CDL Training in Maryland

Trucking is a thriving industry with enormous shortages of skilled workers. The pathway to a career in trucking is far quicker and less expensive than other trades. 

If you’re ready to give your career a head start and attract the best employers, here’s a list of the best CDL trucking schools in Maryland. 

Quicklook: Best CDL Training Schools in Maryland  

1. Mr. George’s Driving School
2. Best CDL Training
3. Alex CDL
4. CDL 4 Less
5. North American Trade Schools

Best CDL Training Programs in Maryland  

Attending the best trucking school in Maryland can provide a jumpstart for your career. Here are the training programs you should look into.

Mr. George’s Driving School

Based in Gaithersburg, Mr. George’s Driving School gets excellent reviews from past students. Plus, the training is extremely flexible and starts whenever you’re ready to begin your training. All training is one-on-one, which means you get hands-on education with minimal wasted time.

Cost: $3,975

Program Length: 1-6 months depending on how often you attend.

Financial Assistance: No

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement, if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Mr. George’s Driving School to find out more.

Class Size: 1:1 student to teacher ratio

Job Placement: No

Course Location: Both online and in-person available

CDL Licenses: 

• Class A
• Class B Truck
• Class B Passenger 

Best CDL Training

Best CDL Training offers options for how many courses and training you prefer to complete before attempting your test. The company is family-owned, operated, and remains committed to providing fair prices for students and a speedy process for obtaining your CDL in Maryland.

Cost: $3,000-$4,000 

Program Length: 1-month

Financial Assistance: Half tuition is due at enrollment and the other half is due when you complete your test.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement, if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Best CDL Training to find out more.

Class Size: Class sizes vary, but the school aims to keep them manageable for students to focus on learning.

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

•  Class A
•  Class B

Alex CDL

Located in Hyattsville, Alex CDL offers a flexible educational experience for those looking to get started in trucking. Many previous students report that they were able to continue working full time while completing their CDL. If you’re looking to build your career quickly, you can complete the course in as little as a couple of weeks.

Cost: $4,350

Program Length: 2.5 weeks to 3 months

Financial Assistance: Payment plans options available on a case by case basis.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement, if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Alex CDL to find out more.

Class Size: Class sizes vary based on when you enroll. The Alex CDL program aims to keep class sizes small for optimal student engagement.

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A
• Class B
• Class B Passenger

CDL 4 Less

Located in Clinton, Maryland, CDL 4 Less provides a flexible, inexpensive option for earning your CDL. For those looking to work their way through a program with no loans or long-term expenses, you can pay per lesson and stretch out your training as long as you need to. Or purchase an affordable package to get all your training hours in bulk. 

Cost: $2,000-$3,200 based on the package you choose

Program Length: Varies based on hours you need to pass the exam

Financial Assistance: The school offers flexible payment options. You can purchase a program with unlimited hours or pay per lesson. This can help break up the payments to make them more affordable.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement, if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with CDL 4 Less to find out more.

Class Size: 1:1 student to teacher ratio

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A
• Class B Passenger

North American Trade Schools

The Baltimore program offers one of the easiest schools for applying for aid and working toward free CDL training in Maryland. If financed, most students graduate with just over $3,000 in debt but move on to rewarding trucking careers.

Cost: $5,000

Program Length: 10 weeks

Financial Assistance: Yes, the school can help you apply for grants, receive need-based aid, and obtain federal loans, as needed.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement, if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with North American Trade Schools to find out more.

Class Size: 15 students

Job Placement: Yes

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:

• Class A  

How Does CDL Training in Maryland Work?

To pursue a Maryland CDL, you must be at least 18 years old, or 21 if you plan to drive outside the state. Before working toward a CDL, you’ll need a standard Maryland driver’s license.

Next, you must undergo a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration physical with an approved doctor. Then, you’ll apply for a commercial learner’s permit, which includes a skills test and costs $90. Some schools will help you complete your learner’s permit requirements.

Then you’ll begin your CDL training course of choice. Once you’ve completed the required hours, you’ll complete the CDL exam, which has 3 parts:

• Pre-trip inspection
• Basic controls test
• Road test

Upon passing your CDL exam, you’ll have the right to seek employment operating a truck based on the endorsements and class type license. 

Maryland Trucking School Facts & Figures

Choosing your Maryland CDL training program can feel daunting with so many options to choose from. Take some time to learn more about the state’s factors and figures so you can select a school with confidence.

Number of Schools

Maryland has 23 CDL schools. Most are located near Baltimore, but you’ll find a school near you in just about every major city in the state.

Number of Students per Class

The average class size in Maryland is 20 students per class. However, many programs offer 1:1  training with more time behind the wheel.

Tuition Rates

Tuition rates for CDL schools in Maryland are extremely affordable. Most programs do not exceed $5,000.

Average Loan Amount

On average, students graduate with just over $3,000 in debt.

Scholarship

The average scholarship for students seeking CDL training in the state is $1,300, but many of the smaller private schools have no scholarship options.

Job Placement

Many schools have near-perfect job placement rates. Truck drivers are in such high demand that some companies are offering paid CDL training in Maryland. 

Maryland Trucking Employment Facts & Figures

Even if you do graduate with some debt, you shouldn’t be too worried. Truck driving jobs pay well and you should be able to pay off those loans quickly. Many trucking companies are offering sign-on bonuses to entice drivers to join them.

Here’s a look at your job prospects and the average truck driving salary for the state.

Employment 

There are 23,270 CDL jobs in Maryland with an average annual salary of $50,090. You have many options when it comes to who to work for but here’s a look at some of the best trucking companies in Maryland.

Biggest Employer	Average Salary	Company Size
ABF Freight	$70,436	10,000+
R+L Carriers	$69,308	10,000+
Transamerican Trucking Services	$86,680	117
Bates Trucking	$63,472	300+
Central Transport	$83,772	1,000

Salary

The average truck driver salary in Maryland is $50,090, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Weekly: $1,001

Monthly: $4,174

Yearly: $50,090

Start Your Maryland Trucking Career Within 4 Weeks

There are plenty of truck driving jobs in Maryland for CDL school graduates. Training is affordable and generally can be completed in about 1-2 months to get you started with your career fast. Reach out to a few of these top schools to find the best school for you to begin your career.

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