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CDL Training FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Have questions about getting your CDL? You’re not alone. We’ve answered the most common questions students ask about truck driver training, costs, schedules, and what comes next. If you don’t see your answer here, reach out to our admissions team.
On this page:

Getting Started with CDL School

What is a CDL, and why do I need one?

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the legal requirement to operate a semi-truck or commercial vehicle. If you want to work as a truck driver, you need a CDL. That’s where we come in, our training prepares you to earn it.

How quickly can I start truck driving school?

Once you apply and connect with our team, you can typically start as soon as the following Monday. Most students go from first contact to first day of class in just a few days. Classes begin every Monday at both our Nashville and Jacksonville locations.

What are the basic requirements to start training for a CDL?

You’ll need to meet these qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 if you want to drive interstate or haul hazardous materials)
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be able to read and write in English
  • Pass a DOT physical exam
  • Pass a drug screening

Unsure if you qualify? Our admissions team can give you a quick answer and walk through any questions about your specific situation.

How old do I have to be to get a CDL?

You need to be at least 18 to drive commercially in your home state. If you want to drive between states or carry hazardous materials, you’ll need to be 21. Either way, CDL training is available to you.

Training Programs and Schedules

How long does CDL training take?

It depends on which program you choose:

Tennessee CDL School:

  • Weekday program: 3 weeks (Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM, starting every Monday)
  • Weekend Program: 5 weekends (Saturday – Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM, starting every six weeks)

Jacksonville Truck Driving School:

  • Weekday program: 3 weeks (Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM, starting every Monday)
  • Evening program: 6 weeks (Monday – Thursday 6 PM – 10 PM, offered quarterly)

All programs include online classroom training during week one, followed by hands-on driving practice.

Can I do truck driver training if I’m still working?

Yes. If you can’t commit to a weekday program, both locations offer flexible options:

  • Nashville: Offers weekend classes
  • Jacksonville: Offers evening classes run 6 PM – 10 PM

This is one of the biggest reasons students choose our school. Real life doesn’t stop just because you’re training.

What will I actually learn in CDL school?

Your training breaks down into three key components:

Online Classroom Work:

You’ll study truck mechanics, safety rules, vehicle inspection, and everything tested on the CDL written exam.

Behind-the-Wheel Practice:

You’ll get hands-on time operating actual Class A trucks in our training yard. Small class sizes mean you’re not waiting around – you’re getting significant practice with backing, steering, and maneuvering.

Real-world road experience:

You’ll drive on actual highways and local roads in Nashville and Jacksonville. This prepares you for conditions you’ll actually face as a professional driver.

Can I get endorsements with my CDL?

Yes. Both our Nashville and Jacksonville locations offer endorsements in:

  • Airbrakes
  • Doubles/Triples
  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat)

Talk to our team about which endorsements make sense for your career goals and the types of loads you want to haul.

What do I need to bring on my first day?

Our team will send a full checklist before you start, but the essentials are:

  • Valid Government-issued ID
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Closed-toed shoes or work boots
  • Long pants (jeans work fine)

Training Costs and Payment Options

How much does CDL training cost?

Training costs vary by program and location. For specific pricing details, check out our Florida program page or Tennessee program page, or contact our admissions team for a detailed breakdown.

We’re transparent about training costs so you can make an informed decision, not be surprised later.

How can I pay for truck driving school?

We offer several payment options so cost doesn’t become a barrier:

In-house financing

Pay a down payment when you enroll, then make monthly payments. No credit check required.

Private loans

Borrow from a bank or lending company to cover tuition. Terms and rates vary by lender – our team can connect you with options.

WIOA grants

If you’re unemployed or underemployed, you may qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding that you don’t repay. Eligibility varies by state.

Company-sponsored programs

Some trucking companies will pay for your training if you commit to working for them after graduation.

Many students combine two or more methods. Our admissions team can help you figure out what combination works best for your budget and situation.

Can I combine different payment methods?

Yes. Some students use more than one payment option. You might use WIOA funds for part of tuition and set up an in-house payment plan for the rest. Our team will help you find the right mix.

What if I have bad credit?

In-house financing doesn’t require a credit check, so bad credit isn’t a barrier. For private loans, credit requirements depend on the lender – our team can connect you with lenders who work with various credit situations.

What if I can’t make a payment?

Contact us right away. The sooner you reach out, the more options we have to work with. We’re here to find solutions, not add stress.

Do I need to apply for financial assistance before training?

It depends on which option you’re pursuing. WIOA and company-sponsored programs can have processing times, so start early if interested. In-house financing and private loans move faster. Our admissions team can walk you through the timeline based on your specific situation.

Job and Career Support

Does CDL School Inc. guarantee me a job after graduation?

We can’t guarantee employment, but we do something most schools don’t – we give you direct access to companies that are actively hiring. We’ve built relationships with over 50 major trucking companies – Werner, Schneider, Covenant, TMC, and others – who regularly recruit our graduates. Recruiters visit our campuses, and many students receive offers before they even finish training.

Our career team also helps with resume development, interview preparation, and connecting you with opportunities that match your lifestyle.

Learn More About Our Career Support Program

How soon can I start working after I get my CDL?

Many students receive job offers before graduation. Some companies require an orientation or brief on-the-job training, but most graduates are working within days of passing their CDL exam.

