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 Chester, PA?

CDL training in Chester, 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 Chester?

Most CDL training programs in Chester 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 Chester, PA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Chester 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 Chester 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 115 verified training programs serving the Chester, Pennsylvania area.

MANUAL AVAILABLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Chester CDL Schools: Manual Transmission & Weekend Training

Class A & B CDL Training in Chester – No Automatic Restriction

Get your Class A CDL in Chester. Find schools offering Manual Transmission (10-speed) and Class B training. We've identified 115 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

115 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 32,555

⚙️ Why Chester Students Should Choose Manual Transmission Training

Many Pennsylvania employers prefer drivers without the "E" (Automatic Only) restriction on their CDL. Getting a full Class A with Manual Transmission qualification opens more job opportunities. Chester area schools offering weekend and evening classes help working adults get trained without quitting their day job.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

Class B CDL

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Chester, 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

115

Local CDL training answer

How should students compare CDL schools in Chester, PA?

Students comparing CDL schools in Chester, 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 115 training programsserving the Chester area and is intended to help students request information without exposing private school contact data publicly.

115 CDL Schools Near Chester

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Top Picks in Chester

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

All-State Career School - Theory

Essington, PA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

CDL Solutions LLC

Philadelphia, PA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

CDL Solutions

Philadelphia, PA

Call Now

All-State Career School - Theory

Essington, PA

3.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions LLC

Philadelphia, PA

10.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions

Philadelphia, PA

10.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Cheapest ELDT certificates only 1500 for CDL

Woodbury, NJ

10.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

The dixon brothers trucking school

Wilmington, DE

13 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Deptford Township Schools

Deptford Twp, NJ

13.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Carneys Point Yard

Pennsville, NJ

13.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

American Driver Training Academy

New Castle, DE

13.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions

Camden, NJ

14.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

LEAP Academy University charter School

Camden, NJ

14.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

160 Driving Academy - Carneys Point Classroom

Pennsville, NJ

16.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Washington Township Public Schools

Sewell, NJ

16.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions

Pennsville Twp, NJ

16.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

CDL Solutions LLC

Pennsville Twp, NJ

16.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gloucester Township Public Schools

Blackwood, NJ

17 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

KidAcademy Learning Center

Sewell, NJ

17.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Mike's Driving School, Inc.

Clayton, NJ

19.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Delsea Regional High School

Franklinville, NJ

22.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Moorestown Township

Moorestown, NJ

23.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verifiedclass_a_theoryclass_a_behind_the_wheel_rangeclass_a_behind_the_wheel_public_roadclass_b_theory

Township of Franklin Public Schools

Franklinville, NJ

23.9 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 112 schools

CDL Training in Chester, Pennsylvania

Chester, Pennsylvania has 115 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. The manufacturing & logistics sector creates high demand for qualified CDL holders, and major freight corridors such as Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76/I-476) connect new drivers to local, regional, and interstate opportunities. Average CDL driver salary in Pennsylvania is about $58,200 per year, with experienced drivers earning up to $75,000.

Why Get CDL Training Near Chester?

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 Chester

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 Chester: 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 Chester

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1 Mile At A Time Trucking & Training LLC FMCSA Verified		Class A	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Pennsville	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Pennsville	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Pennsauken Township	Class AClass BHazmat		View Details
160 Driving Academy - Carneys Point Classroom FMCSA Verified	Pennsville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Carneys Point Yard FMCSA Verified	Pennsville	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Delaware - Classroom FMCSA Verified	Newark	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Delaware - Yard FMCSA Verified	Newark	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Trenton Classroom FMCSA Verified	Trenton	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Trenton Yard FMCSA Verified	Trenton	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
1st Premier Trucking Academy FMCSA Verified		Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
4158 - Newtown - PA - Summit School Services, LLC FMCSA Verified	Newtown	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.	View Details
AAA School of Trucking - Philadelphia Campus FMCSA Verified	Philadelphia	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Advanced CDL Driving Academy FMCSA Verified	Elkton	Class AHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Chester

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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DOT Physicals Near Chester

Required for your CDL medical card

MedExpress Urgent Care

620 Naamans Rd, Claymont

(302) 798-8300

4.5

$80-$120

Walk-ins OK

Concentra Urgent Care

1515 Market St, Philadelphia

(215) 567-7440

4.1

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

Westside Urgent Care

2000 Foulk Rd, Wilmington

(302) 475-6400

$70-$135

Walk-ins OK

View All 50 Clinics in Chester 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 & PennDOT in Chester

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

Find PennDOT Office

Manual (No Restrictions) Training in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Explore CDL schools with manual (no restrictions) and weekend classes training in nearby Pennsylvania cities.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

Class B CDL

View All Pennsylvania CDL Schools

🏭 Specialized Pennsylvania Trucking Careers

Chester 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 Chester

How long does CDL training take in Chester?

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

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

In Chester, 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 Chester and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

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