How much does CDL training cost in Wilkes-Barre, PA?

CDL training in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre?

Most CDL training programs in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania area.

MANUAL AVAILABLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Wilkes-Barre CDL Schools: Manual Transmission & Weekend Training

Name: CDL Schools in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Creator: CDL Schools USA
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Class A & B CDL Training in Wilkes-Barre – No Automatic Restriction

Get your Class A CDL in Wilkes-Barre. Find schools offering Manual Transmission (10-speed) and Class B training. We've identified 24 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

24 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 44,328

⚙️ Why Wilkes-Barre 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. Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA?

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

24 CDL Schools Near Wilkes-Barre

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Top Picks in Wilkes-Barre

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Fortis Institute

Plains Twp, PA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Road Runner CDL Academy

Taylor, PA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Road Runner CDL Academy

Hazle Twp, PA

Call Now

Fortis Institute

Plains Twp, PA

4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 410-716-5015

Road Runner CDL Academy

Taylor, PA

13 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 570-425-0000

Road Runner CDL Academy

Hazle Twp, PA

23.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 570-600-9900

160 Driving Academy - Monroe Classroom and Yard

Tannersville, PA

32.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 570-258-8742

Sage Truck Driving Schools- Bloomsburg

Bloomsburg, PA

34.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 570-520-4082

Independence Driving School

Stroudsburg, PA

35.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 570-894-3676

Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School

Stroudsburg, PA

35.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 610-866-8013

Dimino Driving Academy

Lakeville, PA

35.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 570-390-4800

SAGE Truck Driving School at LCTI Allentown PA

Schnecksville, PA

42.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 610-799-1329

SAGE Truck Driving Schools - Allentown

Schnecksville, PA

42.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 610-799-1329

160 Driving Academy - Bethlehem Yard

Stockertown, PA

46.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

+1 610-426-0861

Berks Technical Institute for Luzerne County Community College

Nanticoke, PA

6.8 miles away

+1 866-937-1850

Fortis Institute at LCCC

Nanticoke, PA

6.8 miles away

+1 570-740-0200

Petes Garage llc (S)

Scranton, PA

14.8 miles away

+1 570-346-0846

Berks Technical Institute for Lehigh Carbon Community College

Schnecksville, PA

42.7 miles away

+1 866-937-1850

160 Driving Academy

Stockertown, PA

46.8 miles away

Berks Technical Institute - Allentown

Allentown, PA

47.6 miles away

+1 866-937-1850

Roadmaster Drivers School (BPA)

Bethlehem, PA

47.9 miles away

+1 800-831-1300

AW Trucking School LLC

Allentown, PA

48.5 miles away

+1 610-508-3011

160 Driving Academy

Bethlehem, PA

49.1 miles away

Showing 20 of 22 schools

CDL Training in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania has 24 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 Wilkes-Barre?

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 Wilkes-Barre

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 Wilkes-Barre: 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 Wilkes-Barre

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	Stockertown	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Bethlehem	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy - Bethlehem Yard FMCSA Verified	Stockertown	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Monroe Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Tannersville	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
AW Trucking School LLC FMCSA Verified	Allentown	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Berks Technical Institute - Allentown FMCSA Verified	Allentown	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Berks Technical Institute for Lehigh Carbon Community College FMCSA Verified	Schnecksville	Class AClass B		View Details
Berks Technical Institute for Luzerne County Community College FMCSA Verified	Nanticoke	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School FMCSA Verified	Stroudsburg	Class AClass BHazmat	Evening Classes	View Details
Dimino Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Lakeville	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Easton Area School District FMCSA Verified	Easton	Class AClass BTanker	VA Approved	View Details
Fortis Institute FMCSA Verified	Plains Twp	Class AClass B		View Details
Fortis Institute at LCCC FMCSA Verified	Nanticoke	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Independence Driving School FMCSA Verified	Stroudsburg	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
Leon A George II School Buses, Inc. FMCSA Verified	Palmerton	Class AClass B	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Wilkes-Barre

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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DOT Physicals Near Wilkes-Barre

Required for your CDL medical card

MD Now Urgent Care - West Scranton

7017 Executive Blvd, Scranton

(412) 970-7634

3.9

$112-$191

Walk-ins OK

CityMD - Scranton

6566 Professional Dr, Scranton

(610) 141-5657

4.9

$92-$155

Walk-ins OK

FastMed Urgent Care - Central Wilkes-Barre

8525 Second St, Wilkes-Barre

(878) 837-1577

4.8

$92-$149

Walk-ins OK

View All 7 Clinics in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre

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

Find PennDOT Office

Required Online Compliance Training

Before driving for a fleet operating out of Wilkes-Barre, 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

View All Certification Courses

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

Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre

How long does CDL training take in Wilkes-Barre?

CDL training programs in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre drivers get?

In Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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