YOU MUST GO TO SCHOOL IN ORDER TO LEGALLY OPERATE A SEMI TRUCK ON AMERICAN ROADS
NO EXCEPTIONS .
DURATION OF CLASSES (3–6 weeks, 120–240 hours)
TUITION
Private schools:3,000–$10,000 for full Class A programs
Community colleges $1,000–$6,000 (often $2,500–5,000
MANDATORY FEES
* Permit/license: $50–$200
* Testing: $100–$200 (skills/road test)
* DOT physical: $50–$150;
drug screen: $30–$60;
background checks: $50–$100
STUDY MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT
* Manuals, textbooks, practice tests $30–$200
* Safety gear $100–$200
LIVING & TRANSPORTATION COSTS
* Room & board(if away from home $500–$1,500/month
* Meals: $300–$600/month;
transport$100–$300/month
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION
* Endorsements: HazMat $100–$150; Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger $20–$50 each
FULL COURSEWORK & TRAINING MODULES
Classroom Theory
* FMCSA & ELDT-regulated content: regulations, hours-of-service
* Vehicle systems & air brake training
* Pre-trip/post-trip inspections
* Logbooks, cargo securement, documentation
* Trip planning, route choice, handling CB radios
* Defensive driving: night, mountain, skid recovery
* Safety & compliance: fatigue, wellness, enviro regs, anti-human trafficking
YARD & SIMULATOR TRAINING
* Pre-trip vehicle inspection
* Air-brake testing
* Backing drills: straight-line, offset, 90°, docking
* Coupling/uncoupling trailers
* Control skills: shifting (double-clutching), gear selection
BEHIND-THE-WHEEL (ON-ROAD)
* City, highway, rural, night, inclement conditions
* Emergency maneuvers, railroad crossings, mountain slopes
* Supervised driving with instructor
ENDORSEMENT PREP
* HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger modules
* Written tests + any specialized training
EXAMS & LICENSING
Written CDL knowledge test (plus separate endorsement tests)
Skills test includes pre-trip, basic maneuvers, on-road driving
Many schools offer on-site testing using their vehicles for road test
EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES
Job placement 80–100% at community college & carrier-affiliated programs
Starting salary $45K–$60K/year for new Class A drivers
Experienced/specialized
$60K–$100K+ annually
Companies Many offer tuition reimbursement ($3K–$7K) after hire
FUNDING & FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS
Pell Grants & WIOA/state workforce programs
Scholarships e.g., Women in Trucking, state trucking associations
Employer sponsorships employer-funded training with contractual work commitment
Payment plans & private loans
