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 6 verified training programs serving the Wilmington, North Carolina area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Wilmington, NC

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Wilmington?We have identified 6 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Wilmington area (Pop: 123,744).

Quick Stats

6 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 123,744

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Wilmington, NC

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
6

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Wilmington, NC?

Students comparing CDL schools in Wilmington, NC 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 6 training programsserving the Wilmington area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

6 CDL Schools Near Wilmington

Whiteville City Schools M-P Facility - District 2

Whiteville, NC
44.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Columbus Co. School Board of Education - District 2

Whiteville, NC
44.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

TRANSTECH INC Wilmington

Wilmington, NC
3.5 miles away

CFCC North Campus

Castle Hayne, NC
7.7 miles away

Miller-Motte College Jacksonville

Jacksonville, NC
45.4 miles away

Coastal Carolina Community College

Jacksonville, NC
49.4 miles away

CDL Training in Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina has 6 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. North Carolina is home to Old Dominion Freight Line headquarters and a booming distribution center corridor along I-85. Average CDL driver salary in North Carolina is about $52,800 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $68,000. The manufacturing & agriculture sector creates moderate demand for qualified CDL holders near Wilmington, and major freight corridors such as I-85/I-40/I-77 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 Wilmington?

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

CDL Training Costs in North Carolina

CDL training in North Carolina 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 Wilmington

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in North Carolina
2,500+
Open trucking positions in North Carolina

Top employers hiring near Wilmington: 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 Wilmington

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 6 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
CFCC North Campus
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved

Tuition Costs in Wilmington

Avg. Private School
$5,500
Avg. Public School
$3,200
Price Range
$2,600 - $6,800

Community colleges offer excellent value.

Need Help Choosing?

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

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DOT Physicals Near Wilmington

Required for your CDL medical card

MedPro Occupational Health - Wilmington

3459 Clinic Way, Wilmington
4.9
$62-$117
Walk-ins OK

Concentra Urgent Care - East Wilmington

7301 Oak Ave, Wilmington
4.9
$96-$175
Walk-ins OK

TruckDoc Medical - Central Wilmington

7598 Park Ave, Wilmington
4.7
$75-$127

💡 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 & DMV in Wilmington

2101 N DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Wilmington Area DMV. Largest DE city - CDL services

Visit Wilmington CDL DMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Wilmington

How long does CDL training take in Wilmington?
CDL training programs in Wilmington, NC 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 North Carolina?
CDL training costs in North Carolina 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 Wilmington without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 North Carolina?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in North Carolina: 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 Wilmington?
The CDL driver job outlook near Wilmington, NC is strong. The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationally, with North Carolina 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 Wilmington?
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 Wilmington CDL schools offer both options. If unsure, get the Class A—it qualifies you for Class B jobs too.