Choosing a CDL Training Program: 10 Considerations

Deciding to become a truck driver is the first step towards a rewarding career and selecting the right commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program is crucial. A CDL training program is not merely a prerequisite; it paves the way for your future success in the trucking industry. When choosing a program, consider various factors like accreditation, instructor qualifications, curriculum, class size, and facilities, as these elements significantly influence the quality of your training and your readiness upon graduation. Although many CDL training programs exist and they are supposed to cover the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, they can vary in quality. Many people choose a program renowned for excellence and offering financial aid options suitable for their budget. Make sure to choose a program that is on the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). No matter which truck driving school you attend, once you have your CDL, you’ll want to pick a company that provides the additional on-the-job-training to help you be successful. Roehl Transport is built on values, and Safety is the company’s cornerstone value. Roehl has an excellent program for recent CDL school graduates, and the company also has an on-the-job CDL training program for people who want to be paid while they are getting their CDLs instead of going to a truck driving school. Roehl’s Get Your CDL program is on the TPR.

At a Glance

1. Understanding Program Accreditation

The role of a Class A CDL truck driver is regulated by the Federal Government, and in February of 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate. This ensures that all new drivers have the same safety skills regardless of their licensed states, the truck driving schools or CDL training programs where they learn to drive. In order to train drivers on the ELDT skills, truck driving schools and CDL training programs must be registered with the FMCSA and be on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Roehl Transport is a registered ELDT training provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). When you earn your CDL through Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program, every federal training requirement is satisfied. You can also search for schools that are members of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) — both are indicators that a program takes training standards seriously.

Before you enroll in any program, verify it’s on the TPR. If it isn’t, the training won’t satisfy the federal requirement and you won’t be eligible for your CDL. You can also use Roehl’s free CDL practice tests at Free CDL Practice Tests to start preparing for the written exams whenever you’re ready.

2. The Importance of Qualified Instructors

Qualified instructors can help produce proficient and safe drivers. Effective CDL trainers often combine extensive industry experience and teaching expertise. Some truck driving schools list CDL instructors’ qualifications and experiences on their websites, supplemented by student reviews for more insights. If specifics on an instructor’s real-world experience or qualifications are elusive, contact the truck driving school directly.

Thousands of drivers start with zero trucking background each year and go on to build long careers — the right instructor makes a real difference in getting there.

At Roehl Transport, the GYCDL instructors have been successful truck drivers, and many actually got their CDLs through Roehl’s on-the-job CDL training program. They know the job from the inside, and they’re invested in your success because they’ve been through the same process.

Safety is Roehl’s cornerstone value — and the results reflect that. Roehl is a five-time winner of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) President’s Award. Roehl was the first truckload carrier to win it, and the only one to win it five times. Roehl has finished in the ATA’s top three for safety results every year since 2003. That safety culture is built into every day of training through The Roehl Way of Protective Driving — a program that teaches each driver the difference between treating safety as a priority and treating it as a personal value.

3. Matching Curriculum with Career Goals in CDL Training

Truck driving jobs come in many shapes and sizes. Some drivers work close to home, while others travel long distances. Depending on the cargo, like large equipment or hazardous materials, you might need additional training or a special license endorsement. With various classes of CDL licenses and possible endorsements for each, the type of truck you aim to drive, the distance you plan to travel, and the goods you intend to carry all determine the specific license and endorsements you’ll need.

For example, some driving jobs may only require a Class B CDL so you might want a program that offers Class B CDL training. However, if you’re looking for the most opportunities, getting your Class A may make more sense because Class A CDL drivers can drive anything a Class B driver can.

Knowing your career goals and the license required to achieve them is important. As you look into truck driving schools or on-the-job CDL training, focus on programs that provide the right training for the type of license and endorsement you need. Check what you’ll learn and the training equipment they use.

Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program trains for a Class A CDL. Phase 1 training covers:

• Basic vehicle control and control systems
• Vehicle inspections — pre-trip and post-trip
• Speed management and space management
• Backing, docking, and turning
• Coupling and uncoupling
• Hazard prevention and protective driving
• Communication systems, atlas use, and trip planning
• Accident procedures

If you already have a Class B CDL and are considering an upgrade, see: Have a Class B CDL? Consider Upgrading to a Class A - How To And Why

4. Balancing Classroom Learning and Hands-On Experience

A well-rounded CDL training program offers both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on driving experience. Understanding the theory is crucial, but ultimately, mastering the skills to maneuver a large truck safely is what counts. Feeling confident and comfortable behind the wheel is essential when obtaining your CDL and even more so when embarking on your first job as a truck driver.

When evaluating training programs and truck driving schools, pay attention to how much driving practice is included. Many programs specify on their websites the hours allocated to classroom learning versus actual driving time.

For example, if you choose Roehl Transport to get your CDL, you’ll spend three weeks in combined classroom and practical driving instruction. Once you have your CDL (during Phase 2), you’ll get at least 19 days of real-world driving experience with a Certified Driver Trainer, who rides in the passenger seat offering immediate feedback — this isn’t team driving, it’s active coaching. You’re working with live freight and sleeping at truck stops just like you will on your own, getting a genuine sense of life on the road from your very first miles.

5. Class Size and Student-to-Instructor Ratio

The amount of personal attention you receive in a CDL training program largely depends on the class size and the student-to-instructor ratio. Larger classes may mean less individual attention from instructors for each student.

Choosing a program with smaller class sizes and lower student-to-instructor ratios may be ideal. With fewer students per instructor, you could benefit from more one-on-one interactions, making it easier to get your questions answered and to receive focused guidance. It also enables instructors to dedicate more time to topics that students find challenging, enhancing the overall quality of the learning experience.

Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program features a three students to one instructor ratio throughout Phase 1 training, available at Roehl terminals in Marshfield, WI; Appleton, WI; Atlanta, GA; Gary, IN; and Phoenix, AZ.

6. Navigating Program Duration and Flexible Scheduling

CDL training program lengths vary significantly, from intensive 3 to 6-week full-time courses to longer 3-month programs with part-time schedules. The longer, part-time options are ideal for those balancing other job commitments, allowing them to obtain CDL training during their free time. In some cases, longer programs are better for those who may need more help getting their CDLs.

The diversity in scheduling caters to different lifestyles and goals, encouraging prospective students to select a program that aligns with their availability and aspirations. It’s important to explore and choose a truck driver training program that fits your needs.

Roehl Transport’s on-the-job CDL training is structured in three progressive phases. The initial phase spans three weeks, combining classroom learning with practical driving instruction. Because you are hired on the first day, getting your CDL is part of your job. In the second phase, you get at least 19 days of on-the-job training, with a Certified Driver Trainer providing guidance from the passenger seat. Once you complete Phase 2, you have your own truck — but you’re not on your own. Your Fleet Training Manager stays in close contact as you build confidence and hone your skills, checking in daily or more through your first month of independent operation. When Phase 3 is complete, you transition to a regular fleet manager and your full career as a Roehl driver.

7. Evaluating Facilities and Equipment

Every CDL training program providing hands-on driving training will supply the necessary equipment. The variety and condition of this equipment can significantly influence your learning experience.

To ensure a program matches your needs, reach out with specific questions. Find out how old their equipment is, how it’s maintained, and whether the training equipment is comparable to what you’ll drive on the job. The last thing you may want during CDL training is old or unreliable equipment slowing you down.

Roehl provides CDL training on the same late-model equipment you’ll drive once you’re on the road. For example, Roehl manages its own maintenance program — and maintenance downtime is tracked and measured in minutes, not days. Roehl’s tractors are typically two years old or newer and trailers are often four years old or newer. A strong preventative maintenance program keeps breakdowns low and drivers productive. If something does come up over the road, Roehl has maintenance support at six terminal locations across the country, plus an extensive network of over-the-road vendors.

8. Choosing a Reputable Training Program

Selecting a training program well-regarded in the trucking industry is crucial. Many trucking companies prefer to hire graduates from certain truck driving schools, highlighting the importance of a program’s reputation. Researching a program’s reputation and the success rate of its graduates in securing their CDL licenses is a wise step. Reach out to the program to inquire about graduates’ success rates and whether there is support for graduates seeking employment post-completion.

