How long does it take to get a CDL?

CDL training programs typically take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Part-time programs may take 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the type of CDL (Class A, B, or C) and the training school.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the CDL skills test.

How much does CDL school cost in 2026?

CDL training costs typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for private schools in 2026. Company-sponsored programs may offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid, WIOA grants, and VA benefits can help cover costs.

Can I get paid while training for my CDL?

Yes, many trucking companies offer paid CDL training programs where you earn a salary while learning. These programs typically require a 1-2 year employment commitment after graduation.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers) over 26,001 lbs with a towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs like buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks. Class A offers more job opportunities and typically higher pay.

How do I verify if a CDL school is legitimate?

Verify the school is registered with the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). All legitimate ELDT providers must be listed. Use our Scam Checker tool to verify schools against the federal registry and check for complaints.

What is ELDT certification?

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a federal requirement since February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from an FMCSA-registered provider.

How much does CDL training cost in Sacramento, CA?

CDL training in Sacramento, CA typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, with an average of $5,000. Costs vary based on program type (private school vs. community college), training length, and included endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker.

How long does it take to get a CDL in Sacramento?

Most CDL training programs in Sacramento take 3-8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may take 8-16 weeks. Part-time and weekend programs are available for working adults and may extend the timeline. After training, you must pass the CDL skills test at your state DMV.

Are there weekend CDL classes in Sacramento, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Sacramento area offer weekend and evening classes for students who cannot attend full-time programs. These flexible schedules allow working adults to earn their CDL without quitting their current job.

How do I verify a CDL school in Sacramento 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's ELDT certification status there. Be wary of schools that cannot provide their TPR registration number or promise a CDL in less than 2 weeks.

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 194 verified training programs serving the Sacramento, California area.

TWIC ELIGIBLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Top Sacramento CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in Sacramento

Get your Class A CDL in Sacramento. Get qualified for Port of LA/Long Beach intermodal, Central Valley agriculture, and Silicon Valley logistics. We've identified 194 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

194 Training Programs

TWIC Card Prep

Intermodal Container

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 513,624

Why Sacramento CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

California's freight economy is the largest in the US. Whether you're hauling agriculture from the Central Valley, tech equipment from Silicon Valley, or containers from the ports, Sacramento CDL programs offer specialized training for California's unique driving conditions including mountain grades, urban congestion, and agricultural transport regulations.

TWIC Card Prep

Intermodal Container

Agriculture Transport

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Sacramento, 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

194

194 CDL Schools Near Sacramento

CDL Training Market in Sacramento, CA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Active Schools61
ELDT Verified61
Average Tuition$4,000
Starting From$4,000
Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Sacramento have access to 61 FMCSA-verified training programs for the 2026 academic year.

The market is competitive, with tuition ranging from an affordable $4,000 up to premium programs around $8,000.

Many schools in Sacramento offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes.

Many schools partner with major carriers to offer job placement assistance upon graduation.

*Data verified by CDL Schools USA via the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Last updated: December 2026.

Filter Results:

Sort by:

Top Picks in Sacramento

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sacramento Superior Courthouse

Sacramento, CA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Amador Stage Lines, Inc.

Sacramento, CA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Sacramento, CA

3.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 143 schools

CDL Training in Sacramento, California

<p>Sacramento offers CA verified CDL training programs. Browse by city below to find schools near you, compare tuition costs, and read reviews from graduates.</p>

Why Get CDL Training Near Sacramento?

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.

View all CDL schools in California

Trucking Jobs Near Sacramento

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 Sacramento: 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.

