How much does CDL training cost in Lima, OH?

CDL training in Lima, OH 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 Lima?

Most CDL training programs in Lima 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 Lima, OH?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Lima 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 Lima 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 35 verified training programs serving the Lima, Ohio area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Lima, OH

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

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Lima?We have identified 35 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Lima area (Pop: 36,024).

Quick Stats

35 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 36,024

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Lima, 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

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Lima, OH?

Students comparing CDL schools in Lima, OH 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 35 training programsserving the Lima area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

35 CDL Schools Near Lima

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Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Wapakoneta City Schools

Wapakoneta, OH

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Indian Lake Local Schools

Lewistown, OH

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Cygnet, OH

43.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 419-655-3282

Showing 20 of 32 schools

CDL Training in Lima, Ohio

Lima, Ohio has 35 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Ohio sits within a one-day drive of 60% of the US and Canadian populations, making it a logistics hub. Average CDL driver salary in Ohio is about $53,400 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $70,000. The manufacturing & distribution sector creates moderate demand for qualified CDL holders near Lima, and major freight corridors such as I-71/I-77/Ohio Turnpike 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 Lima?

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.

View all CDL schools in Ohio

Trucking Jobs Near Lima

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 Lima: 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 Lima

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Adams Central Community Schools FMCSA Verified	Monroe	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Anna Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Anna	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ansonia Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Ansonia	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Apollo Truck Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Lima	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Bellefontaine City Schools FMCSA Verified	Bellefontaine	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Benjamin Logan Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Bellefontaine	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Celina City Schools FMCSA Verified	Celina	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Drivers Edge CDL Training Academy FMCSA Verified	Piqua	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Fairlawn Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Sidney	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	Bellefontaine	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fast-Pass Trucking Training FMCSA Verified	North Baltimore	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ft. Recovery Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Fort Recovery	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Hardin-Houston Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Houston	Class A		View Details
Indian Lake Local Schools FMCSA Verified	Lewistown	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
Indian Lake Schools FMCSA Verified	Lewistown	Class A	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Lima

Avg. Private School

$5,200

Avg. Public School

$3,500

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,500

Good mix of community colleges and private schools.

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CDL Testing & BMV in Lima

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

Find BMV Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Lima, 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 Lima

How long does CDL training take in Lima?

CDL training programs in Lima, 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 Lima without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Lima 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 Lima 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 Lima?

The CDL driver job outlook near Lima, 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 Lima?

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 Lima 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 Ohio, including training programs in Lima 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 Ohio

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Guide

CDL Schools in Lima, OH

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Lima, OH

How should students compare CDL schools in Lima, OH?

35 CDL Schools Near Lima

Top Picks in Lima

Wapakoneta City Schools

Indian Lake Local Schools

Indian Lake Schools

Wapakoneta City Schools

Indian Lake Local Schools

Indian Lake Schools

Anna Local Schools

Celina City Schools

Minster Local Schools

Riverside Local Schools

Ohio High Point Career Center

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Benjamin Logan Local Schools

Fairlawn Local Schools

St. Henry Consolidated Local Schools

Hardin-Houston Local Schools

Fast-Pass Trucking Training

Russia Local Schools

Piqua City Schools

Drivers Edge CDL Training Academy

Ft. Recovery Local Schools

North Adams Community Schools

R2 IUOE Local 18 Apprenticeship and Training

CDL Training in Lima, Ohio

Why Get CDL Training Near Lima?

CDL Training Costs in Ohio

Trucking Jobs Near Lima

Compare CDL Schools in Lima

Tuition Costs in Lima

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Ohio

CDL Testing & BMV in Lima

Required Online Compliance Training

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Lima

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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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