Ideally located between California and Washington State, Oregon has a high demand for commercially licensed drivers. However, finding accurate information on truck driving schools in Oregon can be quite challenging.
In order to help, we’ve created this in-depth guide to obtaining your commercial driver’s license. Instead of having to repeatedly search the phrase “CDL training Oregon,” just continue reading and learn everything you need to know about becoming a commercial driver in the state.
How Does CDL Training in Oregon Work?
The state of Oregon does not require you to attend a truck driving school. However, completing a CDL training program will help you learn the skills necessary to pass the state written exam and practical test.
All you need to do is decide which school you want to attend, enroll, complete the course, and take your assessment.
After you have completed these steps, you will be able to obtain your CDL license in Oregon. You must also ensure that you meet all other CDL requirements as set forth by the state.
Oregon Trucking School Facts & Figures
Before we jump into our list of the top 5 truck driving schools in Oregon, let’s review some general facts about these training providers:
Number of Schools
There are approximately 14 truck driving schools in Oregon. Most of these schools are located near the west coast, along Interstate 5. These schools are centered around Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
Number of Students per Class
The average class size ranges from 15 to 20 students. This will fluctuate depending on which school you attend=.
Tuition Rates
Like class sizes, tuition rates vary depending on the program. The average tuition tends to be approximately $5,000 at top schools like IITR and Western Pacific
Average Loan Amount
The average loan amount is approximately $5,000. Many students tend to take out loans to cover the entire cost of the program. However, there are a few scholarship opportunities available.
Scholarship
Organizations like the Oregon Logging Conference and Washington Farm Bureau offer scholarships that can be applied to CDL training. These scholarships are worth approximately $1,000.
Job Placement
Most truck driving schools in Oregon actively help their students obtain gainful employment as CDL driver. For instance, IITR Truck School provides lifetime job placement assistance.
Oregon Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Employment
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| Pro Truck Lines | $72,000 | 2000 |
| YRC Freight | $51,400 | 19,000 |
| Oak Harbor Freight Lines | $59,000 | 1,700 |
| May Trucking Company | $61,000 | 5,000 |
| Leavitt’s Freight Service | $84,975 | 100-200 |
Salary
The average salary for truck drivers in Oregon is:
- Weekly: $1,533
- Monthly: $6,645
- Yearly: $72,070
5 Best CDL Training Programs in Oregon
IITR Truck School
The IITR Truck School offers refresher training, doubles custom training, and a comprehensive Class A program. They offer day classes, night classes, and weekend classes to meet the needs of any student’s schedule. IITR also has one of the best job placement programs of any school on our list.
Cost: $5,200
Program Length: 160 hours
Financial Assistance: Yes
- Payment plans
- Financial aid
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, they provide tuition reimbursement options through partnerships with top companies such as:
- Sysco
- Knight Transportation
- May Trucking Company
- FedEx Ground
Class Size: Maximum of 18 students
Job Placement: Yes, they offer lifetime job placement assistance.
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses: Class A
Western Pacific Truck School of Oregon
The second pick on our list of the top five truck driving schools in Oregon is Western Pacific Truck School. This training provider offers a 160 hour, four-week course. This program covers the basics of CDL training in Oregon by using a combination of classroom and field training.
Cost: $5,000
Program Length: 4 weeks or 160 hours
Financial Assistance: Yes
- Financing
- Payment plans
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, they partner with several companies that provide tuition reimbursement, including:
- Werner Enterprises
- Watkins Shepard
- May Trucking Company
- Schneider National
Class Size: 15-20 students
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: In-person
CDL Licenses: Class A
160 Driving Academy
160 Driving Academy has multiple locations throughout the nation, including four in Oregon. This truck driving school has a general CDL training program and a Class A specific course. They also have a comprehensive job placement and sponsored tuition program.
Cost: $3,000-$5,800, depending on the program
Program Length: 160 hours divided into four weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes
- Sponsored tuition
- Financing
- Payment plans
Tuition Reimbursement: Yes, 160 Driving Academy works with many companies to provide tuition reimbursement or sponsorship, which limits or eliminates your out-of-pocket costs. They partner with companies such as:
- Swift
- May Trucking Company
- FedEx
- Estes Express
Class Size: Varies
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: In-person
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Elite Truck School
Elite Truck School offers a 160-hour Class A CDL course. They are known for their small class sizes and start a new four-week block of instruction every Monday. This flexibility makes it easy for new students to jumpstart their careers as professional drivers.
Cost: $5540
Program Length: 4 weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes
- Financial aid
- Payment plans
- Grants
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools to offer tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Elite Truck School to find out more.
Class Size: 10 or less
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: In-person
CDL Licenses: Class A
Rogue Community College
While several colleges offer CDL training in Oregon, Rogue Community College has one of the best programs available. They have a five-week course that will teach you the skills needed to pass your state licensing exam. Their structured learning environment is an excellent option for students that need more traditional instruction.
Cost: $5,033
Program Length: 5 weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes
- Financial aid
- Payment plans
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools to offer tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with RCC to find out more.
Class Size: 20+
Job Placement: No
Course Location: In-person
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Start Your New Career with CDL Training in Oregon
Using the information above, you can find the right truck driving school to receive your CDL training in Oregon. While all of the schools outlined in our list have great reputations, they each offer unique benefits to their students.
FAQs
The average cost of CDL training in Oregon varies depending on which school you attend. Tuition may range from as little as a few thousand dollars to nearly $10K.
The Oregon CDL test includes 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions.
There are several offenses that may disqualify you from getting a CDL in Oregon. A few examples include DUI convictions or refusals to submit to tests of breath, blood, or urine for the presence of alcohol or drugs.
