CDL Training — Birmingham, Alabama

CDL Training in Birmingham, AL

CDL training options in the Birmingham metro — from community college programs to private schools and company-sponsored free training. Everything you need to choose the right program.

CDL Training Programs in Birmingham, Alabama

Browse CDL training options in the Birmingham area. All programs listed below are FMCSA-registered, satisfying the federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirement for first-time Class A and B CDL applicants as of February 2022.

Also serving:
BirminghamHuntsvilleMobileMontgomery
Jefferson State Community College CDL Program
Birmingham, AL
Class ACommunity CollegeFinancial Aid AvailableFMCSA Registered
Jefferson State offers one of the most affordable CDL programs in the Birmingham metro. Community college pricing means significantly lower tuition than private schools. Financial aid and WIOA workforce grants may be available for eligible students.
Est. Cost$3,000–$4,500
Duration6–8 weeks
Visit Website
TDI — Truck Driver Institute (Birmingham)
Birmingham, AL
Class APrivate SchoolJob Placement AssistanceFMCSA Registered
National CDL school with a strong job placement network. TDI partners with major carriers for direct hiring after graduation. Financing available. The 4-week intensive format is ideal for people who need to get licensed quickly.
Est. Cost$5,500–$7,000
Duration4 weeks
Visit Website
Shelton State CDL Program (Birmingham-Area)
Tuscaloosa, AL (serves Greater Birmingham)
Class AClass BCommunity CollegeFinancial Aid AvailableFMCSA Registered
Shelton State is the nearest community college CDL program for drivers in west Birmingham and surrounding areas. WIOA workforce funding may be available to eligible students through the Alabama Career Center system.
Est. Cost$3,500–$5,000
Duration8 weeks
Visit Website

Free CDL Training Near Birmingham

Several major carriers with Alabama operations — including Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, and Swift Transportation — offer company-sponsored CDL training programs that require no upfront tuition. Graduates are hired directly upon completing training. See our free CDL classes guide for details.

Who Qualifies for Free CDL Training?

Company-sponsored programs typically require applicants to be at least 21 years old (for OTR routes), hold a valid driver's license, pass a DOT physical, and pass a background and drug screening. No prior CDL experience is required — these programs are specifically designed for first-time CDL applicants.

CDL Jobs in Birmingham

Birmingham's diverse economy includes major distribution hubs for UPS, FedEx Freight, and Sysco, as well as construction and municipal trucking. Local CDL jobs tend to favor Class A drivers for OTR and regional routes, and Class B for delivery and dump truck work.

Once licensed, Alabama CDL drivers typically start at $55,000–$75,000 per year for OTR and regional routes, with local routes starting slightly lower. Tanker and HazMat endorsements can add $10,000–$20,000 per year to base pay. See our Alabama CDL Jobs guide for current salary data and top employers.

How to Get Your CDL in Birmingham

The process is the same across all of Alabama. Here's the quick version:

  1. Get your DOT physical from an FMCSA-registered examiner (find one at nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov)
  2. Study for and pass the CDL general knowledge test at an ALEA Driver License office ($5 per attempt)
  3. Receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) and hold it for at least 14 days
  4. Complete an FMCSA-registered ELDT training program (one of the schools above)
  5. Pass the three-part CDL skills test (pre-trip, basic control, road test)
  6. Visit ALEA, submit your self-certification and medical card, and receive your CDL

See our full step-by-step guide to getting your CDL in Alabama for detailed instructions on each step.

Also Serving Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Bessemer, Hueytown

The schools listed on this page serve students from Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Bessemer, Hueytown and the surrounding Jefferson County region. Call ahead to confirm enrollment availability and ask about any commuter-friendly scheduling options.