Looking to start your career as a CDL driver in Oklahoma? There’s no better time than the present. With the ever-increasing need for drivers across the country, CDL training in Oklahoma can help show you the ins and outs of the road and help jumpstart your career. With driving schools accepting new applicants now, what are you waiting for?
Where the best truck drivers go to find jobs nationwide!
Quicklook: Best CDL Training Schools in Oklahoma
- American Truck Training
- 160 Driving Academy
- Arbuckle Truck Driving School (ATDS)
- Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy
- Central Tech Truck Driver Training
5 Best CDL Training Programs in Oklahoma
If you’re ready to get started, you’re going to want to begin your CDL training journey with one of the best programs in the area.
American Truck Training
Start your career with this hands-on CDL training school in Oklahoma. Not only will you receive a thorough, in-depth classroom lesson and discussions, but you’ll then get experience with “road training” at the facility’s “live yard”. The hybrid teaching style allows students to master complicated instructions and put it to work.
Cost: Depending upon the program you select, the training costs $1,500 up to $9,500.
Program Length:
- 160 hours
- Can be completed within 4 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement
- Financing
Tuition Reimbursement: Companies that provide tuition reimbursement reach out to American Truck Training directly. They have an extensive database of companies that their admissions department can help pair you with.
Class Size: N/A
Job Placement:
- Yes
- 98% job placement rate
Course Location: In person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy helps students become part of one of the fastest growing industries in the country. This Oklahoma City based truck school equips students with everything they need to advance their career. The time spent is split between the classroom instruction and field instruction, ensuring students have the confidence they need behind the wheel.
Cost: $3,900, but most students’ tuition is 100% covered by leading trucking companies
Program Length: 160 hours
Financial Assistance:
- Tuition reimbursement
Tuition Reimbursement: 160 Driving Academy works with trusted employers who will cover 100% of your tuition if you meet the following qualifications:
- 21 years of age or older
- No DUIs, drug convictions, or felonies within the last 10 years
- Driver’s license to operate a car
Class Size: 4 Students
Job Placement: Yes as part of their Sponsored Tuition program.
Course Location: In person
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- CDL Refresher Course
- CDL Test Prep
Arbuckle Truck Driving School (ATDS)
The driver programs at ATDS are filled with comprehensive courses that focus on professionalism and safety. Begin with classroom sessions and textbook lessons, then work your way to behind-the-wheel training, first at their private testing range then make your way to the public highways.
Cost: Up to $8,500
Program Length: 160 hours
Financial Assistance:
- Grants
- In-house financing
- Veterans education benefits
Tuition Reimbursement: N/A
Class Size: N/A
Job Placement: ATDS works with numerous companies that hire their graduates. Recruiters from companies even visit the school on a regular basis to find quality drivers.
Course Location: In person
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy
The Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy is located in Ada, Oklahoma, and it offers students a high level of CDL training. The program has been carefully designed to ensure that drivers understand all state and federal laws laid out by the trucking industry.
Cost: $6,000
Program Length: 160 hours
Financial Assistance:
- None available
- Cash or checks only
Tuition Reimbursement: None available
Class Size: N/A
Job Placement: N/A
Course Location: In person
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
Central Tech Truck Driver Training
The Central Tech Truck Driver Training provides students with 28 days of training to ensure they have the requirements needed for their CDL completion. Once students reach the hands-on portion of their course, they’ll spend 60 hours behind the wheel.
There are only two students per truck as well. This limitation ensures that every student has the opportunity to develop proficient skills on the state-of-the-art driving range.
Cost: $4,800
Housing is available for 28 days in the Drum Light location for no additional charge.
Program Length: 160 hours
Financial Assistance:
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- Military Discounts
Tuition Reimbursement: n/a
Class Size: N/A
Job Placement: Central Tech Truck Driver Training has a job placement rate of a whopping 98%.
Course Location: In-person
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Hazmat
- Bus driver
- Inspector
How Does CDL Training in Oklahoma Work?
The Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires that drivers are classified, tested, and licensed under a nationally unifored system. That means commercial drivers in Oklahoma must meet these requirements.
In order to drive commercially, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to drive locally and within the state or 21 years of age to transport out of state and/or transport hazardous materials. When you take a CDL class, you’ll learn how to operate a combination of vehicles to ensure your success.
You can learn everything you need to get started in as little as 4 weeks. The local CDL training is provided on-sight at the training facilities and is instructed by experienced CDL drivers and trainers.
Oklahoma Trucking School Facts & Figures
Before you get started with your career, you should probably make sure it’s a sound investment opportunity for yourself. There are key things you should look at before starting your CDL training journey, including tuition costs and the number of students in class.
Number of Schools
There are currently 16 schools in Oklahoma for you to choose from. The majority of these schools are located in larger cities, like Tulsa and Oklahoma City. However, there are a few that are located in smaller towns including Lawton, Ada, and Lone Grove.
Number of Students per Class
The average number of students per class is 11, depending upon the CDL training school that you select. However, some schools have a 4:1 student to teacher ratio. The reason this number is lower is the ratio allows the instructor to be hands-on with each student to ensure they are properly trained. It also allows students more hands-on time, instead of just watching others.
Tuition Rates
The average cost of CDL training tuition in Oklahoma is $4,215. However, it’s important to remember that this figure will vary depending upon the school that you select.
Average Loan Amount
While the average tuition cost for school is low compared to other trades and formal education, you’ll be delighted to know that numerous scholarship opportunities exist so tuition can be even lower.
On average, most students in Oklahoma receive $1,132 in scholarships to apply toward their tuition, making the loan amount decrease to a little above $3,000.
Scholarship
As mentioned above, scholarships are available to help cover the cost of tuition. Many students receive at least $1,132 in tuition assistance through a scholarship. It’s not unheard of for others to completely pay your entire tuition! Be sure to ask the school you’re interested in what scholarship opportunities are available for your CDL training.
Job Placement
The entire purpose of your CDL training journey is to secure a well-paying position in the industry after you graduate. When selecting a school, be sure to ask about their job placement programs. Do they have reputable trucking companies that help place students? Or does the school have a low placement success rate? This is a very important factor to consider before you begin.
Oklahoma Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Another important thing you should consider before you begin your career and your training is the employment outlook for CDL positions in Oklahoma. After all, we know the transportation industry is booming but is it in your area? Do a little research to find out what the employment trajectory is for your geographical area. We’ve provided a quick overview of the state below.
Employment
There are many employment options for drivers in Oklahoma. Both companies that are based in Oklahoma, and others that have branches within the state are all fantastic options for your employment. Below are a few of the most notable employers in the area.
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | $82,422 | 21,601 employees |
| YRC Freight | $62,713 | 20,200 employees |
| Freymiller Inc. | $76,954 | 185 employees |
| Stevens Trucking Co. | $62,118 | 180 employees |
| Swift Transportation | $74,000 | 22,900 employees |
Salary
Before you start your career, it would probably be helpful to know what the salary is for the industry. Below, you’ll find the average CDL driver salary for Oklahoma drivers. It’s important to remember this salary is the average, and might not be applicable for beginning or highly-experienced drivers
Weekly: $876
Monthly: $3,797
Yearly: $45,563
Becoming a Professional CDL Driver
Finding the best CDL training center in Oklahoma can help you along your way to becoming a professional driver. After you’ve explored your options, signed up for classes, and started your journey, you’ll be able to get behind the wheel and begin your career driving a tractor-trailer. Once you’ve completed your education, you browse for the best truck driving jobs at TruckDrivingJobs.com and start earning the income you desire to make!
FAQ
Tuition to become a CDL driver in Oklahoma can cost up to $8,500. Once you have received your education, the license lasts four years and costs $66.50 for your Class A, $56,50 for your Class B, and $46.50 for your Class C license.
Truck driving school is 160 hours and lasts four weeks.
There are 50 questions on the Oklahoma CDL test, and you must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass.
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