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CDL schools & permit practice

Find a CDL school
near you.

How do I choose a CDL school near me?

CDLP Online is an independent US CDL directory where prospective drivers can search by ZIP, city or state. Compare training types, then confirm enrollment, schedules and total costs with each school.

A classroom beside a paved American training yard, with space for truck handling practice
Explore before you apply.No contact details needed to browse.
3,852Training locations listed
51States and DC

Source: FMCSA Training Provider Registry · as of October 23, 2026. Listed locations include private or employer-only training; confirm public enrollment.

Plan your training.

School search, training costs and permit practice.

01 /

Explore paid training

Learn what carrier-sponsored training can include, and what to ask before signing.

Read about paid training
02 /

Plan your training cost

Look at training types and locations. Ask each school for current fees and schedules.

Build a cost estimate
03 /

Try the practice test

Work through CDL questions with explanations and source references.

Start practice

From classroom to practice range.

Theory, backing practice and vehicle training happen in different parts of a CDL campus.

Cutaway of an American CDL classroom, office and closed range with a tractor-trailer
01Classroom and theory

Theory covers vehicle controls, inspections, safe driving, vehicle systems and hours of service. Federal ELDT sets no minimum theory hours; all curriculum topics must be covered and the overall assessment score must reach 80%.

02Closed practice range

Class A range training includes straight-line backing, offset backing, alley-dock backing, parallel parking and coupling. The instructor documents practice hours and proficiency before range completion.

03Training vehicle

Class A training uses a combination vehicle, such as a tractor and semi-trailer. Class B generally covers a single heavy vehicle. The test vehicle must match the license class sought.

04School office

Enrollment staff handle program schedules, fee information and application paperwork. Review the written program terms and total charges here before enrolling.

Sources: FMCSA Class A curriculum, pages 2–3 (March 2021) and California DMV vehicle classes.

What a pre-trip inspection covers.

Four inspection zones on a tractor-trailer: engine, lighting, wheels and coupling.

Cutaway of a semi tractor showing the engine, front lamps, wheels and trailer coupling
01Engine area

Inspection covers fluid levels and leaks, plus the condition of belts and hoses. Engine oil, coolant and power-steering fluid are among the checks; belt wear and damaged hoses can reveal developing faults.

02Lights and visibility

Check that exterior lamps work and lenses are intact. Reflectors and reflective tape must be present and unobscured. Lighting checks include headlights, turn signals and brake lights.

03Tires and wheels

Inspect tread depth, inflation and tire damage, then rims and lug nuts for damage or looseness. These checks identify worn tires and insecure wheel components before driving.

04Coupling area

Inspect the fifth wheel, locking mechanism, kingpin and trailer apron, together with air and electrical lines and connectors. Look for damaged components, insecure connections and insufficient line clearance.

Sources: California DMV Class A inspection checklist and Commercial Driver Handbook, sections 2 and 11.

Before you enroll

Compare the program.
Check the total cost.

A registry listing tells you where to begin. A conversation with the school fills in the details.

  • 01   Search by location and training type.
  • 02   Compare the facts available for each school.
  • 03   Confirm tuition, schedules and requirements.

Choose where to train

Find training in your state.

All 50 states and DC