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 Chester, PA?

CDL training in Chester, PA 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 Chester?

Most CDL training programs in Chester 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 Chester, PA?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Chester 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 Chester 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 200 verified training programs serving the Chester, Pennsylvania area.

MANUAL AVAILABLE

FMCSA VERIFIED 2025

Chester CDL Schools: Manual Transmission & Weekend Training

Class A & B CDL Training in Chester – No Automatic Restriction

Get your Class A CDL in Chester. Find schools offering Manual Transmission (10-speed) and Class B training. We've identified 200 FMCSA-verified programs in your area.

Quick Stats

200 Training Programs

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

ELDT Compliant

3-8 Week Programs

Pop: 32,555

⚙️ Why Chester Students Should Choose Manual Transmission Training

Many Pennsylvania employers prefer drivers without the "E" (Automatic Only) restriction on their CDL. Getting a full Class A with Manual Transmission qualification opens more job opportunities. Chester area schools offering weekend and evening classes help working adults get trained without quitting their day job.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

Class B CDL

Quick Facts: CDL Training in Chester, PA

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

200

200 CDL Schools Near Chester

Filter Results:

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Top Picks in Chester

Editor's Choice

#1 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Chester Elite Trans

Brookhaven, PA

Call Now

#2 Editor's ChoiceVerified

Chester Upland Transportation

Brookhaven, PA

Call Now

#3 Editor's ChoiceVerified

All-State Career School - Theory

Essington, PA

Call Now

Chester Elite Trans

Brookhaven, PA

2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Chester Upland Transportation

Brookhaven, PA

2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

All-State Career School - Theory

Essington, PA

3.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Ridley School District

Folsom, PA

3.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

Wallingford, PA

3.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Penn Delco School District

Aston, PA

3.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Interboro School District

Prospect Park, PA

4.1 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Miller Dedicated Services

Logan Twp, NJ

4.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Springfield Township

Springfield, PA

4.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

School district

Upper Chichester Twp, PA

4.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

ZTYRT

Marcus Hook, PA

4.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Messer LLC

Claymont, DE

5.2 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Southeast Delco School District

Sharon Hill, PA

5.6 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP DELAWARE COUNTY - LIMA, PA

Media, PA

6.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Rose Tree Media SD

Media, PA

6.4 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Lacy's Express, Inc.

Pedricktown, NJ

6.7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Upper Darby School District

Springfield, PA

6.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

School District of Haverford Township

Springfield, PA

6.8 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

BR Williams, Inc.

Swedesboro, NJ

7 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

11645 William Penn

Colwyn, PA

7.3 miles away

FMCSA ELDT Verified

Showing 20 of 167 schools

CDL Training in Chester, Pennsylvania

<p>Chester offers PA 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 Chester?

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 Pennsylvania often qualify for WIOA grants and veteran benefits
ELDT Compliance: All listed schools meet federal ELDT requirements effective February 2022

CDL Training Costs in Pennsylvania

CDL training in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

Trucking Jobs Near Chester

Get hired after you complete your CDL training

$45,000 - $75,000

Average annual salary for CDL drivers in Pennsylvania

2,500+

Open trucking positions in Pennsylvania

Top employers hiring near Chester: 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 Chester

Side-by-side comparison of top training programs

Filter:

⚙️ Transmission:

Showing 15 schools

School Name	City	Program Types	Key Features	Contact
11621 Plymouth Meeting FMCSA Verified	Plymouth Meeting	Class AClass B	Weekend ClassesEvening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
11645 William Penn FMCSA Verified	Colwyn	Class ATanker	VA Approved	View Details
11840 Lawnside FMCSA Verified	Lawnside	Class A	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
12112 Newark FMCSA Verified	Newark	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
12675 Methacton FMCSA Verified	Norristown	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
12697 Upper Merion FMCSA Verified	King of Prussia	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
12844 Pittsgrove FMCSA Verified	Elmer	Class AHazmat	Evening ClassesVA Approved	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Carneys Point Classroom FMCSA Verified	Pennsville	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
160 Driving Academy - Carneys Point Yard FMCSA Verified	Pennsville	Class AClass BTanker	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
1st Transportation LLC FMCSA Verified	Somerdale	Class AClass BHazmat	VA Approved	View Details
2- Eagle Wolfington Leasing Corporation FMCSA Verified	Chester Springs	Class A	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
20023 Berlin FMCSA Verified	Berlin	Class AHazmatTanker	Weekend ClassesEvening Classes	View Details
20570 Lower Moreland FMCSA Verified	Huntingdon Valley	Class AHazmat	Manual Trans.Weekend ClassesVA Approved	View Details
413006 - Williamstown FMCSA Verified	Williamstown	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.Evening Classes	View Details
Abington School District FMCSA Verified	Abington	Class AClass B	Manual Trans.	View Details

Tuition Costs in Chester

Avg. Private School

$6,800

Avg. Public School

$4,200

Price Range

$3,500 - $8,500

Higher costs in Philadelphia area, cheaper in rural PA.

Nearby Cities

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

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DOT Physicals Near Chester

Required for your CDL medical card

Concentra Urgent Care

100 Discovery Blvd, Newark

(302) 454-1900

4.8

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

MedExpress Urgent Care

620 Naamans Rd, Claymont

(302) 798-8300

4.5

$80-$120

Walk-ins OK

Concentra Urgent Care

1515 Market St, Philadelphia

(215) 567-7440

4.1

$75-$125

Walk-ins OK

View All 39 Clinics in Chester 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 & PennDOT in Chester

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

Find PennDOT Office

Manual (No Restrictions) Training in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Explore CDL schools with manual (no restrictions) and weekend classes training in nearby Pennsylvania cities.

Manual Transmission (10-Speed)

Weekend & Evening Classes

Class B CDL

View All Pennsylvania CDL Schools

🏭 Specialized Pennsylvania Trucking Careers

Chester area drivers have access to high-demand, premium-pay niches in Pennsylvania's industrial economy.

🏗️

$65K-$85K

Steel & Heavy Haul

Cleveland-Cliffs, Butler Works. Steel coil securement and flatbed skills.

View Program

⚗️

$70K-$90K

Polymers & Tankers

Shell Cracker Plant. Pneumatic tankers and dry bulk for the petrochemical industry.

View Program

🔥

$60K-$85K

Energy Sector

Marcellus Shale. Water hauling, sand trucking, and vacuum trucks for natural gas.

View Program

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training in Chester

How long does CDL training take in Chester?

CDL training programs in Chester, PA 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 Pennsylvania?

CDL training costs in Pennsylvania 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 Chester without quitting my job?

Yes, several CDL schools in the Chester 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 Chester 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 Pennsylvania?

Yes, several funding options exist for CDL training in Pennsylvania: 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.

What are the CDL requirements in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires you to be at least 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate CDL. You must pass the FMCSA medical exam, hold a valid PA driver's license, pass the CDL written knowledge test at a PennDOT location, and pass the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic controls, road test). Pennsylvania allows manual and automatic restriction CDLs—schools that train on manual transmission eliminate the restriction, giving you more job options.

What CDL endorsements should Chester drivers get?

In Chester, PA, the most valuable CDL endorsements are: Hazmat (H) for hauling chemicals along the I-76/I-80 industrial corridor, Tanker (N) for fuel delivery, and Doubles/Triples (T) for LTL freight companies like Old Dominion and XPO. The combination Hazmat-Tanker endorsement typically adds $5,000-$8,000 to annual salary.

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

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