Does a job where you spend your days on the open road sound tempting? Are you looking for an opportunity with growth, safety, and benefits? If that sounds like you, maybe you should consider a career in the trucking industry.
According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), demand for certified commercial drivers has soared over the years. If you are willing to invest a couple of weeks of your time, you can find a variety of CDL training programs in Ohio.
Quicklook: Best CDL Training Programs in Ohio
- Great Lakes Truck Driving School
- Big Rig Truck Driving School
- Ohio Business College Truck Driving Academy
- Southern State Community College
- Trainco Truck Driving School
Best CDL Training Programs in Ohio
There are over 60 CDL training programs in Ohio. Some of the top schools include;
Great Lakes Truck Driving School
The CDL training program at Great Lakes Truck Driving School is designed for students with no previous experience operating tractor-trailers. The CDL Class-A / Heavy Equipment curriculum includes training and certification with heavy equipment, OSHA compliance, trucking industry regulations, and safe operation of tractor-trailers and equipment.
Great Lakes also offers a scaled-back program for students who want to be trained in CDL skills only.
Cost: $5,825 for CDL Skills Training Program and $9,995 for the CDL Class A / Heavy Equipment Program
Program Length: The CDL Skills Training Program requires 200 hours and can be completed in five weeks when attending full-time or ten weeks part-time.
The CDL Class-A / Heavy Equipment training spans 360 hours. Students must be enrolled full-time and complete the training in ten weeks.
Financial Assistance: Eligible veterans may receive financial assistance through the GI Bill. Students may be eligible for training grants through;
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR)
- Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)
- Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
- Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act
It is recommended that you speak with an admissions representative to find out if you qualify for financial assistance.
Tuition Reimbursement: If you are able to secure employment prior to starting a CDL training program, your employer may offer tuition reimbursement.
Job Placement: Great Lakes provides placement assistance with over 1,000 local, regional, and national employers.
Online Course: Classes are conducted in-person only.
CDL Licenses: Class A CDL License
Big Rig Truck Driving School
Cost: The program costs $5,495. This includes tuition, as well as license and exam fees.
Program Length: Full-time students who take courses during the day complete the program in four weeks. Students who attend at night may finish the course in six to eight weeks. Those attending weekend courses need between eight and 10 weeks to complete their training.
Financial Assistance: Students may qualify for job training program grants offered through the Workforce Initiative Association, Private Industry Council, Ohio Bureau of Employment Services, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation and other associations.
Students may also take out a personal loan with a finance company or bank that is local to Big Rig. Terms vary based on each student’s financial situation, but most have a one- or two-year repayment period.
Tuition Reimbursement: Students who have secured a job before or during the program may receive a tuition reimbursement from their future employer.
Class Size: Not disclosed
Job Placement: Big Rig offers job placement assistance to current, as well as past students.
Online Course: Courses are taught in-person only.
CDL Licenses: Class A and Class B CDL Licenses
Ohio Business College Truck Driving Academy
The Class A CDL program at the Ohio Business College Truck Driving Academy combines classroom learning with practical knowledge gained when operating a tractor-trailer. The program is currently offered at its Sheffield and Dayton campuses.
Cost: $5,200
Program Length: Full-time students complete the program in four weeks. The college also offers a 10-week part-time program on the weekends.
Financial Assistance: Students may be eligible for financial assistance through government programs such as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Students may be able to fund their education through TFC Tuition Financing. TFC makes education loans to students with limited or less than stellar credit history. They offer low interest rates and payment plans of up to 48 months.
To find out what financial assistance programs may be available to you, speak with your Admissions Representative.
Tuition Reimbursement: If you have secured a job before starting the program, your future employer may reimburse part or all of your tuition.
Class Size: Not disclosed
Job Placement: The Ohio Business College offers job placement assistance.
Online Course: Classes are offered in person.
CDL Licenses: Class A CDL
Southern State Community College
Southern State Community College (SSCC) offers a hands-on CDL training program at six of its campuses throughout Ohio. Truck driving classes start once a month and include a combination of classroom and hands-on training.
Cost: The Class A CDL training program costs $5,300 and the Class B CDL training program costs $2,900. SSCC also offers a passenger bus program with the cost ranging from $900 to $2,900.
Program Length: The Class A CDL training program takes 160 hours and may be completed in four weeks for full-time students or eight weekends if enrolled part-time. The Class B CDL training course is 80 hours long and is completed over a two-week period. Students attending the Passenger Bus program complete their 80 hours of training in two weeks.
Financial Assistance: Students may be eligible for grants made through the Workforce Investment Act (ACT) or a Marathon Scholarship. They can also apply for a Sallie Mae student loan. Speak to the admissions department to find out what payment options may be available to you.
Tuition Reimbursement: If you have secured a job or receive an offer during your training, your future employer may offer partial or full tuition reimbursement.
Class Size: Not disclosed
Job Placement: Free job placement assistance is available to students.
