How Much Does CDL Training Cost?

If you've been watching the trucking industry over the last several years, you may have noticed the price of CDL training going up (along with the price of everything else!). The good news is that truck driving continues to be an in-demand career choice. There aren't enough drivers to meet the needs of today's businesses and consumers, so there are many opportunities to get scholarships and grants for CDL training. And, if you drive for Roehl Transport, you can get paid while getting your CDL training!

Overall Cost of CDL Training

Most people know they'll have to pay for tuition if they go to truck driving school, but some forget to factor in living expenses and the cost of taking time off work.

• Truck driving school tuition. On average, CDL truck driving school takes about 3-16 weeks to complete for most types of CDLs, but the length of time can vary depending on the type of CDL you are trying to earn and whether you are attending school full-time or part-time.
• Time out of work for classes and training. These costs vary depending on whether you're attending school part-time or full-time, and whether you're able to work some or not at all while you're attending CDL training.
• Living expenses while you're in training. Some people travel to get their CDL training, either because there is no school in their area, or because the school of their choice is not close to their home. Some schools include lodging and basic living expenses, while others do not.
• CDL test cost, license fee, and other related fees. Drivers pay anywhere from $30 to $200 for their CDL depending on the state where they apply. The CDL exam costs vary from one state to another, so you will have to find out what your local DMV charges for this test. We do a deep dive into these Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Fees with a table of CDL Fees by State.

Cost of CDL Tuition

The cost of CDL tuition ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the school or training facility. This can be paid out of pocket by trucking students, there may be grant money, or some trucking companies may offer company-sponsored CDL training. More and more trucking companies are following the Roehl Transport model by actually providing the CDL training themselves. At Roehl Transport, we offer multiple pathways to getting your license, including paid, on-the-job training and tuition reimbursement options for recent CDL school graduates.

Factors that Affect Costs

As you can tell, CDL training spans quite a range. It is important to know why that range is so wide and whether it's worth it to pay for a more expensive program.

Reputation. Know the job placement record of the program you're considering. Some trucking companies may not hire from some schools. Compare two or more programs to decide what is best.

Scope of program. How much driving time and classroom time does each program provide? The more time you spend in training, the more prepared you will be. This can affect your job placement and earning potential in your first year.

Lodging and living expenses. As we mentioned above, some programs include lodging and living expenses, others do not. If you're considering a program that includes these expenses with the cost of tuition, find out what you're paying for. Remember, living expenses come down to more than just food and lodging, so even if your program wraps living expenses into tuition, plan to pay a small amount out of pocket. With Roehl’s Get Your CDL program, your lodging and most meals are provided.

Ways to Control Costs

There are many ways to defray costs while you are in CDL training. We've already mentioned two very simple ways to make your CDL training affordable: get your CDL training through Roehl Transport, or submit your tuition receipt to us for reimbursement after paying for it out of pocket.

Other ways to control costs include:

Veteran Benefits

If you're a veteran, you may be able to use your tuition-related GI benefits to get your CDL training at little or no cost. The Post 9/11 GI Bill pays for in-state tuition (along with other fees) at public institutions, and allows money for housing if you're going to school more than half-time. The Post 9/11 GI Bill also pays for private and foreign schools, but the rates are capped.

Some schools have administrators or counselors that work with the VA office to help students access these benefits, or you can contact the VA office directly to learn more about accessing your benefits. In addition to speaking to the VA about your options, Roehl also offers options for military veterans.

Grants

In some cases, grants may be available to pay for tuition up front.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This federal grant provides job training and placement services to dislocated workers who have lost employment through no fault of their own. If you were laid off and would like training to become a truck driver, the WIOA may help you pay for truck driving school. These programs are locally accessed through American Job Centers (AJCs). To get started, find your local AJC to set up an appointment.

State grants. Many states have grants to help shape and develop their workforce. While there isn't a single database that houses all state grants available, you can learn about opportunities in your state by conducting online searches. You can also find out about opportunities by contacting your local community college. Community colleges often have counselors with expertise in state and local grant opportunities for students seeking assistance.

