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 Willows, CA?

CDL training in Willows, 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 Willows?

Most CDL training programs in Willows 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 Willows, CA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Willows 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 Willows 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 45 verified training programs serving the Willows, California area.

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

CDL Schools in Willows, CA

Are you looking for commercial driver training in Willows?We have identified 45 FMCSA-verified programs serving the Willows area (Pop: 35,000).

Quick Stats

45 Training Programs

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 35,000

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Willows, 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

45 CDL Schools Near Willows

CDL Training Market in Willows, CA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Active Schools7
ELDT Verified7
Average Tuition$4,000
Starting From$4,000
Weekend TrainingAvailable

Aspiring truck drivers in Willows have access to 7 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 Willows 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.

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Top Picks in Willows

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures

Willows, CA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Willows Satellite

Willows, CA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Los Molinos, CA

38 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Magalia CCC

Magalia, CA

39.5 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Yuba City

Yuba City, CA

40.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 28 schools

CDL Training in Willows, California

<div class="space-y-4"> Willows, CA offers 45 FMCSA-verified CDL training programs 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. 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 Willows schools. 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. </div>

Why Get CDL Training Near Willows?

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 Willows

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 Willows: 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 Willows

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

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⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
Bayer CropScience LP FMCSA Verified	Williams	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend Classes	View Details
Caltrans District 3 FMCSA Verified	Marysville	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
City of Live Oak FMCSA Verified	Live Oak	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Clearlake Oaks County Water District FMCSA Verified	Clearlake Oaks	Class AClass BHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Corning Union Elementary School District FMCSA Verified	Corning	Class AClass BTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Corning Union High School FMCSA Verified	Corning	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures FMCSA Verified	Willows	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
DWR- SMY FMCSA Verified	Yuba City	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Gerber Union Elementary School District FMCSA Verified	Gerber	Class A	Evening Classes	View Details
Glenn County Office of Education FMCSA Verified	Willows	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
GLENN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION (Orland) FMCSA Verified	Orland	Class AClass BHazmatTanker	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Glenn County Public Works FMCSA Verified	Willows	Class A	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
Gridley - Reser's Fine Foods, Inc. FMCSA Verified	Gridley	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.VA Approved	View Details
Hamilton Unified school District FMCSA Verified	Hamilton City	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
Isabella Maranon Consultant FMCSA Verified	Olivehurst	Class ATanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details

Tuition Costs in Willows

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 Willows

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

Find DMV Office

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Willows

How long does CDL training take in Willows?

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

Yes, several CDL schools in the Willows 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 Willows 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 Willows 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

CDL Schools in Willows, CA

Quick Stats

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Willows, CA

45 CDL Schools Near Willows

CDL Training Market in Willows, CA (2026 Report)

Market Snapshot

Top Picks in Willows

Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures

Willows Satellite

USDA Forest Service/Mendocino National Forest

Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures

Willows Satellite

USDA Forest Service/Mendocino National Forest

Sacramento National Refuge Complex

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Princeton

Hamilton Unified school District

Stony Creek Joint Unified School District

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Colusa

Bayer CropScience LP

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Biggs

The Morning Star Trucking Co LLC

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor -Gridley

Gridley - Reser's Fine Foods, Inc.

PARADISE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Transportation Dept.

Palermo Union Elementary School District

DWR- SMY

Gerber Union Elementary School District

R Bars Cattle ranch

Magalia CCC

Rochelle Laird School Bus Driver Instructor - Yuba City

CDL Training in Willows, California

Why Get CDL Training Near Willows?

CDL Training Costs in California

Trucking Jobs Near Willows

Compare CDL Schools in Willows

Tuition Costs in Willows

Nearby Cities

Need Help Choosing?

More in California

CDL Testing & DMV in Willows

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Willows

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