CDL school cost in California (2026)
California community colleges range from tuition-free Class A/B training to $7,140. Free public programs exist, but students still pay DMV, drug-test and DOT physical costs. Every price below is copied from the school's own page or an official state training listing, with a link. These are named programs, not a statewide average.
Checked 2026-10-27 by Jake R. Prices change, so get a written, itemized quote. FMCSA does not publish tuition; we only report each school's FMCSA Training Provider Registry status. Private schools set their own prices.
Public college and official-listing programs
| Public program | Clock hours | Tuition | Estimated total / notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo) Commercial Truck Driving (Class A or B) | — | $0 (no charge for CDL courses or DMV testing) | Student pays DMV K-4 record, drug/alcohol screening, documents, DOT physical needs, parking. | official page |
| Allan Hancock College (Santa Maria) Commercial Truck Driving (Class A or B), Community Education | — | $0 (tuition-free) | Does not prepare for endorsements. | official page |
| Shasta College (Redding) Class A CDL Training (behind-the-wheel) | — | $3,500 | Financial aid does not apply; AJCC/WIOA or DOR funding may. | official page |
| El Camino College (Torrance) Class A Commercial Truck Driving · 2025 | — | $5,995 all-inclusive | Includes materials, truck for training/testing, DMV permit and Class A fee. Excludes K-4 record, DOT physical needs, parking, endorsements. | official page |
| Long Beach City College Class A CDL, 4-week / 160-hour | 160 | $7,140 | WIOA funding may be available via local workforce board. | official page |
Costs copied from each school's official page, checked 2026-10-27. Fees change, so confirm with the school. Private schools set their own prices. Ask for a written, itemized quote.
What drives the price
- Class A vs. Class B. Where a school lists both, Class B costs less.
- What's included. DOT physical, learner's permit, driving record and test fees are often extra. Check the notes column.
- Funding. WIOA through your local workforce board, and the GI Bill® for veterans, can cover some or all of the cost. See how to pay for CDL school.
More: How much does CDL school cost? · Private vs. public CDL schools · Florida CDL cost · All CDL schools in California