Browse CDL Jobs Get Paid to Train

Compare CDL Schools in Sacramento

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
1 on 1 truck academy FMCSA Verified	West Sacramento	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Sacramento Classroom and Yard FMCSA Verified	Sacramento	Class ATanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
AAA Academy, LLC FMCSA Verified	Dixon	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
ABF Freight 155 FMCSA Verified	Sacramento	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Abylex Inc Truck Driving School FMCSA Verified	Sacramento	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
ADVANCE BUS & TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL FMCSA Verified	Lodi	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ali's Truck Driving School LLC FMCSA Verified	Sacramento	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
All-Outdoors, Inc. FMCSA Verified	Lotus	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
AMADOR COUNTY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FMCSA Verified	Sutter Creek	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Amador Stage Lines, Inc. FMCSA Verified	Sacramento	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Amador Transit FMCSA Verified	Sutter Creek	Class A	Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
American Driving Club FMCSA Verified	North Highlands	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Ancora for AT&T West Sacramento, CA FMCSA Verified	West Sacramento	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Ancora for Schwan's Sacramento, CA FMCSA Verified	Sacramento	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Evening Classes	View Details
Anderson Lumber - North Highlands FMCSA Verified	North Highlands	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details

Tuition Costs in Sacramento

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.

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

Take our free quiz to get matched with schools that fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Get Matched FREE

DOT Physicals Near Sacramento

Required for your CDL medical card

CareNow Urgent Care - East Sacramento

2534 Oak Ave, Sacramento

(909) 895-4677

3.5

$57-$128

Walk-ins OK

CVS MinuteClinic - Midtown Sacramento

2322 Corporate Way, Sacramento

(510) 517-7007

4.8

$83-$148

Patient First - Sacramento

7133 Health Plaza, Sacramento

(415) 537-9909

4.8

$111-$156

Walk-ins OK

View All 10 Clinics in Sacramento All Locations

💡 Pro Tip: Get your DOT physical before starting CDL training. The exam costs ${55-150} and is valid for up to 2 years.

CDL Testing & DMV in Sacramento

4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820

(800) 777-0133

Schedule your CDL knowledge and road tests at the Sacramento DMV. State capital - CDL testing by appointment

Visit Sacramento CDL DMV

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Sacramento

How long does CDL training take in Sacramento?

CDL training programs in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.

This page lists FMCSA-verified CDL schools in California, including training programs in Sacramento and surrounding cities. All listed programs meet Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.

📚

Essential Reading for CDL Students

Expert guides to help you start your trucking career in California

📋

Guide

Top Sacramento CDL Schools: Port, Agriculture & Logistics Careers

California's Booming Freight Economy Needs Qualified Drivers in Sacramento

Quick Stats

Why Sacramento CDL Students Need TWIC Card Eligibility

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Sacramento, CA

194 CDL Schools Near Sacramento

CDL Training Market in Sacramento, CA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Top Picks in Sacramento

Sacramento Superior Courthouse

Amador Stage Lines, Inc.

SMFRT

Sacramento Superior Courthouse

Amador Stage Lines, Inc.

SMFRT

Work Release Division

Sacramento Energy CCC

Neumann Enterprises & Limousine

SacRT

Ramos Oil Company

Ali's Truck Driving School LLC

Safa Transport LLC

Greyhound Lines Inc - Sacramento

Washington USD

DWR- SAC

Western Truck School

Pacific Truck school

Taber Drilling

haryanatruckdriveschool

Multipurpose Driving School, LLC.

State of Calif ( Dept of Transportion)

MTS Training Academy, Inc. - Sacramento

CDL Training in Sacramento, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Sacramento?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Sacramento

Compare CDL Schools in Sacramento

Tuition Costs in Sacramento

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

DOT Physicals Near Sacramento

CareNow Urgent Care - East Sacramento

CVS MinuteClinic - Midtown Sacramento

Patient First - Sacramento

CDL Testing & DMV in Sacramento

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Sacramento

Essential Reading for CDL Students

How to Get Your CDL in 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

CDL First Year Salary 2026: The Reality Check

How to Pay for CDL School (7 Options)

WIOA Grants: Free CDL Training for Unemployed

CDL School Scams to Avoid in 2026

Can You Get a CDL in 2 Weeks? Fast Track Guide

The Truth About "Free" Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Why Students Fail the CDL Road Test (And How to Pass)

Related Resources