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 Athens, GA?

CDL training in Athens, GA 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 Athens?

Most CDL training programs in Athens 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 Athens, GA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Athens 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 Athens 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 21 verified training programs serving the Athens, Georgia area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Athens, GA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Athens?We have identified 21 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Athens area (Pop: 127,315).

Quick Stats

21 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 127,315

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Athens, GA

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 Athens, GA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Athens, GA 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 21 training programsserving the Athens area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

21 CDL Schools Near Athens

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Top Picks in Athens

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

The CDL Coach ELDT Online

Bethlehem, GA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Social Circle City Schools

Social Circle, GA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

McConnell Safety and Training

Loganville, GA

Call Now

The CDL Coach ELDT Online

Bethlehem, GA

26.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Social Circle City Schools

Social Circle, GA

29.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

McConnell Safety and Training

Loganville, GA

32.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Athens Technical College

Elberton, GA

33.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Driver Ed Behind the Wheel

Lawrenceville, GA

33.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Hurricane Shoals Safety and Training

Lawrenceville, GA

35.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ernst Concrete Driving School

Lawrenceville, GA

36.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Covington, GA

37 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Daly's Truck Driving School

Buford, GA

39.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Georgia Driving Academy

Conyers, GA

41 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Suwanee Safety and Training

Suwanee, GA

41.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Central Georgia Technical College (Putnam Location)

Eatonton, GA

42.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Putnam Co Charter School

Eatonton, GA

42.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

I-85 Driving Academy LLC

Commerce, GA

16.1 miles away

160 Driving Academy - Commerce - Yard

Commerce, GA

16.4 miles away

Misaki logistics corp

Winder, GA

20.1 miles away

160 Driving Academy - Commerce - Classroom

Commerce, GA

21.4 miles away

Athens Technical College

Monroe, GA

22.5 miles away

Lanier Technical College

Gainesville, GA

35.7 miles away

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Lithonia, GA

46.1 miles away

Showing 20 of 21 schools

CDL Training in Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia has 21 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. The Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container port in the US, creating thousands of CDL jobs annually. Average CDL driver salary in Georgia is about $54,200 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $72,000. The port & distribution sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Athens, and major freight corridors such as I-75/I-85/I-20 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 Athens?

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

CDL Training Costs in Georgia

CDL training in Georgia 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 Georgia

Trucking Jobs Near Athens

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Georgia

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Georgia

Top employers hiring near Athens: 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 Athens

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Commerce - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Commerce	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Commerce - Yard FMCSA Verified	Commerce	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Athens Technical College FMCSA Verified	Monroe	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Athens Technical College FMCSA Verified	Elberton	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Central Georgia Technical College (Putnam Location) FMCSA Verified	Eatonton	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Daly's Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Buford	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
Driver Ed Behind the Wheel FMCSA Verified	Lawrenceville	Class A	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Ernst Concrete Driving School FMCSA Verified	Lawrenceville	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Georgia Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Conyers	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Georgia Piedmont Technical College FMCSA Verified	Covington	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Georgia Piedmont Technical College FMCSA Verified	Lithonia	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details
Hurricane Shoals Safety and Training FMCSA Verified	Lawrenceville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
I-85 Driving Academy LLC FMCSA Verified	Commerce	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Lanier Technical College FMCSA Verified	Gainesville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
McConnell Safety and Training FMCSA Verified	Loganville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Athens

Avg. Private School

$5,800

Avg. Public School

$3,400

Price Range

$2,800 - $7,200

Atlanta has competitive pricing due to high demand.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near Athens

Required for your CDL medical card

MD Now Urgent Care - South Athens

5947 Business Park Dr, Athens

(678) 381-1018

$124-$195

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - West Athens

9362 Industrial Pkwy, Athens

(678) 167-6262

4.1

$124-$184

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - Athens

2246 Professional Dr, Athens

(678) 429-1846

4.8

$77-$156

View All 6 Clinics in Athens 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 & DDS in Athens

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

Find DDS Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Athens

How long does CDL training take in Athens?

CDL training programs in Athens, GA 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 Georgia?

CDL training costs in Georgia 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 Athens without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Athens 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 Athens 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 Georgia?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Georgia: 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 Athens?

The CDL driver job outlook near Athens, GA is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Georgia 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 Athens?

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 Athens 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 Georgia, including training programs in Athens and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in Georgia

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Athens, GA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Athens, GA

How should students compare CDL schools in Athens, GA?

21 CDL Schools Near Athens

Top Picks in Athens

The CDL Coach ELDT Online

Social Circle City Schools

McConnell Safety and Training

The CDL Coach ELDT Online

Social Circle City Schools

McConnell Safety and Training

Athens Technical College

Driver Ed Behind the Wheel

Hurricane Shoals Safety and Training

Ernst Concrete Driving School

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Daly's Truck Driving School

Georgia Driving Academy

Suwanee Safety and Training

Central Georgia Technical College (Putnam Location)

Putnam Co Charter School

I-85 Driving Academy LLC

160 Driving Academy - Commerce - Yard

Misaki logistics corp

160 Driving Academy - Commerce - Classroom

Athens Technical College

Lanier Technical College

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

CDL Training in Athens, Georgia

Why Get CDL Training Near Athens?

CDL Training Costs in Georgia

Trucking Jobs Near Athens

Compare CDL Schools in Athens

Tuition Costs in Athens

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Georgia

DOT Physicals Near Athens

MD Now Urgent Care - South Athens

CVS MinuteClinic - West Athens

CVS MinuteClinic - Athens

CDL Testing & DDS in Athens

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Athens

Essential Reading for CDL Students

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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