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 Altoona, PA?

CDL training in Altoona, 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 Altoona?

Most CDL training programs in Altoona 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 Altoona, PA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Altoona 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 Altoona 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 16 verified training programs serving the Altoona, Pennsylvania area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Altoona, PA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Altoona?We have identified 16 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Altoona area (Pop: 42,772).

Quick Stats

16 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 42,772

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Altoona, 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 Altoona, PA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Altoona, 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 16 training programsserving the Altoona area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

16 CDL Schools Near Altoona

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Top Picks in Altoona

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Fullington School Bus LLC (Hollidaysburg)

Duncansville, PA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

McIlwain School Bus Lines, Inc

Cresson, PA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Fullington School Bus LLC (MoV)

Houtzdale, PA

Call Now

Fullington School Bus LLC (Hollidaysburg)

Duncansville, PA

6.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

McIlwain School Bus Lines, Inc

Cresson, PA

10 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fullington School Bus LLC (MoV)

Houtzdale, PA

21.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

FullingtonTrailways/FullingtonSchool Bus LLC.

Clearfield, PA

34.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Truck Driver Training School

Clearfield, PA

35.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fullington School Bus LLC (Clearfield)

Clearfield, PA

35.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Bartlett Tree Experts State College, PA

Centre Hall, PA

41 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Fullington School. Bus LLC (Bellefonte)

Bellefonte, PA

42.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology

Bellefonte, PA

42.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Queue Business Systems, Inc d/b/a Raysto

Altoona, PA

0.6 miles away

Queue Business Systems, Inc d/b/a Raysto

Altoona, PA

0.8 miles away

FREEDOM EXCURSIONS BY SCULLY LLC

ALTOONA, PA

0.8 miles away

Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center

MILL CREEK, PA

25.2 miles away

Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center

Johnstown, PA

28.6 miles away

Riling Busing Inc

Huntingdon, PA

28.8 miles away

CDL Training in Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona, Pennsylvania has 16 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. Average CDL driver salary in Pennsylvania is about $58,200 per year, with experienced drivers reaching $75,000. The manufacturing & logistics sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders near Altoona, and major freight corridors such as Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76/I-476) 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 Altoona?

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 Altoona

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 Altoona: 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 Altoona

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Bartlett Tree Experts State College, PA FMCSA Verified	Centre Hall	Class A	Weekend Classes	View Details
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology FMCSA Verified	Bellefonte	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
FREEDOM EXCURSIONS BY SCULLY LLC FMCSA Verified	ALTOONA	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
Fullington School Bus LLC (Clearfield) FMCSA Verified	Clearfield	Class AClass BHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fullington School Bus LLC (Hollidaysburg) FMCSA Verified	Duncansville	Class AClass BHazmat	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Fullington School Bus LLC (MoV) FMCSA Verified	Houtzdale	Class AClass BHazmatTanker		View Details
Fullington School. Bus LLC (Bellefonte) FMCSA Verified	Bellefonte	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved	View Details
FullingtonTrailways/FullingtonSchool Bus LLC. FMCSA Verified	Clearfield	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center FMCSA Verified	Johnstown	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center FMCSA Verified	MILL CREEK	Class A	Manual Trans.	View Details
McIlwain School Bus Lines, Inc FMCSA Verified	Cresson	Class AClass BHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Queue Business Systems, Inc d/b/a Raysto FMCSA Verified	Altoona	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
Queue Business Systems, Inc d/b/a Raysto FMCSA Verified	Altoona	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Weekend Classes	View Details
Raystown Transit Service FMCSA Verified	Altoona	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Riling Busing Inc FMCSA Verified	Huntingdon	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Altoona

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

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CDL Testing & PennDOT in Altoona

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

Find PennDOT Office

🏭 Specialized Pennsylvania Trucking Careers

Altoona 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 Altoona

How long does CDL training take in Altoona?

CDL training programs in Altoona, 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 Altoona without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Altoona 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 Altoona 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 Altoona drivers get?

In Altoona, 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 Altoona 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 Pennsylvania

📋

Guide

CDL Schools in Altoona, PA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Altoona, PA

How should students compare CDL schools in Altoona, PA?

16 CDL Schools Near Altoona

Top Picks in Altoona

Fullington School Bus LLC (Hollidaysburg)

McIlwain School Bus Lines, Inc

Fullington School Bus LLC (MoV)

Fullington School Bus LLC (Hollidaysburg)

McIlwain School Bus Lines, Inc

Fullington School Bus LLC (MoV)

FullingtonTrailways/FullingtonSchool Bus LLC.

Truck Driver Training School

Fullington School Bus LLC (Clearfield)

Bartlett Tree Experts State College, PA

Fullington School. Bus LLC (Bellefonte)

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology

Queue Business Systems, Inc d/b/a Raysto

Queue Business Systems, Inc d/b/a Raysto

FREEDOM EXCURSIONS BY SCULLY LLC

Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center

Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center

Riling Busing Inc

CDL Training in Altoona, Pennsylvania

Why Get CDL Training Near Altoona?

CDL Training Costs in Pennsylvania

Trucking Jobs Near Altoona

Compare CDL Schools in Altoona

Tuition Costs in Altoona

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in Pennsylvania

CDL Testing & PennDOT in Altoona

🏭 Specialized Pennsylvania Trucking Careers

Steel & Heavy Haul

Polymers & Tankers

Energy Sector

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Altoona

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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