Roehl has been in business for nearly 65 years, and Roehl’s been training new truck drivers for more than 30 years. When you choose Roehl Transport’s Get Your CDL™ program, you’ll be hired on the first day and getting your CDL is part of your job. At Roehl, we invest in our driving teammates’ successes — providing the training and support drivers can use to build a safe, long and prosperous career in trucking.

Roehl’s safety record speaks for itself. As a five-time ATA President’s Award winner — the first truckload carrier to win it and the only one to win it five times — Roehl has finished in the ATA’s top three for safety every year since 2003.

For a firsthand look at what drivers say after going through the program, the success stories and Driver Chronicles video series at Roehl Truck Driver Success Stories follows real candidates — with no CDL and no trucking experience — through Roehl’s program and beyond.

9. Cost and Financial Aid Options

CDL training typically costs between $3,000 and $10,000, though truck driving school costs could very well be rising. This cost can vary based on the school, program length, and other factors. To help make CDL training more accessible, many schools offer financial aid packages and scholarships. Additionally, some trucking companies may provide company-sponsored CDL training or tuition reimbursement for new drivers who agree to work with them for a certain period.

Tuition is just one part of the real cost. State CDL licensing fees vary significantly — typically $200 to over $1,000 depending on where you live. There are also living expenses during training and, perhaps most significantly, the income you’re not earning while you’re in school. For a full breakdown of what CDL training actually costs, see How Much Does CDL School Cost? (And How to Skip Tuition Entirely).

In Roehl Transport’s Get Your CDL™ training program, you are paid while you learn. Training to obtain your CDL is part of the job. You are hired as a full-time employee on day one. You’ll earn $616 per week during Phase 1. Roehl covers lodging and most meals. In Phase 2, you earn a daily rate while working with your Driver Trainer. In Phase 3, you’re earning mileage pay in your own truck. You do not have to pay tuition like you would at a truck driving school; instead, the value of the training is in effect a loan to you – a loan you’ll never have to pay back if you simply complete the training and work as a heavy duty truck driver for 120,000 solo miles (about 15 months) after your training.

Roehl also hires recent truck driving school graduates and provides tuition reimbursement for qualified candidates.

And where the training leads matters as much as what it costs. As of December 2025, Roehl drivers with at least one year on the job average $1,345 per week — nearly $70,000 a year. The top 50% of Roehl drivers average $1,525 per week. Roehl has Dynamic Pay Plans built around performance and efficiency, not just a flat cents-per-mile rate. Extras like intermediate stops, detention time, tarping, and layover days are compensated separately.

Roehl’s full benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with profit-sharing contributions, vacation, holidays, and flexible spending accounts. See: Pay and Benefits

10. Matching Your Learning Style with the Right CDL Training

What’s your preferred learning method? Are you most receptive to classroom lectures, interactive discussions, or hands-on practice? Success in the trucking industry can hinge on how well the truck driving school’s approach aligns with your learning style. It’s crucial to choose a CDL training program that matches your preferred way of learning.

For example, Roehl’s three-phase structure is built to work for most people. Phase 1 is structured classroom and practical instruction — the right foundation for candidates who learn best with clear guidance and direct feedback to develop the skills to test for a Class A CDL. Phase 2 is on-the-road; you’re doing the job, with a Certified Driver Trainer in the passenger seat, coaching you through real situations with live freight. Phase 3 is independent operation with daily check-ins from your Fleet Training Manager — the support is there when you need it, but you’re building your own confidence and rhythm on the road.

If you’re not sure which approach works best for you, that’s a good question to bring to a Roehl teammate. The initial conversation exists so you understand what to expect before you commit.

11. Knowing What the CDL Process Actually Looks Like Before You Enroll

Choosing the right training program is easier when you have a clear picture of what the CDL process actually involves — the written exams, the skills test, what tends to be challenging, and what a realistic timeline looks like from start to finish.

