The training process for a Commercial Driver’s License is a specialized instructional program designed to prepare individuals to obtain a CDL. A commercial driver’s license is a requirement for anyone looking to pursue a career as a certified truck driver.
It’s also required for individuals who are interested in driving commercial motor vehicles, as a CDL is a prerequisite for jobs and truck driving certification. There are CDL training programs across the U.S., but this article will mainly focus on the top CDL programs in New Jersey.
Quicklook: best CDL training schools in New Jersey
- E-Z Wheels Driving School – Match Now
- Express Driving School – Match Now
- Jersey Tractor Trailer Training – Match Now
- Bradway Truck Driving School – Match Now
- Mr. Driving School – Match Now
5 best CDL training programs in New Jersey
When it comes to understanding which kind of high-level companies have careers dedicated to CDL-certified employees, it helps to turn to the best programs in New Jersey that can funnel the best CDL students to the best places.
E-Z Wheels Driving School
E-Z Wheels Driving school was established in 1997 in Union City, NJ. Today, E-Z Wheels has three office locations. At all three schools, the staff members strive to provide their students with the best instructions and insight that they can offer.
Cost: $3,700
Program length: 3 months
Financial assistance: This program accepts individuals who apply through the One-Stop Career Centers run by the state of New Jersey. As such, these students can get their CDL training program tuition paid for by the state.
Tuition reimbursement: This program does not have tuition reimbursement programs, but grants are available to assist with student financing and post-graduation job placement assistance.
Class size: 1-on-1 teaching
Job placement: There is a fairly extensive job placement program to guide students into the best-suited company for them after graduation.
Online course: Both in-person and online courses are available
CDL licenses:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
- CDL endorsements
- Double and triple trailers
- Passengers
- Tanks
- HazMats
- Mail and parcel delivery trucks training
- Forklifts training
Express Driving School
Express Driving School New Jersey offers training for five distinct qualifications. The training process can last anywhere from twelve hours to three months, depending on the requirements of each qualification. Clients describe the program as being interactive, offering hands-on training, and involving flexible class hours.
Cost: $3,750
Program length: 3 months
Financial assistance: Express Driving School offers financial aid to people who have lost their jobs. Grants are also available to assist students with tuition financing options and post-graduate job placement assistance is available.
Tuition reimbursement: There are some training, job placement assistance, and reimbursement options available to veterans.
Class size: 1-on-1 teaching
Job placement: Job placement assistance appears to be ensured for all students.
Online course: Both in-person and online courses are available
CDL licenses:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Passenger bus
- School bus
Jersey Tractor Trailer Training
Jersey Tractor Trailer Training is located in Lyndhurst, NJ. The school offers four separate programs that provide training for four distinct qualifications. The benefits that are most commonly reported include knowledgeable teachers and hands-on training for clients.
Cost: $5,000
Program length: 3 to 5 months, depending on the qualification you are seeking.
Financial assistance: For qualifying students, federal or state assistance is available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and other government-funded grants.
For students who do not qualify for assistance on a federal level, Jersey Tractor Trailer has in-house private sector financial aid programs.
Tuition reimbursement: No
Class size:
- Small group classes
- One-on-one driving sessions
Job placement: Jersey Tractor Trailer Training offers job placement for life.
Online course: Both in-person and online courses are available
CDL licenses:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Automatic Transmission Class A CDL
- Automatic Transmission Class B CDL
Bradway Truck Driving School
Bradway Truck Driving School is a VA-approved school that was founded over two decades ago to address the lack of quality drivers. The program is designed to help students obtain either a Class A or a Class B license. You’ll also be taught how to remain in compliance with the latest regulations.
Cost: $3,999
Program length: 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the qualification you seek
Financial assistance: For more information about grants and financial aid, call (888) 333-7443.
Tuition reimbursement: There do not appear to be any programs with companies helping with tuition reimbursement.
Class size: 3:1 student to teacher ratio
Job placement: Broadway Truck Driving School has an 85% job placement rate. They have recruiters from three major carriers who visit the school regularly to match students with job prospects before they graduate.
Online course: In-person only
CDL licenses:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
Mr. Driving School
Mr. Driving School offers state-approved lessons for aspiring CDL truck drivers. The school has been in operation for more than twenty years, offering driver education courses to numerous people.
Cost: $3,750
Program length: 8-32 hours, depending on the qualification you seek
Financial assistance: There are financial aid opportunities and payment plans available to students.
Tuition reimbursement: There do not appear to be any programs between Mr. Driving School and companies that can assist with tuition reimbursement.
Class size: One-on-one teaching
Job placement: Yes
Online course: In-person only
CDL licenses:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Passenger bus
- School bus
How does CDL training in New Jersey work?
Short for a Commercial Driver’s License, a CDL is a license that anyone who is interested in pursuing a job as a driver of commercial motor vehicles must acquire. CDL training is a program that allows students to develop their skills and knowledge to properly obtain a commercial driver’s license.
CDL training providers are often able to place their students into positions where they are viable candidates for jobs with well-established commercial trucking companies across the country. Job placement can range from bus driving and heavy equipment hauling to driving a delivery vehicle.
In fact, the average Class A CDL truck driver salary in New Jersey, for instance, can range anywhere from $43,400 to $72,500 annually. That’s the equivalent of $21 to $35 an hour! So, what else should you know about how CDL training in New Jersey works? Let’s explore New Jersey trucking school facts and figures.
New Jersey trucking school facts and figures
With CDL-certified careers in high demand across the United States, it’s vital that CDL training programs offer a comprehensive and interactive set of solutions for students looking to become professional CDL-certified employees.
Number of schools
There are about 13 truck driving programs in New Jersey, with more than half of the programs hosted by dedicated truck driving schools.
Number of students per class
The average number of students you can expect in a New Jersey CDL training class is about 19.
Tuition rates
The average tuition for CDL training courses in New Jersey is around $11,400.
Average loan amount
The average loan amount for schools in New Jersey is approximately $6,100.
Scholarship
The average scholarship amount is around $4,300 for CDL training schools in New Jersey.
Job placement
Job placements and reputable trucking companies are connected to particular truck driving schools. If school job placement programs have a low success rate, you may want to consider going to a trucking school with a higher job placement rate.
New Jersey trucking employment facts and figures
While there are plenty of schools to choose from, some schools might be more favorable than others depending on your personal preferences. That’s why it’s essential to know your options and compare them to find the right CDL training school for you.
Employment
| Biggest employer | Average salary | Company size |
| U.S. Logistics | $70,675 | Approx. 122 employees |
| Tucker Company Worldwide | $68,679 | Approx. 127 employees |
| JCI Transportation | $67,879 | Approx. 97,000 employees |
| MJD Trucking | $74,224 | Approx. 51 employees |
| Trans American Trucking Service | $60,000 | Approx. 46 employees |
Salary
While salaries range from one company to the next, a CDL career can provide each truck driver with the following monetary benefits. A starting salary for a CDL-certified employee within the New Jersey area is around $46,400 while a top starting salary would be closer to $60,000. Specialized drivers can make $100,000 or more per year.
Weekly:
- $950 to $1,600
Monthly:
- $3,620 to $6,100
Yearly:
- $43,400 to $72,550
FAQ
On average, CDL training in New Jersey costs $1,930.
There are 50 questions on the CDL permit test in New Jersey.
On average, it takes about seven weeks to get your CDL when attending a full-time driver training program in New Jersey.
Sign up for a FreightWaves e-newsletter to stay informed of all news and trends impacting supply chain careers and operations.
