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 28 verified training programs serving the Lorain, Ohio area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Lorain, OH

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Lorain?We have identified 28 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Lorain area (Pop: 65,211).

Quick Stats

28 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 65,211

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Lorain, 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
28

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Lorain, OH?

Students comparing CDL schools in Lorain, 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 28 training programsserving the Lorain area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

28 CDL Schools Near Lorain

Top Picks in Lorain

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Great Lakes CDL Training LLC

Columbia Station, OH

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Great Lakes Truck Driving School, Inc.

Columbia Station, OH

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Polaris Career Center

Middleburg Heights, OH

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Great Lakes CDL Training LLC

Columbia Station, OH
14.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 440-236-3436

Great Lakes Truck Driving School, Inc.

Columbia Station, OH
14.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 440-236-3436

Polaris Career Center

Middleburg Heights, OH
19.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 330-723-6393

Cleveland Heights-University Heights

University Heights, OH
33.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 330-723-6393

Copley-Fairlawn City Schools

Akron, OH
37.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 440-536-5574

United Trucking School

Solon, OH
37.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 216-308-9596

Gilmour Academy

Gates Mills, OH
38.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 330-723-6393

University

Hunting Valley, OH
39.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 330-723-6393

BeUnited Trans Training LLP

Solon, OH
39.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 937-219-7266

Wertz Geotechnical Engineering

Doylestown, OH
41.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 330-328-5613

BARBERTON CITY SCHOOLS

Barberton, OH
41.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 440-536-5574

KIRTLAND SCHOOLS

Kirtland, OH
44.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 440-536-5574

STREETSBORO CITY SCHOOLS

Streetsboro, OH
47 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified
+1 440-536-5574

LDG Truck Driving School

Avon, OH
9.7 miles away
+1 440-665-1171

Lorain County Adult Career Center

Oberlin, OH
13.2 miles away
+1 440-774-1051

160 Driving Academy - Cleveland - Classroom

Cleveland, OH
20.3 miles away

Prime CDL training center LLC

Parma, OH
21.9 miles away

Ehove Truck Driving Academy

Milan, OH
24.7 miles away

160 Driving Academy - Akron - Yard

Medina, OH
27.9 miles away

Hamrick School

Medina, OH
32.2 miles away
+1 330-239-2229

Showing 20 of 25 schools

CDL Training in Lorain, Ohio

Lorain, Ohio has 28 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 Lorain, 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 Lorain?

  • 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 Lorain

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 Lorain: 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 Lorain

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Class A
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class AHazmat
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Akron Driving Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BTanker
Evening Classes
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Weekend Classes
Gilmour Academy
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
Class ATanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Hamrick School
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass B
Evening Classes
KENSTON LOCAL SCHOOLS
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Lorain

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.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Lorain

Required for your CDL medical card

Walgreens Healthcare Clinic - South Lorain

4438 Market St, Lorain
4.5
$71-$157

CVS MinuteClinic - Midtown Cleveland

7857 Washington Blvd, Cleveland
4.5
$105-$187
Walk-ins OK

Walgreens Healthcare Clinic - West Parma

8876 Business Park Dr, Parma
4.2
$58-$126

💡 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 & BMV in Lorain

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

Find BMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Lorain

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