We believe your career success has a lot to do with your education. The right training can not only make your job easier but safer too. Therefore, some professions like medical, law, engineering, and even trucking require you to have both on and off the job training. Companies hiring you want to ensure you have what it takes to solve the problems they are facing in the workplace. Did you know every job posting available to you has a specific problem that needs solving? For example, CDL Jobs in San Diego have been posted to find someone who can either transport cargo safely or within a specific timeframe. To accomplish this, you must be a trained truck driver with both the right skillset, knowledge, and experience.

To make your search easier in finding the best training available to you when pursuing a career in trucking, we’ve compiled a list of the best truck driving schools in San Diego. How have we determined what makes a trucking school credible? We explored the following areas –

A) Overall star-rating on Google and read through testimonials posted by students.

B) The programs being offered by the truck driving school and how in-depth each program is.

C) Cost and requirements of program which shows how well the trucking school follows State regulations.

D) Experience teaching students by looking at the amount of years active in the business. We’ll also list the year established if applicable.

1) United Truck Driving School

Rating 4.9/5 (50) (Google)

Program Overview

The best truck driving school in San Diego. This trucking school was established in 1978. United Trucking School provides you training for CDL Class A-B-Passenger training. They have various tuition assistance programs and help with CDL job placement after successful completion of program. United Trucking School in San Diego has 2 different campuses – San Diego and Riverside.

United Truck Driving School will prepare you with everything you need to successfully start your career in trucking. After successful completion, you will be eligible to obtain your CDL License in San Diego.

Program Requirements

Submit a completed Application for Enrollment to Admissions

Provide valid driver’s license from student’s resident state

Provide valid social security card

Provide the school with a high school diploma, GED, DD-214, or college transcripts or pass an Ability to Benefit test. Pursuant to California Code of Regulation, Section 71770 (a)(1) each student admitted to an undergraduate degree program, or a diploma program, shall possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or otherwise successfully take and pass the relevant 11 examination as required by section 94904 of the Code. Students without a high school diploma or GED must complete an US Department of Education approved Ability of Benefit Test. That test will be scheduled by admissions if necessary.

Meet with an Admissions Representative to discuss educational program and tour the facility

Receive a school catalog and school performance fact sheet

Be 18 years of age in order to receive a commercial license (Students between the ages of 18 and 21 can obtain a commercial driver’s license to drive within the state of issuance.)

Be able to meet the medical requirements for a commercial driver (Pass a physical and drug screen.)

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement. 94909(a)(3)(B),(C)(6),(C)(8)(A), 94909(a)(5)

Complete the Enrollment Agreement that includes a $250.00 application fee and state required STRF Fee

Program Cost

Address

2425 Camino Del Rio S
Ste 250
San Diego, CA 92108
619-345-3676

Student Review

“Friendly and helpful staff. Samantha was a big help with my enrollment and was always available to answer any of my questions. Gary, the classroom instructor did a great job and I enjoyed his stories. And the instructors (Anthony, Eric, & Harley) at the yard are an amazing crew. Very helpful and funny.”




2) America Truck Driving School

Rating 4.8/5 (21) (Google)

Program Overview

To obtain your CDL license in San Diego, it’s important you attend a creditable trucking school that has been around for years. The America Truck Driving School was established in 2000 and has 4 offices within California. The most recent one is their trucking program in San Diego.

America Truck Driving School offers programs for the following – Class A, Class A w/ Passenger Endorsement, Class B, Class B w/ Passenger Endorsement, and others. You will get in-depth training no matter what program you choose, and this will prepare you for a career in trucking.

Program Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 years old for inter-state driving);

have an acceptable driving record; possess a valid driver’s license and meet specific driver qualifications established by the office of motor carrier safety including a physical examination and drug test; and possess a social security card.

Students without a high school diploma or GED must successfully complete an ability to benefit examination.

Students must also have a High School, GED, or ATB English proficiency level. The school director reserves the right to accept or reject applicants, in their best interest, based upon the above requirements.

All America Truck Driving School training programs are taught in English only per Federal testing guidelines. America Truck Driving School does not accept students from outside the United States of America.