What kind of truck driving jobs can I get?

With your CDL, you can pursue:

  • Local driving: Home every night, typically within 100 miles of your base
  • Regional driving: Multi-state routes, usually home 1-2 times per week
  • Over-the-Road (OTR): Long-haul routes across the country, typically home once a month

Our career team helps you understand what each type involves so you can choose work that fits your lifestyle.

How much money will I make as a truck driver?

First-year truck drivers commonly earn $50,000 per year or more, depending on the company, route type, and driving schedule. Pay increases as you gain experience and build your reputation with carriers.

Do I need driving experience to get hired?

No. Carriers actively hire new graduates with no prior truck driving experience. Companies provide on-the-job training to get new drivers up to speed.

Will recruiters actually visit the school?

Yes. Companies regularly send recruiters to both our Nashville and Jacksonville locations. They meet with students, discuss open positions, and sometimes conduct early-stage interviews on campus. This is one of the best parts of training with us – you’re meeting potential employers while still in class.

Can CDL School Inc. help me later in my career?

Absolutely. Graduates can reach out anytime for updates, job leads, application support, or help exploring new companies. Your career support doesn’t end when you graduate.

What if a company wants to sponsor my training?

That’s a great opportunity. Some trucking companies pay for training if you commit to working for them afterward. If you’ve been offered a job that includes paid training, let our admissions team know. We’ll coordinate with your company on enrollment and payment details.

Learn more about company-sponsored training options

About CDL School Inc

Where is CDL School Inc. located?

We have two locations:

Both locations offer Class A CDL training with experienced instructors and modern training equipment.

Is CDL School Inc. a licensed school?

Yes. CDL School Inc.’s locations are state-licensed in both Tennessee and Florida and meet all ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) standards. We were also named School Partner of the Year in 2024 by Covenant Transport, which tells you something about the quality of our training and our commitment to the industry.

Who runs CDL School Inc?

CDL School Inc. was founded in 2020 by Shawn and Priscilla Davis. Shawn spent years as a flatbed truck driver, operations manager, and instructor at other CDL schools – he knows what actually works on the road. Priscilla started as a student driver before moving into administrative and HR roles. They built this school because they understand firsthand what new drivers need to succeed.

Why choose CDL School Inc. over other truck driving schools?

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Real instructors with real experience: Our team has spent years driving trucks and managing operations. We teach what actually works in the field.
  • Hands-on training on actual equipment: You’re practicing on real Class A trucks in real conditions – not simulators or videos
  • Direct connections to hiring companies: Over 50 major carriers recruit here. Recruiters visit our campuses. Regularly, and job offers happen before graduation.
  • Flexible schedules that actually work: Weekday, weekend, and evening options so training fits your life, not the other way around.
  • Small class sizes: You get personalized attention from instructors and plenty of behind-the-wheel practice time.
  • Career support that continues: We help with job planning, resume writing, interview prep, and placement – even after you finish training.

What makes truck driver training in Nashville different from Jacksonville?

Both locations deliver quality Class A CDL training with strong hiring connections. Here’s how they differ:

  • Tennessee CDL School offers weekday (3 weeks) and weekend (5 weekends) programs
  • Florida Truck Driving School offers weekday (3 weeks) and evening (6 weeks) programs

Choose the location and schedule that works best for your situation. Both start regularly and both connect you with hiring companies.

The CDL Exam and Beyond

What if I don’t pass the CDL exam on my first try?

We provide additional instruction and support to help you succeed. Talk to your instructor or our admissions team about next steps. You won’t be abandoned – we’re invested in your success.

How do I prepare for the CDL written exam?

Our online classroom training covers everything on the CDL written exam. You’ll learn vehicle mechanics, safety regulations, inspection procedures, and road laws. Our curriculum is designed specifically to prepare you to pass.

What is involved in the CDL driving test?

The CDL driving test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and on-road driving. Our hands-on training covers all three components so you know what to expect and feel confident on test day.

Common Concerns

Is truck driving a stable career?

Yes, the trucking industry consistently needs qualified drivers. Companies depend on trucking to move goods across the country, which means steady demand. Once you have your CDL, you have options for stable, long-term work.

Will I be home as much as a truck driver?

It depends on the job you choose. Local drivers go home every night. Regional drivers might be home 1-2 times per week. Over-the-road drivers might be home once monthly. When you’re working with our career team, we help you find a job type that matches your lifestyle.

What if I’m worried about failing?

Our small class sizes mean you get personal attention from instructors. We also provide additional support if you’re struggling with any part of the training. Our goal is seeing you succeed – that’s why we do things the way we do.

How do I know if truck driving is right for me?

If you’re looking for consistent work with steady pay, if you’re comfortable spending time on the road, and if you want to take control of your career, truck driving might be a great fit. Our admissions team can help you think through whether it’s the right move for your situation.

What’s Next?

Ready to take the first step? Here’s how to start:

Apply online or call our admissions team. It takes just a few minutes to get the process rolling.

Tour one of our locations and meet with someone about which program fits your schedule.

Choose your program and payment method to finalize enrollment.

Start training as soon as the next available Monday.

Most students can start classes within days of their first contact with us.

Start Your Application Today

Still Have Questions?

Our admissions team is here to answer anything we didn’t cover. Reach out anytime – no question is too small.

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