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 Winston-Salem, NC?

CDL training in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

Most CDL training programs in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, NC?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 24 verified training programs serving the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Winston-Salem, NC

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Winston-Salem?We have identified 24 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Winston-Salem area (Pop: 249,545).

Quick Stats

24 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 249,545

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, NC?

Students comparing CDL schools in Winston-Salem, 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 24 training programsserving the Winston-Salem area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

24 CDL Schools Near Winston-Salem

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Top Picks in Winston-Salem

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Randolph School Bus Skills Testing Site-School Bus Parking Lot

Trinity, NC

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Surry Community College

Yadkinville, NC

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Martinsville City Public Schools

Martinsville, VA

Call Now

Randolph School Bus Skills Testing Site-School Bus Parking Lot

Trinity, NC

22.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Surry Community College

Yadkinville, NC

24.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Martinsville City Public Schools

Martinsville, VA

45.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Blue Ridge Entry Level Driver Training LLC

Bassett, VA

47 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Graham Middle School

Graham, NC

47.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ancora for Patrick & Henry Community College

Martinsville, VA

48.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ancora for Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, NC

2.8 miles away

TRANSTECH INC Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, NC

4.6 miles away

Guilford Technical Community College

High Point, NC

17.2 miles away

Kinos CDL Academy Corp

High Point, NC

18.2 miles away

160 Driving Academy - Greensboro - Classroom and Yard

Greensboro, NC

18.6 miles away

Davidson-Davie Community College

Mocksville, NC

23.8 miles away

A&K TRAINING FACILITY LLC

Greensboro, NC

26.4 miles away

AK TRAINING FACILITY LLC

Greensboro, NC

26.5 miles away

Lorac Academy LLC

Greensboro, NC

27.4 miles away

Lorac Academy LLC

Greensboro, NC

27.4 miles away

TRANSTECH INC Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

27.6 miles away

Future Truckers of America Inc

asheboro, NC

36.8 miles away

Randolph Community College

Asheboro, NC

37.6 miles away

Elite Driving School

Eden, NC

39.5 miles away

Showing 20 of 24 schools

CDL Training in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem, North Carolina has 24 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 Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem

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 Winston-Salem: 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 Winston-Salem

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 - Greensboro - Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Greensboro	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
2nd Opportunity Trucking School FMCSA Verified	Statesville	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
A&K TRAINING FACILITY LLC FMCSA Verified	Greensboro	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
AK TRAINING FACILITY LLC FMCSA Verified	Greensboro	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ancora for Forsyth Technical Community College FMCSA Verified	Winston-Salem	Class ATanker	VA Approved	View Details
Ancora for Patrick & Henry Community College FMCSA Verified	Martinsville	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Best Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Burlington	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Blue Ridge Entry Level Driver Training LLC FMCSA Verified	Bassett	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Davidson-Davie Community College FMCSA Verified	Mocksville	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Elite Driving School FMCSA Verified	Eden	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Future Truckers of America Inc FMCSA Verified	asheboro	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
Graham Middle School FMCSA Verified	Graham	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Guilford Technical Community College FMCSA Verified	High Point	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Kinos CDL Academy Corp FMCSA Verified	High Point	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Lorac Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Greensboro	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Winston-Salem

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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DOT Physicals Near Winston-Salem

Required for your CDL medical card

QuickMed Urgent Care - Downtown Winston-Salem

5466 Business Park Dr, Winston-Salem

(919) 532-6762

4.6

$120-$174

Walk-ins OK

AFC Urgent Care - Greensboro

4358 Park Ave, Greensboro

(828) 251-8751

4.1

$75-$132

FastMed Urgent Care - South High Point

7675 Hospital Dr, High Point

(704) 863-9460

$60-$144

Walk-ins OK

View All 9 Clinics in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem

4475 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

(336) 896-3031

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Winston-Salem DMV. CDL services

Visit Winston-Salem CDL DMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Winston-Salem

How long does CDL training take in Winston-Salem?

CDL training programs in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

The CDL driver job outlook near Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 North Carolina

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Winston-Salem, NC

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Winston-Salem, NC

How should students compare CDL schools in Winston-Salem, NC?

24 CDL Schools Near Winston-Salem

Top Picks in Winston-Salem

Randolph School Bus Skills Testing Site-School Bus Parking Lot

Surry Community College

Martinsville City Public Schools

Randolph School Bus Skills Testing Site-School Bus Parking Lot

Surry Community College

Martinsville City Public Schools

Blue Ridge Entry Level Driver Training LLC

Graham Middle School

Ancora for Patrick & Henry Community College

Ancora for Forsyth Technical Community College

TRANSTECH INC Winston-Salem

Guilford Technical Community College

Kinos CDL Academy Corp

160 Driving Academy - Greensboro - Classroom and Yard

Davidson-Davie Community College

A&K TRAINING FACILITY LLC

AK TRAINING FACILITY LLC

Lorac Academy LLC

Lorac Academy LLC

TRANSTECH INC Greensboro

Future Truckers of America Inc

Randolph Community College

Elite Driving School

CDL Training in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Why Get CDL Training Near Winston-Salem?

CDL Training Costs in North Carolina

Trucking Jobs Near Winston-Salem

Compare CDL Schools in Winston-Salem

Tuition Costs in Winston-Salem

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in North Carolina

DOT Physicals Near Winston-Salem

QuickMed Urgent Care - Downtown Winston-Salem

AFC Urgent Care - Greensboro

FastMed Urgent Care - South High Point

CDL Testing & DMV in Winston-Salem

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Winston-Salem

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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