Online Course: All classroom training is conducted in-person.
CDL Licenses: Class A CDL, Class B CDL, and Passenger Bus Licenses
Trainco Truck Driving School
Trainco’s Full CDL Class A Program prepares students for a career in the trucking industry. Students receive relevant classroom training in such areas as regulations and maneuvering skills. The program trains students on driving full-size tractor-trailer combinations.
Cost: $3,995
Program Length: Trainco Truck Class A CDL programs run for four weeks if you are a full-time student. They also offer their training program in the evening for a five-week period. If you prefer to attend part-time, their weekend program may be completed in 14 weeks.
Financial Assistance: Students may be eligible for financial assistance through programs offered by Michigan Works and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. Military veterans may be eligible for assistance as the Perrysburg campus is VA-approved.
Student loans may be available through American Loan and Lending (A.L.L.).
Tuition Reimbursement: Students who have secured a position with a trucking company after their training could be reimbursed for part or all of the program’s tuition.
Class Size: Not disclosed
Job Placement: Trainco works with the recruiters at Pro Drivers Source to connect licensed commercial vehicle drivers with potential employers.
Online Course: Classes are conducted in person.
CDL Licenses: Class A CDL License
How Does CDL Training in Ohio Work?
The State of Ohio requires truck drivers to obtain a specialized license if they operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Vehicles are considered to be CMVs if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Weigh more than 26,001 pounds
- Move hazardous materials
- Designed to transport 16 or more passengers
A specialized commercial driving license (CDL) required is based on the weight of the vehicle. However, the type of license varies depending on the vehicle’s weight.
- Class A – This specialized license is required when operating a commercial vehicle (or multiple vehicles) with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with the tow vehicle having a GCWR of 10,000 pounds or more.
- Class B – This license is required when operating one vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds. Under this license, the towing vehicle or trailer cannot transport more than 10,000 pounds.
- Class C – Vehicles that don’t meet the definition under a Class A or Class B fall under this category. This includes vehicles made to transport 16 or more people, a school bus that doesn’t meet the requirements for a Class A or B license, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials that requires placarding, or notification.
In Ohio, you may only have one type of CDL. So, if you have a Class A license, you are authorized to operate vehicles with a Class B or Class C rating. Should you have a Class B license, you may also operate a Class C vehicle. Those with Class C license may only operate vehicles that meet this criteria.
To become a CDL in Ohio, you must
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid Ohio driver’s license
- Get a temporary instruction permit (TIP). Once you have held the TIP for 14 days, you are eligible to take the CDL driving exam.
- Pass the vision and knowledge test
- Take and pass the skills test
- Pay your license fee
Ohio Trucking School Facts & Figures
If you want to pursue a career in trucking, there are plenty of CDL training programs in Ohio. Most offer financial assistance and job placement services for their students.
Number of Schools
Ohio has approximately 60 CDL training programs throughout the state. These programs may be offered at private training facilities, trade schools, or community colleges throughout the state.
Number of Students per Class
While most training programs do not disclose the exact number of students participating in their classes, the average class size is around 15 students.
Tuition Rates
The average tuition cost for CDL training in Ohio is $6,310. Should you choose to undergo specialized training for heavy equipment or hazardous materials, your tuition cost will be higher.
Average Loan Amount
The average loan for a student attending a CDL training program in Ohio is $6,262.
Scholarship
Schools with scholarship programs award an average of $1,123 to students enrolled in CDL training programs.
Job Placement
Most CDL training schools offer job placement assistance to their students. This may include recruiters visiting the property and providing contacts with local, regional, and national trucking companies.
Ohio Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
A career in the trucking industry can be lucrative in Ohio. The state has the fifth highest employment rate for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the country. The average salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Ohio is similar to the national average.
Employment
You’ll find over 12,500 truck driving jobs based in Ohio. These positions range from local delivery routes to those that travel to multiple states.
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| J.B. Hunt Transport | $57,869 | 20,000+ |
| Werner Enterprises | $60,427 | 10,000 + |
| Knight Transportation | $905 p/w | 1,001 – 5,000 |
| XPO Logistics, Inc. | $31.23 p/h | 140,000 |
| YRC Freight | $64,484 | 20,000+ |
Salary
The average salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Ohio is:
Weekly: $921
Monthly: $3,989
Yearly: $47,870
Launch Your Trucking Career Today By Enrolling in an Ohio CDL Training Program
Starting a career in the trucking industry can be rewarding and lucrative. Whether you have just graduated high school or are looking for a job change, it’s easy to launch a new career when you enroll in a CDL training program in Ohio.
FAQ
Students pay an average of $5,000 for CDL training in Ohio.
There are 50 questions on the written CDL test.
Depending on school, students may complete a CDL training program in Ohio in as little as two weeks. Those attending part-time or weekend courses may need up to 14 weeks to complete their CDL training.
