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 New Bedford, MA?

CDL training in New Bedford, MA 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 New Bedford?

Most CDL training programs in New Bedford 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 New Bedford, MA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 41 verified training programs serving the New Bedford, Massachusetts area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in New Bedford, MA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in New Bedford?We have identified 41 FMCSA-verified programs serving the New Bedford area (Pop: 101,079).

Quick Stats

41 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 101,079

Quick Facts: CDL Training in New Bedford, MA

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 New Bedford, MA?

Students comparing CDL schools in New Bedford, MA 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 41 training programsserving the New Bedford area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

41 CDL Schools Near New Bedford

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Top Picks in New Bedford

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Amaral Auto & Truck Driving School, Inc.- Westport

Westport, MA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

middleboro public school

Middleborough, MA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Quincy, MA

45.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 33 schools

CDL Training in New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford, Massachusetts offers 41 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you need a Class A CDL for tractor-trailers or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, compare the programs below by tuition, training length, public enrollment status, and available endorsements. Full-time CDL training often takes 4-8 weeks, while part-time, evening, and weekend options may take longer. Before enrolling, confirm the provider is listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry and ask whether the school offers job placement, manual transmission training, WIOA or veteran funding support, and behind-the-wheel practice that matches your target CDL class.

Why Get CDL Training Near New Bedford?

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

CDL Training Costs in Massachusetts

CDL training in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Trucking Jobs Near New Bedford

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Massachusetts

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Massachusetts

Top employers hiring near New Bedford: 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 New Bedford

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 FMCSA Verified	Brockton	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
55336 Brown University / 55346 RI School of Design / 55453 RI School of Nursing FMCSA Verified	Providence	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Advanced CDL Solutions LLC FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
Amaral Auto & Truck Driving School, Inc.- New Bedford FMCSA Verified	New Bedford	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Amaral Auto & Truck Driving School, Inc.- Westport FMCSA Verified	Westport	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Barnstable Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Marstons Mills	Class AClass BTanker		View Details
Barnstable Public Schools FMCSA Verified	Hyannis	Class AClass B	Evening Classes	View Details
BOURNE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FMCSA Verified	Buzzards Bay	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Certified CDL Training FMCSA Verified		Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Cheapest ELDT only 2500 for CDL FMCSA Verified		Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
City of Quincy School Department FMCSA Verified	Quincy	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
CMSC Parker Professional Driving School - 1958 Broadway, Raynham MA FMCSA Verified	Raynham	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.	View Details
CMSC Parker Professional Driving School - 500 Belmont St, Brockton FMCSA Verified	Brockton	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Cozy Bus Co. FMCSA Verified	Fall River	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details

Tuition Costs in New Bedford

Avg. Private School

$7,600

Avg. Public School

$5,200

Price Range

$4,500 - $9,200

High costs in the Northeast corridor.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near New Bedford

Required for your CDL medical card

CareNow Urgent Care - Central New Bedford

5962 Oak Ave, New Bedford

(351) 532-9240

4.8

$85-$170

Walk-ins OK

WorkMed Occupational Health - Central Fall River

9355 Executive Blvd, Fall River

(978) 960-9793

4.8

$92-$163

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - North Warwick

7089 Medical Center Dr, Warwick

(401) 629-7990

4.8

$110-$194

Walk-ins OK

View All 12 Clinics in New Bedford 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 & RMV in New Bedford

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

Find RMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in New Bedford

How long does CDL training take in New Bedford?

CDL training programs in New Bedford, MA 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 Massachusetts?

CDL training costs in Massachusetts 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 New Bedford without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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 Massachusetts?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Massachusetts: 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 New Bedford?

The CDL driver job outlook near New Bedford, MA is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with Massachusetts 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 New Bedford?

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 New Bedford 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 Massachusetts, including training programs in New Bedford 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 Massachusetts

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in New Bedford, MA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in New Bedford, MA

How should students compare CDL schools in New Bedford, MA?

41 CDL Schools Near New Bedford

Top Picks in New Bedford

Amaral Auto & Truck Driving School, Inc.- Westport

middleboro public school

BOURNE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Amaral Auto & Truck Driving School, Inc.- Westport

middleboro public school

BOURNE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CMSC Parker Professional Driving School - 1958 Broadway, Raynham MA

Teamsters Local 251 Driving School

Plymouth Public Schools

1st Premier Trucking Academy

Advanced CDL Solutions LLC

Certified CDL Training

ELDT Solutions - On Site CDL Training

Cheapest ELDT only 2500 for CDL

The CDL Coach

Five Star Driver Training and Safety Consulting

Safe Smart CDL Training

Eclipse DOT

55336 Brown University / 55346 RI School of Design / 55453 RI School of Nursing

Barnstable Public Schools

North Attleboro Public Schools

Barnstable Public Schools

Quincy Public Schools

CDL Training in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Why Get CDL Training Near New Bedford?

CDL Training Costs in Massachusetts

Trucking Jobs Near New Bedford

Compare CDL Schools in New Bedford

Tuition Costs in New Bedford

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Massachusetts

DOT Physicals Near New Bedford

CareNow Urgent Care - Central New Bedford

WorkMed Occupational Health - Central Fall River

CVS MinuteClinic - North Warwick

CDL Testing & RMV in New Bedford

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in New Bedford

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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