CDL Schools USA is an independent directory that lists and verifies FMCSA-registered commercial driver's license (CDL) training providers across the United States. This page contains 42 verified training programs serving the Chico, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Chico, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Chico?We have identified 42 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Chico area (Pop: 101,475).

Quick Stats

42 Training Programs
ELDT Compliant
3-8 Week Programs
Pop: 101,475

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Chico, CA

CDL License Types
Class A, Class B, Class C
Average Training Cost
$3,000 – $8,000
Program Length
3-8 weeks
Weekend / Evening Options
Available at select schools
FMCSA Registration Required
Yes
Verified Schools
42

42 CDL Schools Near Chico

Top Picks in Chico

Editor's Choice
#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Hamilton Unified school District

Hamilton City, CA

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#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

PARADISE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Transportation Dept.

Paradise, CA

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#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

McCorkle Trucking

Glenn, CA

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Hamilton Unified school District

Hamilton City, CA
9.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

PARADISE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Transportation Dept.

Paradise, CA
12.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Magalia CCC

Magalia, CA
15.9 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Biggs

Biggs, CA
22.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures

Willows, CA
23.3 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

USDA Forest Service/Mendocino National Forest

Willows, CA
24.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Princeton

Princeton, CA
24.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Willows Satellite

Willows, CA
24.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Palermo Union Elementary School District

Palermo, CA
25.5 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor -Gridley

Gridley, CA
26.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

R Bars Cattle ranch

Los Molinos, CA
27.1 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gridley - Reser's Fine Foods, Inc.

Gridley, CA
27.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Gerber Union Elementary School District

Gerber, CA
29.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Sacramento National Refuge Complex

Willows, CA
30 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Colusa

Colusa, CA
37 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Stony Creek Joint Unified School District

Elk Creek, CA
38.2 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

DWR- SMY

Yuba City, CA
40.8 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Marysville Joint Unified School District

Marysville, CA
41.7 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Yuba City

Yuba City, CA
42.4 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Marysville Satellite

Marysville, CA
43 miles away
FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 26 schools

CDL Training in Chico, California

<div class="space-y-4"> <p><strong>Chico, CA</strong> offers <strong>42 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs</strong> for aspiring commercial drivers in 2026. Whether you're seeking a Class A CDL for tractor-trailer operation or a Class B CDL for straight trucks, the programs below are all registered in the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR)—the only database that counts for ELDT certification.</p> <p>CDL drivers in CA earn competitive salaries with strong job security. The national driver shortage continues to push starting pay higher, with many carriers offering signing bonuses of $5,000-$15,000 for new CDL holders. Training typically takes 4-8 weeks for full-time students, with weekend and evening options available at select Chico schools.</p> <p>Compare tuition costs, program length, and specializations below. Look for schools that offer hazmat endorsement training, tanker certification, and job placement assistance—these add immediate earning potential to your CDL. Read our guide on <a href="/blog/is-cdl-school-worth-it-2026" class="text-blue-600 hover:underline">whether CDL school is worth it in 2026</a> for a detailed cost-benefit analysis.</p> </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Chico?

  • Local Training: Train close to home with familiar roads and traffic patterns
  • Job Placement: Many local trucking companies hire graduates directly
  • Financial Aid: Schools in California often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
  • ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in California

CDL training in California typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for private schools, with community colleges offering programs from $2,000 to $5,000. Many trucking companies also offer paid CDL training programs with a 1-2 year employment commitment.

Trucking Jobs Near Chico

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000
Average annual salary for CDL drivers in California
2,500+
Open trucking positions in California

Top employers hiring near Chico: Amazon, Walmart, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and regional carriers.

Job types available: Local delivery, regional routes, OTR (Over-the-Road), dedicated routes, tanker, flatbed, and refrigerated transport.

Compare CDL Schools in Chico

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

⚙️ Transmission:
Showing 15 schools
School Name
City
Program TypesKey FeaturesContact
Bayer CropScience LP
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend Classes
Caltrans District 3
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
City of Live Oak
FMCSA Verified
Class A
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BTanker
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BTanker
Manual Trans.Evening Classes
DWR- SMY
FMCSA Verified
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Feather River College
FMCSA Verified
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class A
Evening Classes
Class A
Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved
Class AClass BHazmatTanker
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class A
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes
Class AHazmat
Manual Trans.VA Approved
Class AClass B
Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved
Class ATanker
Weekend ClassesEvening Classes

Tuition Costs in Chico

Avg. Private School
$7,500
Avg. Public School
$2,800
Price Range
$2,000 - $9,500

Community Colleges in CA are significantly cheaper due to state subsidies.

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CDL Testing & DMV in Chico

Schedule your CDL knowledge and skills tests through your local DMV office. Find testing locations, wait times, and required documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Chico

How long does CDL training take in Chico?
CDL training programs in Chico, CA typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. Company-sponsored programs often run 4-6 weeks with guaranteed job placement upon completion.
How much does CDL school cost in California?
CDL training costs in California range from $3,000-$10,000 for private schools, $1,500-$5,000 at community colleges, and FREE through company-sponsored programs (with employment commitment). Many schools accept WIOA grants, GI Bill benefits, and offer payment plans.
Can I get a CDL in Chico without quitting my job?
Yes, several CDL schools in the Chico area offer weekend and evening classes for working adults. These flexible schedules allow you to earn your CDL while keeping your current job. Weekend programs typically take 8-16 weeks to complete.
How do I know if a CDL school in Chico is legitimate?
All legitimate CDL schools must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can verify any school there. Be wary of schools that promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks or cannot provide their TPR registration number. The FMCSA removed over 550 non-compliant providers in 2025-2026 alone.
Do I need ELDT training to get a CDL?
Yes, as of February 2022, all first-time CDL applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from an FMCSA-registered training provider before taking the CDL skills test. All schools listed on CDL Schools USA are ELDT-compliant. The ELDT requirement includes both theory instruction (30+ hours) and behind-the-wheel training.
Can I get financial aid for CDL school in California?
Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in California: WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Pell Grants at eligible community colleges, VA benefits for veterans, and company-sponsored training programs. Contact individual schools to learn about their specific financial aid options.
Do I need a TWIC card to drive trucks in California?
A TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card isn't required for all CDL jobs in California, but it's essential for port trucking. If you want to haul containers from the Port of LA, Port of Long Beach, or Port of Oakland—where drivers earn $75,000-$95,000/year—you'll need TWIC clearance. The application takes 8-12 weeks and costs $125.50, so start the process during CDL training.
What makes California CDL training different?
California CDL training must address unique state requirements: CARB (California Air Resources Board) truck emission regulations, agricultural transport rules for Central Valley hauling, mountain grade driving on I-5 Grapevine and Donner Pass, and urban congestion management for LA/SF metro areas. California also requires the Supplemental Driving Test for certain endorsements. Look for schools that include these California-specific components.