How much does CDL training cost in Franklin, NC?

CDL training in Franklin, NC 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 Franklin?

Most CDL training programs in Franklin 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 Franklin, NC?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 11 verified training programs serving the Franklin, North Carolina area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Franklin, NC

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Franklin?We have identified 11 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Franklin area (Pop: 15,000).

Quick Stats

11 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 15,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Franklin, NC

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 Franklin, NC?

Students comparing CDL schools in Franklin, NC 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 11 training programsserving the Franklin area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

11 CDL Schools Near Franklin

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Top Picks in Franklin

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Southwestern Community College ( Jackson Co.)

Sylva, NC

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Smokey Mountain High School

Sylva, NC

Murphy, NC

34.1 miles away

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North Georgia Technical College

Clarkesville, GA

38.3 miles away

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CDL Training in Franklin, North Carolina

Franklin, North Carolina has 11 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. North Carolina is home to Old Dominion Freight Line headquarters and a booming distribution center corridor along I-85. Average CDL driver salary in North Carolina is about $52,800 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $68,000. The manufacturing & agriculture sector creates moderate demand for qualified CDL holders near Franklin, and major freight corridors such as I-85/I-40/I-77 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 Franklin?

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

CDL Training Costs in North Carolina

CDL training in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

Trucking Jobs Near Franklin

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in North Carolina

2,500+

Open trucking positions in North Carolina

Top employers hiring near Franklin: 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.

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Compare CDL Schools in Franklin

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 11 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
57250 Clemson University FMCSA Verified	Central	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Carolina CDL Training Center FMCSA Verified	Candler	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Haywood Community College FMCSA Verified	Clyde	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Mountain Discovery Charter School FMCSA Verified	Bryson City	Class A	Evening Classes	View Details
North Georgia Technical College FMCSA Verified	Clarkesville	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved
Shining Rock Classical Academy FMCSA Verified	Waynesville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Smokey Mountain High School FMCSA Verified	Sylva	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
Southwestern Community College ( Jackson Co.) FMCSA Verified	Sylva	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Tallulah Falls School FMCSA Verified	Tallulah Falls	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Tri-County Community College FMCSA Verified	Murphy	Class ATanker	Evening ClassesVA Approved
Waynesville Middle School FMCSA Verified	Waynesville	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Franklin

Avg. Private School

$5,500

Avg. Public School

$3,200

Price Range

$2,600 - $6,800

Community colleges offer excellent value.

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CDL Testing & DMV in Franklin

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

Find DMV Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Franklin, 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

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Franklin

How long does CDL training take in Franklin?

CDL training programs in Franklin, NC 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 North Carolina?

CDL training costs in North Carolina 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 Franklin without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 North Carolina?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in North Carolina: 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 Franklin?

The CDL driver job outlook near Franklin, NC is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with North Carolina 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 Franklin?

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 Franklin 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 North Carolina, including training programs in Franklin 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 North Carolina

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Guide

CDL Schools in Franklin, NC

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Franklin, NC

How should students compare CDL schools in Franklin, NC?

11 CDL Schools Near Franklin

Top Picks in Franklin

Southwestern Community College ( Jackson Co.)

Smokey Mountain High School

Mountain Discovery Charter School

Southwestern Community College ( Jackson Co.)

Smokey Mountain High School

Mountain Discovery Charter School

Waynesville Middle School

Tallulah Falls School

Shining Rock Classical Academy

Haywood Community College

Carolina CDL Training Center

57250 Clemson University

Tri-County Community College

North Georgia Technical College

CDL Training in Franklin, North Carolina

Why Get CDL Training Near Franklin?

CDL Training Costs in North Carolina

Trucking Jobs Near Franklin

Compare CDL Schools in Franklin

Tuition Costs in Franklin

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in North Carolina

CDL Testing & DMV in Franklin

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Franklin

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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