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 191 verified training programs serving the Clifton, New Jersey area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Clifton, NJ

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Clifton?We have identified 191 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Clifton area (Pop: 90,296).

Quick Stats

191 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 90,296

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Clifton, 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
191

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Clifton, NJ?

Students comparing CDL schools in Clifton, 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 191 training programsserving the Clifton area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

191 CDL Schools Near Clifton

Top Picks in Clifton

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Castro School Trans Inc.

Garfield, NJ

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Ava School Transportation LLC

Wood-Ridge, NJ

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

AJS SCHOOL TRANS

Paterson, NJ

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Castro School Trans Inc.

Garfield, NJ
3.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ava School Transportation LLC

Wood-Ridge, NJ
3.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ace school bus transportation

Saddle Brook, NJ
4.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Jersey Tractor Trailer Training Inc.

Lyndhurst, NJ
5.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ideal Driving School

Moonachie, NJ
5.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

AAA SCHOOL LLC

Wayne, NJ
5.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

EXPRESS DRIVING SCHOOL INC

Harrison, NJ
7.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Driving Academy, Wayne NJ

Wayne, NJ
8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

EZ Wheels Driving School INC (SECAUCUS TRAINING YARD)

Secaucus, NJ
8.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Waldwick High School

Waldwick, NJ
10.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Beloved Community Charter School

Jersey City, NJ
11.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Barnes Driving School Car, Bus, Truck, Trailer Corporation

New York, NY
11.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

East Hanover, NJ
12.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Joachim Academy

Union, NJ
12.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Tri-State Safety

Clifton, NY
12.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_b_theorypassenger_theoryschool_bus_theory

Garing Enterprises LLC

Clifton, NY
12.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_roadpassenger_theory

1st Premier Trucking Academy

Clifton, NY
12.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

The academy

Clifton, NY
12.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Student Transport

Clifton, NY
12.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_b_theoryclass_b_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_b_behind_the_wheel_public_road

1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC

Clifton, NY
12.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Showing 20 of 179 schools

CDL Training in Clifton, New Jersey

Clifton, New Jersey has 191 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 Clifton, 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 Clifton?

  • 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.

Trucking Jobs Near Clifton

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 Clifton: 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 Clifton

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class ATanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend Classes
A & P Driving School
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
AAA SCHOOL LLC
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BHazmat
ABC Trans Corp
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
ABCDL TRAINING
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Clifton

Avg. Private School
$7,800
Avg. Public School
$5,000
Price Range
$4,200 - $9,500

High costs due to proximity to NYC market.

Need Help Choosing?

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

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Clifton

Required for your CDL medical card

CVS MinuteClinic

1471 3rd Ave, New York
4.9
$89-$139

NextCare Urgent Care - Newark

7884 Professional Dr, Newark
4.8
$82-$125
Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic

200 E 42nd St, New York
4.8
$89-$139
Walk-ins OK

💡 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 Clifton

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

Find MVC Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Clifton

How long does CDL training take in Clifton?
CDL training programs in Clifton, 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 Clifton without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Clifton 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 Clifton 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 Clifton?
The CDL driver job outlook near Clifton, 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 Clifton?
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 Clifton CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.