castro School Trans Inc.

Garfield, NJ

4.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Driving Academy, Wayne NJ

Wayne, NJ

5.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ava School Transportation LLC

Wood-Ridge, NJ

6.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Waldwick High School

Waldwick, NJ

6.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ideal Driving School

Moonachie, NJ

7.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jersey Tractor Trailer Training Inc.

Lyndhurst, NJ

8.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Lakeland Regional High School

Wanaque, NJ

11.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

EZ Wheels Driving School INC (SECAUCUS TRAINING YARD)

Secaucus, NJ

11.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Lakeland Regional High School

Ringwood, NJ

11.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

EXPRESS DRIVING SCHOOL INC

Harrison, NJ

11.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

School Related Services Staffing and Consulting LLC

Norwood, NJ

12.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

East Hanover, NJ

13.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Barnes Driving School Car, Bus, Truck, Trailer Corporation

New York, NY

14.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Beloved Community Charter School

Jersey City, NJ

15 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

NYC Parks Academy - Manhattan

New York, NY

15.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Thru way driving school

Spring Valley, NY

15.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy- Suffern Classroom and Yard

Suffern, NY

15.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

ROAD SCHOLAR DRIVING SCHOOL

Short Hills, NJ

15.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 175 schools

CDL Training in Paterson, New Jersey

Paterson, New Jersey has 187 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. The Port Newark-Elizabeth complex is the busiest port on the East Coast, and NJ Turnpike is the most heavily traveled freight corridor in America. Average CDL driver salary in New Jersey is about $61,200 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $85,000. The port & last-mile sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Paterson, and major freight corridors such as NJ Turnpike/I-78/I-80 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 Paterson?

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

CDL Training Costs in New Jersey

CDL training in New Jersey 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 New Jersey

Trucking Jobs Near Paterson

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in New Jersey

2,500+

Open trucking positions in New Jersey

Top employers hiring near Paterson: 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 Paterson

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Brookdale Classroom FMCSA Verified	Lincroft	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Brookdale Yard FMCSA Verified	Freehold	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Sussex Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Newton	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy- Suffern Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Suffern	Class ATanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
4033 - Freehold, - NJ - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	Freehold	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
A & P Driving School FMCSA Verified	Plainfield	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
A Safest Driving School Inc FMCSA Verified	Jackson Heights	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
AAA SCHOOL LLC FMCSA Verified	Wayne	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
ABC Driving School LLC FMCSA Verified	Hackettstown	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
ABC Trans Corp FMCSA Verified	North Brunswick Township	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
ABCDL TRAINING FMCSA Verified	BRONX	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Above All Transport LLC FMCSA Verified	Jersey City	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
ACCURATE DRIVING SCHOOL INC FMCSA Verified	Franklin Square	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Paterson

Avg. Private School

$7,800

Avg. Public School

$5,000

Price Range

$4,200 - $9,500

High costs due to proximity to NYC market.

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 Paterson

Required for your CDL medical card

CVS MinuteClinic

1471 3rd Ave, New York

(866) 389-2727

4.9

$89-$139

NextCare Urgent Care - Newark

7884 Professional Dr, Newark

(201) 154-8620

4.8

$82-$125

Walk-ins OK

Concentra Urgent Care

1 Penn Plaza, New York

(212) 563-1155

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

View All 50 Clinics in Paterson 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 & MVC in Paterson

1 Mill St, Paterson, NJ 07501

(609) 292-6500

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Paterson MVC. CDL testing

Visit Paterson CDL MVC

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Paterson

How long does CDL training take in Paterson?

CDL training programs in Paterson, NJ 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 New Jersey?

CDL training costs in New Jersey 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 Paterson without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Paterson 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 Paterson 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 New Jersey?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in New Jersey: 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 Paterson?

The CDL driver job outlook near Paterson, NJ is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with New Jersey 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 Paterson?

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 Paterson 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 New Jersey, including training programs in Paterson 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 New Jersey

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Paterson, NJ

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Paterson, NJ

How should students compare CDL schools in Paterson, NJ?

187 CDL Schools Near Paterson

Top Picks in Paterson

AJS SCHOOL TRANS

AAA SCHOOL LLC

Ace school bus transportation

AAA SCHOOL LLC

Ace school bus transportation

Castro School Trans Inc.

Driving Academy, Wayne NJ

Ava School Transportation LLC

Waldwick High School

Ideal Driving School

Jersey Tractor Trailer Training Inc.

Lakeland Regional High School

EZ Wheels Driving School INC (SECAUCUS TRAINING YARD)

Lakeland Regional High School

EXPRESS DRIVING SCHOOL INC

School Related Services Staffing and Consulting LLC

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Barnes Driving School Car, Bus, Truck, Trailer Corporation

Beloved Community Charter School

NYC Parks Academy - Manhattan

Thru way driving school

160 Driving Academy- Suffern Classroom and Yard

ROAD SCHOLAR DRIVING SCHOOL

CDL Training in Paterson, New Jersey

Why Get CDL Training Near Paterson?

CDL Training Costs in New Jersey

Trucking Jobs Near Paterson

Compare CDL Schools in Paterson

Tuition Costs in Paterson

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in New Jersey

DOT Physicals Near Paterson

CVS MinuteClinic

NextCare Urgent Care - Newark

Concentra Urgent Care

CDL Testing & MVC in Paterson

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Paterson

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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