Shelton State CDL Program
Tuscaloosa / Serves Greater Birmingham
Class A
Class B
FMCSA Registered
Community College
Community college CDL program with competitive tuition compared to private schools. Covers general knowledge, pre-trip inspection, and behind-the-wheel hours. Financial aid and WIOA workforce grants may apply.
Jefferson State CDL Training
Birmingham, AL
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Community College
Jefferson State Community College's truck driver training program provides hands-on Class A CDL preparation. One of the more affordable public options in the Birmingham metro. Financial aid may be available for eligible students.
TDI — Truck Driver Institute (Birmingham)
Birmingham, AL (National school with Alabama presence)
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Job Placement Assist.
National CDL school with a strong job placement program. TDI partners with major carriers and has a track record of placing graduates in OTR and regional routes. Financing available. Programs run approximately 4 weeks of intensive training.
Calhoun Community College CDL
Decatur / Huntsville, AL
Class A
Class B
FMCSA Registered
Community College
Calhoun's CDL program covers ELDT requirements for first-time CDL applicants. Community college pricing means lower tuition than private schools, and WIOA workforce development funding may be available to eligible students in North Alabama.
Northeast Alabama Community College CDL
Rainsville, AL (serves NE Alabama)
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Community College
NACC offers truck driver training for students in northeast Alabama, covering pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving. One of the closest public CDL training options for students in DeKalb, Cherokee, and Marshall counties.
Bishop State CDL Program
Mobile, AL
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Community College
Bishop State Community College's CDL program serves Mobile and the surrounding Gulf Coast region. Community college tuition rates and small class sizes make this one of the most accessible training options for south Alabama residents entering the trucking industry.
SAGE Truck Driving Schools
Serving Alabama (regional campus)
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Job Placement Assist.
SAGE is a nationally recognized private CDL school that has trained over 100,000 drivers. They offer job placement assistance and work with national carriers for direct hiring pipelines. Financing and payment plans available.
Trenholm State CDL Training
Montgomery, AL
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Community College
Trenholm State's CDL program is one of Montgomery's most accessible options for first-time CDL applicants. Covers all ELDT requirements. Located in the state capital with connections to state agencies and regional employers in transportation and logistics.
Central Alabama Community College CDL
Alexander City / Serves Central AL
Class A
FMCSA Registered
Community College
CACC serves students across Elmore, Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Chilton counties in central Alabama. An accessible option for students who don't want to travel to Birmingham or Montgomery for training.
Shelton State CDL Program
Tuscaloosa, AL
Class A
Class B
FMCSA Registered
Community College
Shelton State is West Alabama's primary public CDL training option. The program is designed to meet all ELDT federal requirements and covers classroom instruction alongside behind-the-wheel training. Workforce development funding may reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
What to Look for When Choosing a CDL School
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FMCSA Registration
Since February 2022, first-time CDL applicants must complete training at an FMCSA-registered school. Verify on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before enrolling.
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Truck-to-Student Ratio
Lower is better. More time behind the wheel means better preparation. Ask how many students share each truck and how many total driving hours you'll get.
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Pass Rate Transparency
Ask what percentage of students pass the CDL skills test on their first attempt. Reputable schools will share this number. Aim for 80%+ first-attempt pass rates.
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Job Placement Support
The best private schools have carrier relationships and active job placement programs. Community college programs may be lighter on placement support — factor this into your decision.
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Funding Options
Ask about WIOA workforce grants, Pell grants (community colleges), and payment plans. Alabama's workforce system sometimes covers CDL training for eligible workers who have been displaced.
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Schedule Flexibility
If you're currently working, ask whether evening or weekend programs are available. Some community colleges offer part-time CDL training that takes 12–16 weeks but accommodates a day job.
How to Find a CDL School Near You in Alabama
The fastest way to find an FMCSA-registered CDL school near you in Alabama is to use the filters above — select your city to see schools serving that area. Every school listed on this page is verified on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, which is required for the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirement.
If you want to cast a wider net, the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov lists every registered CDL school in the country by state and zip code. Enter your zip code to see all registered options near you. Not every school in the registry has active classes — always call to confirm availability before making a decision.
CDL Schools Near Me — What to Ask Before You Enroll
When you call a CDL school, ask these five questions before committing:
- Are you registered with FMCSA? Required since February 2022 — non-registered schools cannot satisfy the ELDT requirement.
- What is your first-attempt CDL pass rate? Reputable schools will give you a number. Target 80%+.
- How many students share each truck? More seat time = better preparation. Lower truck-to-student ratios are better.
- Do you accept WIOA funding? Many Alabama residents qualify for workforce grants that cover full tuition.
- Do you offer job placement assistance? The best schools have active carrier relationships and help graduates get hired.
Free CDL Training Near Me in Alabama
If cost is the barrier, free CDL training is available through two routes. Company-sponsored programs from carriers like Werner, Schneider, and Swift cover full tuition in exchange for a one-year driving commitment after graduation — no money out of pocket, and you’re hired on day one. Alternatively, WIOA workforce grants through the Alabama Career Center system can cover tuition at community college CDL programs for eligible residents. See our How Much Does a CDL Cost? →
free CDL training guide for full eligibility details on both.
CDL Training Near Me — How Long Does It Take?
Most CDL training programs in Alabama run 4 to 8 weeks for full-time students. Community college programs may run 8–12 weeks on a part-time schedule. Company-sponsored carrier programs typically run 3–5 weeks and combine classroom and on-the-road training. After completing training, most students schedule their CDL skills test within 1–2 weeks, meaning you can have your CDL in hand in as little as 6–9 weeks from starting school.