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 162 verified training programs serving the Cleveland, Ohio area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Cleveland, OH

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Cleveland?We have identified 162 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Cleveland area (Pop: 381,009).

Quick Stats

162 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 381,009

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Cleveland, OH

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
162

162 CDL Schools Near Cleveland

Top Picks in Cleveland

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Cuyahoga County

Newburgh Heights, OH

Call Now
#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Brooklyn City

Brooklyn, OH

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Garfield Heights City

Cleveland, OH

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Cuyahoga County

Newburgh Heights, OH
3.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Brooklyn City

Brooklyn, OH
5.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Garfield Heights City

Cleveland, OH
6.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

J & F Transportation

Valley View, OH
6.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

East Cleveland City

East Cleveland, OH
6.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Shaker Heights City

Shaker Heights, OH
7.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Trinity

Garfield Heights, OH
7.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Central Transport - 442

Brook Park, OH
7.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cleveland Heights-University Heights

University Heights, OH
8.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Independence Local

Independence, OH
8.6 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Nerone & Sons, Inc

Warrensville Heights, OH
9.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Maple Heights City

Maple Heights, OH
9.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Beachwood City

Beachwood, OH
9.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hawken

Lyndhurst, OH
10.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mr Rooter Plumbing

Independence, OH
10.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

South Euclid-Lyndhurst City

Lyndhurst, OH
10.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Richmond Heights Local

Richmond Heights, OH
11 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

ODOT District 12 Warrensville FSMF

Warrensville Heights, OH
11.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

CLEVELAND DC

Bedford, OH
11.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Warrensville Heights City

Warrensville Heights, OH
11.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 132 schools

CDL Training in Cleveland, Ohio

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Cleveland, OH</strong> offers <strong>162 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in OH earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Cleveland schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Cleveland?

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

CDL Training Costs in Ohio

CDL training in Ohio 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 Cleveland

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Ohio
2,500+
Open trucking positions in Ohio

Top employers hiring near Cleveland: 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 Cleveland

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
12744 Berkshire LSD
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Ag Design
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Weekend Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Bainbridge Township
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Bath Township
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmatTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Beachwood City
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Bedford
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Berea City
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes

Tuition Costs in Cleveland

Avg. Private School
$5,200
Avg. Public School
$3,500
Price Range
$2,900 - $6,500

Good mix of community colleges and private schools.

Need Help Choosing?

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

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DOT Physicals Near Cleveland

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

5065 Rockside Rd, Cleveland
4.3
$75-$125
Walk-ins OK

Industrial Medicine Associates - Cleveland

9333 Central Ave, Cleveland
4
$85-$147
Walk-ins OK

MedPro Occupational Health - Cleveland

9036 Business Park Dr, Cleveland
3.8
$110-$194

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & BMV in Cleveland

1910 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Cleveland BMV. Largest OH city - CDL services

Visit Cleveland CDL BMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Cleveland

How long does CDL training take in Cleveland?
CDL training programs in Cleveland, OH 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 Ohio?
CDL training costs in Ohio 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 Cleveland without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Ohio?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Ohio: 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 Cleveland?
The CDL driver job outlook near Cleveland, OH is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Ohio 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 Cleveland?
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 Cleveland CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.