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 Reading, PA?

CDL training in Reading, PA 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 Reading?

Most CDL training programs in Reading 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 Reading, PA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Reading 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 Reading 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 51 verified training programs serving the Reading, Pennsylvania area.

MANUAL AVAILABLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Reading CDL Schools: Manual Transmission & Weekend Training

Class A & B CDL Training in Reading – No Automatic Restriction

Get your Class A CDL in Reading. Find schools offering Manual Transmission (10-speed) and Class B training. We've identified 51 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

51 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 95,112

⚙️ Why Reading Students Should Choose Manual Transmission Training

Many Pennsylvania employers prefer drivers without the "E" (Automatic Only) restriction on their CDL. Getting a full Class A with Manual Transmission qualification opens more job opportunities. Reading area schools offering weekend and evening classes help working adults get trained without quitting their day job.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

Class B CDL

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Reading, PA

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 Reading, PA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Reading, PA 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 51 training programsserving the Reading area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

51 CDL Schools Near Reading

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Keystone School Bus Service, Inc.

Wyomissing, PA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Berks Technical Institute - Wyomissing

Wyomissing, PA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Gross School Bus Services, Inc

Bechtelsville, PA

Call Now

Keystone School Bus Service, Inc.

Wyomissing, PA

2.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Berks Technical Institute - Wyomissing

Wyomissing, PA

2.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

weavertown mennonite school

Bird-in-Hand, PA

23.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Lebanon Classroom

Lebanon, PA

27.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Lebanon Yard

Lebanon, PA

27.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

SAGE Truck Driving School at LCTI Allentown PA

Schnecksville, PA

28.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

SAGE Truck Driving Schools - Allentown

Schnecksville, PA

28.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Faith Christian Academy

Quakertown, PA

28.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

North Montco Technical Career Center

Souderton, PA

32.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Milton Hershey School

Hershey, PA

37.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Road Runner CDL Academy

Hazle Twp, PA

41.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions LLC

Philadelphia, PA

43.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions

Philadelphia, PA

43.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Bethlehem Yard

Stockertown, PA

45 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

AAA School of Trucking - Harrisburg Campus

Harrisburg, PA

45.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

EZ Wheels Driving School Inc (Phillipsburg OFFICE/TRAINING YARD)

Phillipsburg, NJ

45.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

PENN CDL LLC

Warminster, PA

45.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

The dixon brothers trucking school

Wilmington, DE

46.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

All-State Career School - Theory

Essington, PA

46.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

US CDL

Huntingdon Valley, PA

47.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 47 schools

CDL Training in Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading, Pennsylvania has 51 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Pennsylvania sits at the crossroads of the I-80/I-76/I-81 corridor—one of the busiest freight networks in the eastern US. The manufacturing & logistics sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders, and major freight corridors such as Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76/I-476) connect new drivers to local, regional, and interstate opportunities. Average CDL driver salary in Pennsylvania is about $58,200 per year, with experienced drivers earning up to $75,000.

Why Get CDL Training Near Reading?

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

CDL Training Costs in Pennsylvania

CDL training in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

Trucking Jobs Near Reading

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Pennsylvania

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Pennsylvania

Top employers hiring near Reading: 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 Reading

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Bethlehem	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Stockertown	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy - Bethlehem Yard FMCSA Verified	Stockertown	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Delaware - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Newark	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Delaware - Yard FMCSA Verified	Newark	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Lebanon Classroom FMCSA Verified	Lebanon	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Lebanon Yard FMCSA Verified	Lebanon	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
180 CDL Entry Level LLC FMCSA Verified	Phillipsburg	Class ATanker	VA Approved	View Details
AAA School of Trucking - Harrisburg Campus FMCSA Verified	Harrisburg	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
AAA School of Trucking - Philadelphia Campus FMCSA Verified	Philadelphia	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
All-State Career School - Range/Road FMCSA Verified	Chester	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
All-State Career School - Theory FMCSA Verified	Essington	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
American Driver Training Academy FMCSA Verified	New Castle	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ancora for Delaware County Community College FMCSA Verified	Media	Class AClass BTanker	VA Approved	View Details
AW Trucking School LLC FMCSA Verified	Allentown	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Reading

Avg. Private School

$6,800

Avg. Public School

$4,200

Price Range

$3,500 - $8,500

Higher costs in Philadelphia area, cheaper in rural PA.

Nearby Cities

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

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DOT Physicals Near Reading

Required for your CDL medical card

MedPro Occupational Health - Reading

6980 Professional Dr, Reading

(570) 595-1134

4.7

$58-$142

Walk-ins OK

Industrial Medicine Associates - Central Reading

5263 Executive Blvd, Reading

(878) 305-7634

4.5

$72-$125

OccuMed Clinic - Reading

8173 Park Ave, Reading

(272) 422-1744

3.8

$107-$152

View All 3 Clinics in Reading 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 & PennDOT in Reading

1601 Penn Ave, Reading, PA 19609

(717) 412-5300

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Reading PennDOT. CDL testing

Visit Reading CDL PennDOT

Manual (No Restrictions) Training in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Explore CDL schools with manual (no restrictions) and weekend classes training in nearby Pennsylvania cities.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

Class B CDL

View All Pennsylvania CDL Schools

🏭 Specialized Pennsylvania Trucking Careers

Reading area drivers have access to high-demand, premium-pay niches in Pennsylvania's industrial economy.

🏗️

$65K-$85K

Steel & Heavy Haul

Cleveland-Cliffs, Butler Works. Steel coil securement and flatbed skills.

View Program

⚗️

$70K-$90K

Polymers & Tankers

Shell Cracker Plant. Pneumatic tankers and dry bulk for the petrochemical industry.

View Program

🔥

$60K-$85K

Energy Sector

Marcellus Shale. Water hauling, sand trucking, and vacuum trucks for natural gas.

View Program

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Reading

How long does CDL training take in Reading?

CDL training programs in Reading, PA 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 Pennsylvania?

CDL training costs in Pennsylvania 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 Reading without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Reading 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 Reading 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 Pennsylvania?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Pennsylvania: 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 are the CDL requirements in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires you to be at least 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate CDL. You must pass the FMCSA medical exam, hold a valid PA driver's license, pass the CDL written knowledge test at a PennDOT location, and pass the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test). Pennsylvania allows manual and automatic restriction CDLs—schools that train on manual transmission eliminate the restriction, giving you more job options.

What CDL endorsements should Reading drivers get?

In Reading, PA, the most valuable CDL endorsements are: Hazmat (H) for hauling chemicals along the I-76/I-80 industrial corridor, Tanker (N) for fuel delivery, and Doubles/Triples (T) for LTL freight companies like Old Dominion and XPO. The combination Hazmat-Tanker endorsement typically adds $5,000-$8,000 to annual salary.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in Pennsylvania, including training programs in Reading and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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