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CDL training in North Carolina

Free and low-cost CDL training in North Carolina

Public colleges with CDL programs, grants that can pay your tuition, and companies that will train you for free, with the official North Carolina links you need.

Minimum ageAsk the licensing agency; federal rules require 21 for interstate driving
Licensing agencyNorth Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDOT)
Find a job centerAmerican Job Center finder
Diesel this week$5.814/gal (Lower Atlantic average)

Public colleges and career centers with CDL training

These 2 public programs were checked on their own websites. Prices and schedules change, so confirm before you apply.

Southeastern Community College

Whiteville, NC
Class A9 weeks$1,045 registration (plus permit, license, physical, drug screen)

Mon-Thu in person, Fri online; financial assistance first-come.

Program page ↗

Nash Community College

Rocky Mount, NC
Class A,BUp to 158 hours

Continuing Education program with classroom, lab and one-on-one driving.

Program page ↗

Ways to get your CDL paid for

  1. WIOA grant. Visit a local American Job Center and ask about WIOA training funds. If you qualify (often people who are unemployed, laid off or on a low income), the grant can cover tuition at a school on the state’s approved training provider list.
  2. Company-paid training. The carriers below train new drivers. You usually agree to drive for them for 6 to 12 months, and may owe part of the cost if you leave early.
  3. Paid Class B training. School districts, transit agencies and bus companies in North Carolina often pay you while you train.
  4. GI Bill. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved non-college programs, including truck driving school.

Trucking companies that train new drivers

Swift TransportationCompany CDL training available (work commitment required) · Nationwide; terminals in most statesSchneider NationalTuition reimbursement for CDL school · Nationwide (HQ Green Bay, WI)Prime Inc.CDL training paid back through a work commitment · Nationwide (HQ Springfield, MO)Werner EnterprisesPartners with CDL schools · Nationwide (HQ Omaha, NE)J.B. HuntDriver academy in some areas · Nationwide (HQ Lowell, AR)Roehl TransportPaid CDL training with commitment · Midwest, Southeast, Northeast (HQ Marshfield, WI)Old Dominion Freight Line$0 · Nationwide service centers (HQ Thomasville, NC)Estes Express Lines$0; school available to employees · Nationwide (HQ Richmond, VA)FedEx Freight$0 · NationwideSaia$0 · Nationwide, growing fast (HQ Johns Creek, GA)Stevens TransportSponsored training with commitment · Nationwide (HQ Dallas, TX)TMC Transportation$0 · Nationwide (HQ Des Moines, IA)C.R. EnglandCDL school cost repaid through employment · Nationwide (HQ Salt Lake City, UT)CRSTTraining ($3,000–$7,000) paid by CRST with a 6–12 month commitment · Nationwide (HQ Cedar Rapids, IA)Averitt Express$0; paid training · Southeast and South Central (HQ Cookeville, TN)Maverick Transportation$0; paid orientation · Nationwide (HQ North Little Rock, AR)XPO$0; earn-while-you-learn school · NationwideABF Freight (ArcBest)$0 · Nationwide (HQ Fort Smith, AR)

Local jobs that train you for a CDL

Foodservice Delivery$0 · NationwideBeverage Route Driver$0 · NationwideSchool Bus Driver$0; training usually paid · Every school districtCity Transit Bus Operator$0; paid training · Cities with public transitZūm$0; CDL training usually paid · School districts in CA, WA, IL, TX, NE and other states

Trucking companies based in North Carolina

Questions about getting a CDL in North Carolina

Can I get a CDL at 18 in North Carolina?

Federal rules require you to be 21 to drive across state lines. Check with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDOT) about in-state driving under 21.

Is there free CDL training in North Carolina?

Often, yes. If you qualify, a WIOA grant from your local American Job Center can pay tuition at an approved school. Several trucking companies also train new drivers for free in exchange for a work commitment, and many school districts and transit agencies pay you while you train for a Class B.

How much does CDL school cost in North Carolina?

Public programs listed above show prices from $1,045 registration (plus permit, license, physical, drug screen). Ask about books, testing fees and the DOT physical, which may not be included.

How long does it take to get a CDL?

Most full-time Class A programs take 3 to 8 weeks. You also need a DOT medical card and a learner’s permit before behind-the-wheel training, and a skills test at the end.

Before you enroll: make sure the school is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. Since 2022, first-time Class A and B drivers must finish Entry-Level Driver Training with a registered provider before taking the skills test.
See North Carolina on the driver map

Fuel prices, CDL schools, freight corridors and carriers near you.

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Sources: official North Carolina licensing and workforce pages linked above, each school’s own program page, FMCSA, and EIA fuel prices (week of Nov 2, 2026). Checked Nov 9, 2026. Programs, prices and dates change, so confirm with the school before you apply.

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