Free CDL Courses Near You
Currently, the U.S. trucking industry faces a severe driver shortage with more than 1 million unfilled positions. This demand highlights the importance of obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), which not only increases employability but also opens the door to a variety of career opportunities in stable and high-paying fields. CDL courses provide the necessary training to ensure that drivers have the skills needed to operate safely and efficiently on the road. Many states offer free truck driving courses to support aspiring drivers. This article will help you find out.
01 Free CDL A TRAINING & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM in DENVER, CO
CrossPurpose, located in Denver, CO, offers a free Class A CDL training and certification program designed to prepare individuals for a career in trucking. Your free Class A CDL training will take place over four weeks in an offsite training program conducted by a leading Denver truck driving school. Certified transportation specialists are in high demand in Colorado and throughout the United States. Additionally, a large number of jobs in industries such as construction and waste collection often require CDL A certification. You will leave your CDL A training and certification program equipped with the skills you need to begin working in a variety of commercial transportation positions.
Course Content
Participants engage in a three-week personal and professional development course covering skills such as resume building, interview techniques, financial literacy, and customer relations. Following this, they receive hands-on training with certified instructors using simulators and real trucks.
At the end of your CDL free training, you will be ready to:
·Transport different types of goods and deliver freight
·Perform inspections before and after trips
·Perform equipment diagnosis to troubleshoot problems with mechanical systems
·Unload cased products from trailers
·Be in compliance with all DOT CDL requirements
·Follow appropriate safety regulations and procedures
·Maintain logs of vehicle repair status and working hours
·Manage proof of delivery paperwork from customers
·And more!
Application Qualifications
To qualify, applicants must have a clean driving record for three years, pass a DOT physical, and complete a written test prior to enrollment.
Application Channels
Interested individuals can apply through the CrossPurpose website.
02 Philadelphia, PA
Congreso de Latinos Unidos in Philadelphia, PA, offers a free CDL-A “Careers in Trucking” program designed to help individuals secure their Class-A driver’s license.
Course Content
The program includes 8-10 weeks of mandatory instruction covering the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) required by federal regulations, alongside 5-6 weeks of hands-on training. Students receive comprehensive support, including coverage for all training-related expenses.
Application Qualifications
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a clean driving record for one year, and be registered with the PA CareerLink system. They must also pass a DOT physical and drug test.
Application Channels
To apply, interested individuals can contact Mayra Ortiz Delgado at Congreso via phone at 267-736-6342 or email at [email protected].
03 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC)
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) offers a free Commercial Truck Driving program designed to prepare individuals for a career in trucking.
Course Content
The program includes 320 clock hours of training, covering essential skills such as operating diesel vehicles, loading and unloading cargo, and maintaining necessary records. Students can earn a Career Certificate and obtain their Mississippi CDL license.
Application Qualifications
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Mississippi driver’s license, pass a DOT physical and drug screen, and demonstrate residency in Mississippi.
Application Channels
To apply, interested individuals can visit the MGCCC website for enrollment information at MGCCC Commercial Truck Driving.
04 ANEW in Washington State
ANEW in Washington State offers free CDL training for individuals seeking to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License.
Course Content
The program includes both classroom instruction and practical driving experience, equipping students with the skills necessary to pass the CDL exam and succeed in the trucking industry.
Application Qualifications
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Washington driver’s license, pass a drug test, and obtain a DOT medical card.
Application Channels
To apply, interested individuals should contact ANEW via email at [email protected]. The registration process involves completing an online application and scheduling a virtual interview.
In addition to the above four states, some other states also offer free CDL courses. You can find relevant courses near you through search engines.