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CDL Program

A CDL program prepares you to safely operate heavy trucks and obtain a commercial driver’s license, one of the fastest paths from training to a paying job in the trades. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited CDL programs that fit your schedule.

What Does a CDL Program Cover?

A CDL program combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving practice to prepare you for both the CDL knowledge test and the road skills test. CDL license training typically covers vehicle inspection, safe driving techniques, and the regulations that govern commercial driving.

CDL Program Pay and Job Outlook

A CDL program prepares graduates for roles the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. CDL license driver salary reached a median annual wage of $58,640 as of May 2025, with about 2.24 million people employed in the role as of 2024. Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 237,600 openings projected each year, among the highest of any occupation in this project, largely due to industry turnover. Commercial driver’s license jobs remain in strong demand across nearly every region of the country.

— ACCREDITED PARTNERS

Sponsored Schools

A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.

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“50+ years of career-focused education”

Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.

Pros and Cons of a CDL Career

1

One of the shortest training timelines in the trades

Long-haul roles often mean extended time away from home

2

Strong, steady demand across nearly every industry

Physically demanding, with long hours sitting and loading or unloading

 

3

CDL training grants and company-sponsored options can reduce cost

Physically demanding, with long hours sitting and loading or unloading

 

4

No four year degree required to begin working

Pay can vary significantly based on route type and employer

Choose Your Degree Level

CDL Training Courses (classroom + range)

Building foundational knowledge and basic vehicle handling

 

Full CDL Program (classroom + road training)

The most common, complete path to earning a CDL

 

Company-Sponsored CDL Training

Students seeking little to no upfront training cost, often with a work commitment

 

Common Questions About CDL Programs

How much does CDL training cost?

Cost varies by school and program length, though many students reduce their out of pocket cost through CDL training grants or company-sponsored programs that cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.

Most programs include classroom instruction on regulations and safety, range practice for basic vehicle handling, and behind the wheel road training to prepare for the CDL skills test.

According to the BLS, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earned a median annual wage of $58,640 in May 2025, though pay can vary based on route type, experience, and employer.

Graduates commonly find roles in long-haul trucking, regional and local delivery, and specialized hauling, with strong demand across nearly every industry that relies on freight transport.

Some states and employers offer CDL training grants or sponsorships, particularly for students committing to work for a specific carrier after earning their license.

— Start your journey today

Ready to Start Your CDL Career?

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