Pell grant. A Pell grant is a federally awarded grant that does not need to be repaid. Pell grants are available to people who meet income eligibility requirements. Pell grants are only awarded to people who are enrolling in participating institutions. To find out if a Pell grant can be awarded for your chosen program, contact program representatives. You can learn more information about Pell grants on the federal government website, or find out if you're eligible for a Pell grant by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Scholarships

Some scholarships may be available to reduce the cost of tuition. Most scholarships are created specifically for the school or program where students apply, or in some cases, scholarships are created for associations that are affiliated with the industry. You can talk to the admissions department at the CDL training school you are planning to attend to find out if they offer scholarship opportunities. If it's important to you to have your tuition covered by a scholarship, cast a wide net as you're shopping for CDL schools. Not all schools offer tuition discounts or scholarships. This may mean applying at a school that is not in your area. If this is the case, you'll need to pay for housing while you're attending that school.

Get Paid While Earning Your CDL With Roehl

Roehl Transport is one of the most respected trucking companies in the transportation industry. If you qualify, Roehl will pay you while you’re getting your CDL. We also provide food and lodging for students who need to travel in order to train for their CDL.

How much will you earn while getting your CDL? $616 per week when you work a full week! You'll be hired on your first day, and getting your CDL is part of the job! That's better than getting a scholarship for your CDL training! Have more questions? Check out Roehl’s CDL training FAQs.

Time Out of Work for Classes and Training

Many students take a big hit to their finances when they enter CDL training because their income is dramatically reduced while they attend school. If you simply cannot afford to be without work while you're in CDL training, there are ways to ensure you'll keep making money while you're in school.

• Get paid while you get your CDL with Roehl Transport.
• Research part-time programs that would allow you to continue working even while you attend school.
• Apply for grants and scholarships, seek reimbursement through Roehl, and borrow the money you will need for your living expenses while you're in school. Be sure to talk to a Driver Employment Specialist to understand your options and process.

Online Training Options

As of February 7, 2022, all drivers are required to complete Entry Level Driver's Training (ELDT) from providers that appear in the federally approved training provider registry (TPR). ELDT consists of a theory course and behind-the-wheel training. Theory courses can be taken online if coupled with behind-the-wheel training taken later. If you're looking for convenience and the ability to take your ELDT training in the comfort of your own home, search for online training options - but don't forget to check that your provider appears in that federal registry. Roehl has been training new truck drivers for 30 years, and Roehl is on the TPR

Living Expenses

If you are going to truck driving school full time during the day, be prepared to pay for your bills and basic needs for the next 3 to 16 weeks while you're in trucking school.

Some of the expenses you can expect to cover while you are in CDL training:

• Bills at home (utilities, rent, your phone bill, etc)
• Food (three squares per day, plus the occasional late-night snack)
• Rent
• Laundry detergent
• Toiletries
• Entertainment (during downtime)

Costs will vary by quite a bit while you're in school. One of the reasons this amount can be so unpredictable is because some training programs take much longer than others. Many students estimate $800 to $1000 spent on basic living expenses. To estimate your own costs, track your expenses for a week. Then, multiply that amount by the number of weeks you will be in training school.

CDL Test Cost and Other Related Fees

CDL training is separate from the test and other related fees, and we have covered all those expenses in a recent article. Plan to set aside at least a couple hundred dollars to cover the related fees. See our recent article to determine how much you can expect to spend on this in your state.

Better Than Free CDL Training or Tuition Reimbursement with Roehl Transport

CDL training can elevate your career, and cost should not stand in your way. That’s one reason Roehl created the Get Your CDL paid truck driver training program.

On-the-Job CDL Training

If you have not yet completed CDL training, you may have the option of participating in Roehl’s Get Your CDL Program, where we provide lodging and most meals. You are hired as an employee on the first day, and training to get your CDL is part of your job. While you are training to get your CDL, you will also be paid $616 per week so that you can focus on what matters: learning the skills you need to pass your CDL exam.

Why get your training through Roehl?

• Fast track your career. Getting paid for your CDL training is BETTER than getting a scholarship that discounts the tuition cost. With Roehl's program, you'll jump start your career with one of the most reputable companies in the industry AND get paid while you're doing it.
• Fewer worries about the bills. You’ll be earning while you’re learning, and Roehl covers lodging and most meals as well.

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexibility is important. While Roehl's get paid as you earn your CDL program is available, we also recognize that some drivers will come to us already finished with their CDL training.

Have you already attended and completed CDL training? Great! Roehl offers trucking jobs for recent CDL school graduates and may reimburse you up to $6,000 for tuition costs incurred elsewhere! To get reimbursed, you'll need to provide a receipt showing how much you paid for your CDL training.

CDL Cost Summary

Getting a CDL can be expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. There may be options for you if you want to attend a truck driving school, company-sponsored training program, or even to get paid while you get your CDL. To explore your options, give Roehl a call.