NOTE: Applicants will be disqualified from taking the course if any of the following circumstances are present. Should an individual with such a record wish to learn commercial driving in spite of their record, a driving record waiver will be required. 1. DWI, DUI, OMVI or similar conviction in the last three years. 2. Three or more moving violations in the last two years. 3. Certain felony convictions. (Reviewed with the school director on a case by case situation.)

Additional Information

The candidate for the certificate must:

Have successfully completed all specified requirements for the certificate.

Earn a cumulative grade average of at least 70% in each area of training.

Be free from all indebtedness to the school or have made satisfactory arrangements for the payment of tuition and fees.

Program Cost

Additional cost information for 2019 available here

Address

420 W. Second Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 233-1247

­Student Review

“Very thankful for all the help that was given to me all employees have been very helpful and provided me with all i need. The employees are all very professional the instructors never gave up and office worker always helped me with my schedule”


3) Western Truck School

Rating 4.7/5 (9) (Google)

Program Overview

Western Truck School is one of the best trucking schools in San Diego. They were established in 1976 and have 40,000 graduates to date. They offer an in-depth range of truck driving programs like Class A, B, Passenger, and A/P programs.

Please view there F.A.Q section for more information regarding program.

Program Requirements

During the enrollment process, we will take a copy of your current driver’s license, your social security card and your proof of education (high school diploma or GED). We’ll also need a copy of your H6 (10-year DMV report).

You will be required to complete a Department of Transportation physical and drug screen prior to attending class.

Program Cost

Class A – $4,995

Class B Permit – $3,250

Please call for other pricing information.

Address

10541 Prospect Ave,
Santee, CA 92071
1-800-929-1320

­Student Review

“Good place to go to learn to drive 18 wheelers. The staff is very nice and really want to see you get your CDL. They have recruiters from different trucking companies come in which will help with you getting a job when you get out. I my self got an interview this Friday after meeting with a require that stopped in.”




4) Teen Driving School Inc

Rating 4.7/5 (49) (Google)

Program Overview

Teen Driving School provides CDL training in San Diego and has been in business since 1992. They have programs for both teens and adults and provide an in-depth approach to learning. For example, you can take classes led by instructors and offer an online trucking program which has been approved in California.

Even though the programs are designed specially for California teens. The programs and services being offered are to both adults and teens. These also satisfy requirements to obtain California state permit and driver’s license.

Program Requirements

Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age

Complete the permit application form DL 44.

Provide your social security number and Birth Certificate

Submit the driver education certificate of completion

Pay the application fee

Pass a vision exam. You may use your eyeglasses or contact lenses

Pass a traffic laws and sign test. 38 correct answers out of 46 questions

Provide two documents that prove you are California resident

Program Cost

Driver’s 4-day Classroom Course (Certificate Issued DL400B) – Price $105.

$85.00 enrollment down payment. Remainder of $190 collected by instructors during first lesson

Address

4455 Twain Ave # E
San Diego, CA 92120
(619) 282-7900

Student Review

“Jesse at Teen Driving School is the best. He was prompt picking up my son for his lessons every time; my son was instantly comfortable. He made the lesson less stressful. The school is affordable, and they even accommodated us when we had a last-minute change to pick up from school vs home. You would not regret choosing this school and I recommend Jesse 100%. He took the extra time to explain those key things that my son did incorrectly or needed to improve on. Thank you Teen Driving School, my son passed on the first try. You are on of the best trucking driving schools in San Diego


Final Thoughts

It’s important to do your research before choosing a trucking school to complete your training. Some trucking driving schools in San Diego will offer more in-depth training compared to others. This doesn’t mean they are better, but simply that they have been in the business longer so have build a stronger foundation then the others. We recommend reading through our list of truck driving schools to get an idea of what each school is offering and calling them directly to speak to someone about how they can help you excel . In the end, you want to choose a program that will give you the knowledge and skills you require to successfully obtain your CDL license. After, you can start applying for jobs in the industry that pay well and eventually allow you to grow within the company itself.

Additional Resources

Air Brakes Endorsement Practice Test – (With Time Limit)
CDL General Knowledge Practice Test – Part 6
Understanding Union Truck Driver Pay Scales
YRC Employment and Job Requirements
Fleetmatics Truck GPS Tracking Benefits Your Business

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