Best CDL Training in Pennsylvania

If you’ve decided to take to the road and make a career out of driving commercial motor vehicles, you will need a Commercial Driver’s License or CDL.

Aspiring truck drivers can find CDL training in Pennsylvania to meet their needs. Many of the schools also have testing accreditation which means that you can test in the same truck you trained in.

While price is important, there are many other aspects that you’ll want to consider before registering for CDL training in Pennsylvania. These include financing options, training hours, job placement prospects, and class sizes, all of which we cover in our review. Here are the 5 Best CDL Training schools in Pennsylvania!

How Does CDL Training in Pennsylvania Work?

A driver in Pennsylvania must have a CDL to operate any of the following

•  A passenger vehicle designed to carry more than 16 people including the driver
• A vehicle with a GVWR of over 26,600 pounds with or without a trailer
• Any vehicle that requires Hazmat labeling

This means that any truck or bus driver requires CDL training in Pennsylvania before they take to the road. Truck drivers are in high demand so getting a CDL is often worth the effort and expense. Truck driving jobs pay well and the perks include retirement and medical insurance.

There are three classes of CDL – Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Pennsylvania Trucking School Facts & Figures

Below are some of the facts and figures about CDL training in Pennsylvania.

Number of Schools

There are over 60 truck driving schools in Pennsylvania, and many trucking companies have their own schools.

Number of Students per Class

Sixteen is the average class size in CDL training in Pennsylvania, though time on the road is one on one. Small classes mean that you can build a relationship with your classmates and the instructor.

Tuition Rates

Tuition rates vary, though the average in the schools that we have reviewed is around $5,000. The published average is $20,605.

Average Loan Amount

On average students will find finance of $7,875 for CDL training in Pennsylvania.

Scholarship

The average scholarship amount is $8,136

Job Placement

CDL schools report better than 90% job placement after training completion.

Pennsylvania Trucking Employment Facts & Figures

Trucking is a big business in the US with over 70% of all cargo moved by road. With a CDL you should have solid job security in a growing job market.

Employment 

Biggest Employer	Average Salary	Company Size
Napa Transportation	$61,188	500
PGT Trucking	$72,237	470
American Expediting	$106,600	300
Allen Distribution	$65,973	200
Zimmermann Truck Lines	$66,372	150

Salary

The average trucking salary in Pennsylvania is 20% higher than the national average. A driver in the area can expect on average:

Weekly:     $1,169

Monthly:   $6,799

Yearly:       $81,590

5 Best CDL Training Programs in Pennsylvania

We’ve reviewed the best CDL training programs in Pennsylvania for an educational experience, cost, and more.

AAA School of Trucking Inc.

The AAA School of Trucking Inc has been in business since 2007. In addition to offering hands-on and online training, the school is an accredited testing center. It is also very reasonably priced considering the small class size of two. 

Cost: $2,750 – $5,500

Program Length: 4 weeks

Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available on the application

Tuition Reimbursement: Learners can apply to join the paid CDL training program in Pennsylvania through the TruckingTruth program. The AAA School of Trucking has partnered with employers who pay for the training. Sponsors then require qualified personnel to work for them for a period of 8 to 12 months

Class Size: 2:1 student to instructor ratio

Job Placement: The company assists with job placement

Course Location: Both in-person and online training are available

CDL Licenses:   

• Class A
• Class B
• Refresher Course

Smith and Solomon Commercial Driver Training

Smith and Solomon Commercial Driver Training have offered CDL training in Pennsylvania for more than 30 years. They continue the training until the trainee receives CDL certification at no extra charge. It is, therefore, in their interests to ensure that trainees quickly complete their certification.

The company has a fleet of 140 vehicles so trainees can do the test in the vehicle in which they trained.

Cost: $3,750

Program Length: Between 120 and 160 hours, nearly 5 to 6 weeks.

Financial Assistance: The school offers “pay as you go” and finance options.

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Smith and Solomon Commercial Driver Training to find out more.

Class Size: Small class sizes

Job Placement: All students, current, and past, receive regular job listings. The company also offers unlimited job placement assistance through full-time placement specialists

Course Location: Both in-person and online training are available

CDL Licenses:

•  Class A
•  Class B
•  Class B with passenger endorsement

Global CDL Driver Training School

The Global CDL Driver Training School offers training in Class A CDL over an 8-week period. Students spend 70 hours in the class and 150 hours on the road. The school is also a testing center. Students receive a diploma when they pass the course.  

Cost: $1,500 to $50,000 with a median price of $5,475

Program Length: 8 weeks

Financial Assistance: The company offers financial assistance on the application

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

Class Size: 10:1 student to instructor ratio

Job Placement: Employers frequently recruit from the school

Course Location: In-person only

CDL Licenses:   Class A

Roadmasters Driver School

The Roadmasters Driver School is an industry-leading driver training and testing school with a presence across the country. It offers both part-time and full-time training as well as after-hours classes in the evening and on the weekends.  

Cost: $6,995

Program Length: 4 or 11 weeks 160 hours

Financial Assistance: In-house financial assistance is offered to those who qualify.

Tuition Reimbursement: Trucking carriers recruit students at Roadmasters and then pay up to 100% of the training costs in return for several months’ employment commitment on the part of the trainee.

Class Size: Small classroom sizes and 1:1 driving instruction

Job Placement: Students receive career assistance and employers are invited to the training and testing site for recruitment.

Course Location: Both in-person and online training are available

CDL Licenses: Class A

Sage Truck Driving Schools

Sage Truck Driving Schools have been in business since 1989. They have a presence across the country. They offer training for CDL Class A and Class B.

Cost: $4,595

Program Length: 5 to 6 weeks

Financial Assistance: The school can offer training grants, student loans, and other financial aid

Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement. In exchange, the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Sage Truck Driving Schools to find out more. 

Class Size: 18

Job Placement: The school has contacts with employers who recruit from the school

Course Location: Both in-person and online training are available 

CDL Licenses:   

•  Class A
•  Class B

Start a New Career and Travel the Country

Start planning for a future on the road. Job security and a decent wage await those who complete the CDL training in Pennsylvania. There are several reputable schools offering financial assistance and there’s a good chance you may even receive full reimbursement and an offer of employment at the school.

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