Make CDL School Affordable
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re seriously considering getting your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) and starting a new career in the trucking industry. First off, congratulations, that’s a huge step toward financial independence and long-term success.
But before you can hit the road and start earning, there’s one important question that might be holding you back:
“How in the world am I going to pay for CDL school?”
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns we hear from prospective truck driving students. So in this post, we’re going to break down:
The cost of CDL training school
Different payment options (including some creative solutions)
Ways to reduce financial stress during training
Whether you’re in New Jersey or anywhere else in the country, this guide will help you figure out how to make CDL school work for your budget and lifestyle.
How Much Does CDL School Cost?
Let’s start with the basics: how much will you need to invest to get your CDL license?
Prices for CDL schools vary drastically depending on your location, the type of training offered, and the reputation of the school. In the U.S., you’ll typically see costs range from $2,500 to as much as $22,000. That’s a huge gap and it’s important to understand why.
Cheaper schools may sound like a great deal at first glance, but often they offer very limited hands-on training. For example, we’ve heard of some $2,500 programs where students get as little as 20 minutes in a truck once or twice a week. That’s hardly enough time to build the skills you need to pass the CDL exam, let alone feel confident behind the wheel.
At Driving Academy, most of our students invest between $3,000 and $5,500, depending on the course they choose. That investment reflects:
- Hours of classroom and yard training
High-quality, flexible training (we’re open 7 days a week!)
Experienced instructors
- Guaranteed training programs
Access to modern equipment including state of the art truck simulators
A personalized approach to scheduling and payment
HOW TO PAY FOR CDL SCHOOL
1. Pay in Full (Best for Planners)
If you’re someone who plans ahead and has been saving for this moment, paying for your training in full is often the simplest and most flexible option.
Benefits of paying in full:
No interest payments
Maximum flexibility in your training schedule
Fast-track completion (no waiting on payment clearances)
Peace of mind knowing you’re fully committed
If you’ve been setting aside money for a big opportunity, investing in your CDL license is one of the smartest moves you can make. This career path can offer a solid return on investment, especially when compared to a four-year college degree. Afterall the average truck driver earns $70,000/year.
Budgeting
One way you can afford to pay for truck driving school is to build your savings by setting a budget. Set aside a certain amount every month for CDL school, and cut extra expenses like eating out or travel.
2. Interest-Free Payment Plans (Most Popular Option)
Not everyone has thousands saved up, and that’s okay.
That’s why Driving Academy offers an interest-free payment plan. All you need is $500 down to get started. From there, you make weekly payments until your balance is paid off. The only rule is that your balance must be fully paid before you complete your training.
This option is perfect for people working part-time or full-time jobs. Because we’re open every day of the week, you can train around your schedule. You can attend school one, two, three days a week or more!
If something comes up and you can’t make a payment one week? No problem. We’ll simply pause your training and resume once you’re ready to continue. It’s flexible, fair, and accessible to everyone, no credit check required.
3. Apply for Government Grants
Grants can be an excellent way to pay for CDL school without dipping into your own pocket. There are two major types to explore:
a) Grants for Unemployed or Underemployed Individuals
If you’re currently unemployed or working a low-income job, you may qualify for a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant. These are available through your local unemployment office and are designed to help people transition into in-demand careers like truck driving.
Steps to take:
Visit your local unemployment or workforce development office
Ask about vocational training grants
Complete the application and provide required documentation
If approved, the government will pay your tuition, helping you launch your new career without debt.
b) GI Bill® for Veterans
If you’ve served in the military, first off, thank you for your service. Secondly, you might be eligible to use your GI Bill® benefits to pay for CDL school. Driving Academy is proud to be GI Bill® approved.
Even better, veterans who attend full-time training may qualify for a monthly housing stipend during their time in school. That means the government will not only cover your tuition, they’ll help cover your living expenses too.
4. Use a Credit Card
This option requires some discipline, but it can work if you’re confident in your ability to finish training quickly and land a job right away.
Let’s say you have a credit card with a $5,000 limit. You use that to pay for training at the beginning of the month. If you go through full-time training and finish within 3-4 weeks, you can potentially be employed by the time your first credit card payment is due.
Pro tip: Look for cards with 0% interest for 12–18 months to buy yourself more time.
Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement bonuses, meaning they’ll help you pay off that card while you earn a salary. Now that’s what we call a smart investment.
5. Ask Friends or Family for Help
It might feel uncomfortable, but this option is more common than you think. Explain your goals clearly and show how the CDL license will help you earn more and build a sustainable career.
Most people are happy to support a loved one who’s working hard to improve their situation. And unlike traditional loans, you can often work out more flexible, low-interest or interest-free repayment plans.
6. Apply for a Personal Loan
Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer personal loans that can be used for vocational training. Just be mindful of:
Interest rates
Repayment terms
Approval requirements
Make sure you understand the total cost of the loan before committing. A good rule of thumb is to only borrow what you’re confident you can repay within 12–24 months of starting your new job.
7. Sell What You Don’t Need
Sometimes, the money you need is already in your garage or closet. Selling old electronics, furniture, collectibles, or even a second vehicle can help cover the cost of training.
We had one student who crunched the numbers and realized how good of an investment it is to become a truck driver so he sold his only car to pay for CDL school. He got rides from friends, trained hard, passed on the second try, got hired quickly, and started his own trucking company.
Today, he owns over a dozen trucks and earns more in a day than he once paid for his training. That’s well over $200,000/year as an owner operator.
That’s the power of commitment and vision!
8. Get Sponsored by an Employer
If you’re already working in a warehouse or logistics job, consider asking your employer if they’ll sponsor your CDL training. Many companies are desperate for licensed drivers and would rather invest in someone they already trust.
Offer to stay with the company for a set period (like 12–24 months) in exchange for tuition assistance. It’s a win-win for everyone, they get a reliable driver, and you get your training paid for.
As we mentioned there are also employers who offer tuition reimbursement, for those who recently graduated from trucking school.
Final Thoughts: CDL School is an Investment, Not an Expense
At the end of the day, CDL school isn’t just another bill to pay, it’s an investment in your future. And like any good investment, the goal is to turn a relatively small upfront cost into a lifetime of returns.
Whether you choose to pay in full, go with a payment plan, use a grant, or get creative, the key is to get started. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll have your license and the freedom that comes with it.
At Driving Academy, we’re committed to helping a million people get on the road to freedom. If money is holding you back, let us help you find a solution. All you need is $500 down to start, and we’ll work with you from there.
Ready to get started?
Visit CDLDrivingAcademy.com to book your appointment today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
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Let’s hit the road to freedom together.
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