Many candidates who struggle in CDL training do so not because the material is too hard, but because they walked in without a clear sense of what was ahead. Thousands of drivers start with no trucking background every year and get through every step — the ones who are best prepared are the ones who went in knowing what to expect. Understanding each step helps you prepare more effectively and helps you evaluate training programs with the right questions.

For a complete step-by-step overview of what getting a CDL involves — what the exams cover, what makes the skills test challenging, how the timeline works, and how Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program walks you through all of it — see: How Hard Is It to Get a CDL? Steps, Requirements, and What to Expect

Remember, getting your CDL is just the first step. You’ll want to get to work with a company that will help you use your new skills and CDL - and provide additional real-world training too.

Selecting the Ideal CDL Training Program

Selecting the ideal truck driving school or CDL training program involves weighing various factors and conducting detailed and thorough research. Assess the program costs against your budget, identify your preferred learning style, and consider the duration, class size, student-to-instructor ratio, and the qualifications of the instructors. Use these criteria to make a choice that aligns with your personal needs and career objectives.

Remember, choosing the right truck driving school or CDL training program is crucial for your future career in commercial truck driving. We encourage you to do your research to ensure you’re confident in your choice of training program. If you have questions about Roehl’s on-the-job CDL training program, call or email us.

If you are considering Roehl, you should know that the company is built on values and is investing in driving teammates’ successes. The program that gets you your CDL doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money, and with Roehl Transport, you can get paid while you are getting your CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing a CDL Training Program

What should I look for in a CDL training program?

Look for FMCSA TPR registration (required since February 2022), instructors with real over-the-road experience, a curriculum that matches your career goals, a small class size, and transparent cost information. Thousands of drivers start with no trucking background every year and build long careers — the training program you choose plays a real role in setting that trajectory.

Is Roehl’s CDL training program federally approved?

Yes. Roehl Transport is a registered ELDT training provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). The federal ELDT mandate, in effect since February 2022, requires all CDL training to be completed through a TPR-registered program. Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program satisfies that requirement.

How do I evaluate whether a CDL program has qualified instructors?

Ask directly — find out how much over-the-road experience the instructors have and how long they’ve been training new drivers. Check for reviews and, if available, CDL pass rates. At Roehl, GYCDL instructors are former over-the-road drivers, many of whom completed Roehl’s own program before becoming instructors.

How much does CDL training cost?

Traditional CDL school programs run $3,000 to $10,000+ in tuition. Add state licensing fees ($200 to $1,000+), living expenses, and the income you’re not earning, and the real cost is considerably higher. Through Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program, you’re hired as an employee on day one, and you’re getting paid while you learn, with lodging and most meals covered. See the full breakdown at How Much Does CDL School Cost? (And How to Skip Tuition Entirely).

What is the difference between Roehl’s program and a truck driving school?

A truck driving school charges tuition and trains you for the license. Roehl Transport hires you as a full-time employee first — getting your CDL is part of the job. You earn a paycheck from day one, and when training is complete you continue as a Roehl driver, not as a job seeker starting from scratch.

How long is Roehl’s CDL training program?

Phase 1 is three weeks at a Roehl terminal — combined classroom and practical instruction, ending with your CDL skills test. Phase 2 is at least 19 days on the road with a certified Driver Trainer. Phase 3 is approximately one month in your own truck with daily Fleet Training Manager support. Total path from no experience to fully independent driving is roughly four months.

What equipment will I train on at Roehl Transport?

You’ll train on the same late-model equipment you’ll drive on the job. Roehl’s tractors are two years old or newer; trailers are four years old or newer. The fleet is maintained through Roehl’s in-house maintenance program, with downtime tracked in minutes rather than days.

What are the steps to getting a CDL?

Getting a CDL involves a number of steps, including studying for and passing three written knowledge exams to get your Commercial Learner’s Permit, completing CDL training, and passing the three-part CDL skills test. With Roehl’s Get Your CDL™ program, you can earn while you learn as a Roehl employee. For the full step-by-step breakdown, see How Hard Is It to Get a CDL? Steps, Requirements, and What to Expect.