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Cone range at Carolina CDL Training Center in Candler, NC
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Common Questions

CDL training, answered.

Everything you want to know about getting your CDL with us - program length, pricing, financing, permits and what comes after graduation.

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Program & Schedule

The course.

How long does CDL training take?
Both our Class A and Class B programs are 160 hours - about 4 weeks. Classes run Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 6:30pm, and include 3 hours of night driving.
What's the class schedule?
Classes meet Monday through Thursday, 8:00am - 6:30pm. Because the course includes night driving, plan for at least one afternoon-into-evening session during your program.
Do you offer weekend classes?
If you're interested in weekend availability, let us know on your application or give us a call at (888) 878-9986 and we'll go over current scheduling options with you.
What does the 160-hour Class A course cover?
The Class A program breaks down into 50 hours of classroom instruction, 50 hours of field/range work, 20 hours of highway behind-the-wheel driving and 40 hours of observation - 160 hours total over about four weeks.
Choosing a License

Class A vs. Class B.

What's the difference between Class A and Class B?
A Class A CDL lets you drive combination vehicles - tractor-trailers, tankers and flatbeds with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs or more where the towed unit is over 10,000 lbs. A Class B CDL covers single straight vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR like dump trucks, box trucks and buses. Class A opens up the widest range of jobs.
Which one should I get?
Most over-the-road and long-haul trucking jobs require a Class A, which also tends to offer the highest earning potential. Class B is a great fit for local routes like dump and box trucks. Not sure? Compare them on our Class A vs. Class B page or call us and we'll help you decide.
Is the training manual or automatic?
Both. You can train on automatic or manual transmission equipment. Pricing differs slightly - manual costs a bit more because of the added skill involved.
Pricing & Financing

What it costs.

How much does CDL training cost?
Class A is $4,000 (automatic) or $4,500 (manual). Class B is $3,500 (automatic) or $4,000 (manual). Both are 160-hour, roughly 4-week programs. These are cash prices.
How much is 3rd-party CDL testing?
For Class A and Class B skills tests, it's $250 if you bring your own equipment, or $500 if you use ours. Testing is administered on-site.
Do you offer a refresher course?
Yes. Our CDL refresher course is $2,500 and is designed for drivers who are already licensed but want to sharpen their skills before getting back behind the wheel.
Can I finance my tuition?
Yes - we partner with CREDEE. There's no credit check, instant approval for about 95% of students, and payment plans up to 6 months. On-time payments are reported to the credit bureaus, so they can help build your credit. Learn more on our tuition assistance page.
Is there really no credit check for financing?
Correct. CREDEE financing requires no credit check and approves most applicants instantly, so a thin or rough credit history won't stand between you and your career.
What other fees should I budget for?
Besides tuition, plan for student fees paid to outside agencies: about $100 for your DOT medical certificate, a $150 registration fee, optional housing from $125/week, and DMV fees that vary by state.
Requirements

What you need to start.

Do I need a CDL permit before I start?
No - NC residents do not need a CDL permit to begin training. If you'd like one anyway, you'll need to pass three written tests: General Knowledge, Combination and Air Brakes. We'll guide you to the NC CDL Manual and help you prepare.
What is ELDT and does it apply to me?
ELDT stands for Entry-Level Driver Training, a federal standard that sets minimum training requirements for first-time CDL applicants. It applies to anyone getting a Class A or B CDL for the first time, upgrading their CDL, or adding an H, P or S endorsement for the first time since February 7, 2022. Our program is fully ELDT-compliant.
Do I need a DOT medical certificate?
Yes. All trainees must obtain a DOT medical certificate before being approved and scheduled for training. It costs about $100 through a certified medical examiner.
What should I bring on my first day?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your DOT medical certificate. That's the essentials - our team will walk you through everything else when you enroll.
After Training

Testing & jobs.

Do you offer on-site CDL testing?
Yes. We offer 3rd-party CDL skills testing for Class A and Class B right at our facility - pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers and the road test. It's $250 with your own equipment or $500 with ours.
Will you help me find a job after I graduate?
Yes. Through our partner Owner Operator Land, graduates get matched with owner-operator and company-driver roles. They've been hiring since 2018, charge no recruitment fees, and assign you a personal recruiter. See our partners page.
How much can I earn as a new CDL driver?
Pay varies by company, route and license class, but new CDL drivers in NC commonly start around $50k - $70k+ per year, with room to grow. See our earning potential page for more.
Location & Housing

Where we are.

Where is Carolina CDL Training Center located?
We're at 2379 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715 - just west of Asheville, serving drivers across Western North Carolina including Hendersonville, Waynesville and Canton. See our locations page for directions.
Is housing available if I'm coming from out of town?
Yes - housing is available from $125/week for students traveling in from outside the Asheville area.

Still have questions?

Call us or send your application and our team will get back to you right away with real answers.

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