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 Cleveland, OH?

CDL training in Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland?

Most CDL training programs in Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 42 verified training programs serving the Cleveland, Ohio area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Cleveland, OH

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Cleveland?We have identified 42 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Cleveland area (Pop: 381,009).

Quick Stats

42 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 381,009

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Cleveland, OH

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 Cleveland, OH?

Students comparing CDL schools in Cleveland, OH 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 42 training programsserving the Cleveland area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

42 CDL Schools Near Cleveland

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Top Picks in Cleveland

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Cleveland Heights-University Heights

University Heights, OH

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Polaris Career Center

Middleburg Heights, OH

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Gilmour Academy

Gates Mills, OH

Call Now

Cleveland Heights-University Heights

University Heights, OH

8.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Polaris Career Center

Middleburg Heights, OH

11.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gilmour Academy

Gates Mills, OH

13.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

University

Hunting Valley, OH

13.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

United Trucking School

Solon, OH

14.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

BeUnited Trans Training LLP

Solon, OH

16.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Great Lakes CDL Training LLC

Columbia Station, OH

19.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Great Lakes Truck Driving School, Inc.

Columbia Station, OH

19.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

KIRTLAND SCHOOLS

Kirtland, OH

19.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

STREETSBORO CITY SCHOOLS

Streetsboro, OH

26.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Copley-Fairlawn City Schools

Akron, OH

27.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CRESTWOOD LOCAL SCHOOLS

Mantua, OH

28.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOLS

Middlefield, OH

32.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

BARBERTON CITY SCHOOLS

Barberton, OH

33.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Perry Local Schools

Perry, OH

33.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

PERRY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Perry, OH

33.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

James A Garfield Local Schools

Garrettsville, OH

34.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

ROOTSTOWN LOCAL SCHOOLS

Rootstown, OH

36.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Wertz Geotechnical Engineering

Doylestown, OH

36.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Madison Local Schools

Madison, OH

37.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 39 schools

CDL Training in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio has 42 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs serving students in 2026. Ohio sits within a one-day drive of 60% of the US and Canadian populations, making it a logistics hub. Average CDL driver salary in Ohio is about $53,400 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $70,000. The manufacturing & distribution sector creates moderate demand for qualified CDL holders near Cleveland, and major freight corridors such as I-71/I-77/Ohio Turnpike 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 Cleveland?

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

CDL Training Costs in Ohio

CDL training in Ohio 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 Ohio

Trucking Jobs Near Cleveland

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Ohio

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Ohio

Top employers hiring near Cleveland: 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 Cleveland

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
160 Driving Academy - Akron - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Akron	Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Akron - Yard FMCSA Verified	Medina	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Cleveland - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Cleveland	Class AHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Akron Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Akron	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
BARBERTON CITY SCHOOLS FMCSA Verified	Barberton	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
BeUnited Trans Training LLP FMCSA Verified	Solon	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOLS FMCSA Verified	Middlefield	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Cleveland Heights-University Heights FMCSA Verified	University Heights	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Copley-Fairlawn City Schools FMCSA Verified	Akron	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
CRESTWOOD LOCAL SCHOOLS FMCSA Verified	Mantua	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Cuyahoga Community College CDL Training Program FMCSA Verified	Euclid	Class AClass BTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
Ehove Truck Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Milan	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
Geneva Area City Schools FMCSA Verified	Geneva	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Gilmour Academy FMCSA Verified	Gates Mills	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Grand Valley Local School FMCSA Verified	Orwell	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Cleveland

Avg. Private School

$5,200

Avg. Public School

$3,500

Price Range

$2,900 - $6,500

Good mix of community colleges and private schools.

Nearby Cities

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DOT Physicals Near Cleveland

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

5065 Rockside Rd, Cleveland

(216) 524-5100

4.3

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

Industrial Medicine Associates - Cleveland

9333 Central Ave, Cleveland

(234) 674-8477

$85-$147

Walk-ins OK

MedPro Occupational Health - Cleveland

9036 Business Park Dr, Cleveland

(614) 668-3630

3.8

$110-$194

View All 14 Clinics in Cleveland 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 & BMV in Cleveland

1910 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115

(216) 787-3700

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Cleveland BMV. Largest OH city - CDL services

Visit Cleveland CDL BMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Cleveland

How long does CDL training take in Cleveland?

CDL training programs in Cleveland, OH 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 Ohio?

CDL training costs in Ohio 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 Cleveland without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Ohio?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Ohio: 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 Cleveland?

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

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 Cleveland 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 Ohio, including training programs in Cleveland 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 Ohio

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Cleveland, OH

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Cleveland, OH

How should students compare CDL schools in Cleveland, OH?

42 CDL Schools Near Cleveland

Top Picks in Cleveland

Cleveland Heights-University Heights

Polaris Career Center

Gilmour Academy

Cleveland Heights-University Heights

Polaris Career Center

Gilmour Academy

University

United Trucking School

BeUnited Trans Training LLP

Great Lakes CDL Training LLC

Great Lakes Truck Driving School, Inc.

KIRTLAND SCHOOLS

STREETSBORO CITY SCHOOLS

Copley-Fairlawn City Schools

CRESTWOOD LOCAL SCHOOLS

CARDINAL LOCAL SCHOOLS

BARBERTON CITY SCHOOLS

Perry Local Schools

PERRY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

James A Garfield Local Schools

ROOTSTOWN LOCAL SCHOOLS

Wertz Geotechnical Engineering

Madison Local Schools

CDL Training in Cleveland, Ohio

Why Get CDL Training Near Cleveland?

CDL Training Costs in Ohio

Trucking Jobs Near Cleveland

Compare CDL Schools in Cleveland

Tuition Costs in Cleveland

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Ohio

DOT Physicals Near Cleveland

Concentra Urgent Care

Industrial Medicine Associates - Cleveland

MedPro Occupational Health - Cleveland

CDL Testing & BMV in Cleveland

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Cleveland

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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