Red flags Before you pay Compare two
CDL school quote-request script
Copy-paste email or phone script that forces an itemized written quote before any deposit. Use after you confirm registry status. Independent directory — not FMCSA.
Email script (copy)
Subject: Written itemized quote before enrollment — [Your name] Hello, I am considering your CDL training program and need a written itemized quote before I pay any deposit or sign. Please reply with: 1) Exact program name and training address that should appear on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry 2) Itemized costs: tuition, registration, books, permit/test fees, road-test truck use, drug screen, retest fees, and any other fees 3) What is refundable vs non-refundable, and by which dates 4) Expected start dates and total clock/range hours for ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel 5) Whether financing or third-party funding is optional (I will confirm funding separately) I will verify your listing on tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov myself. Thank you. [Your name] · [Phone] · [City/State]
Phone script (checklist)
- □ “Before we talk financing — what is the exact training address I should search on the FMCSA TPR?” Write it: __________
- □ “Can you email a written itemized quote today that lists tuition and every fee separately?” □ Promised □ Refused
- □ “Which fees are non-refundable if I cancel before day one?” Notes: ______________________________
- □ “Does the quote include permit, skills test, and truck for the road test — or are those extra?” □ Included □ Extra $__________
- □ “I will compare a second school and re-check the registry before any deposit.” Note reaction: __________
If they push a deposit before the written quote, mark it on the red-flags checklist.
If theory-only is suspected — add these lines
Optional. Check the box, then paste into your email after the main script. Full context: theory → quote handoff.
- □ I suspect this location is theory-only (or split BTW) — append the three questions below.
Please also answer in writing before I pay: 1) Which TPR-listed provider will do my range AND public-road BTW (same provider for both)? 2) Do you accept outside theory from [provider name], and what is the latest date you will still accept it? 3) What is the itemized total for theory-only vs theory+BTW at your location, and the date you last confirmed Active status on tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov?
After they reply
If using workforce funding, run the WIOA ask script before any deposit. Walk before you pay · optionally compare two schools · if registry shows Under review or Removed, read the student status letter and the status guide.
Quote received □ · Total $__________ · Registry re-checked date __________ · Next: □ Pay □ Wait □ Second school
Independent — not affiliated with FMCSA or U.S. DOT. Free to print. No lead form. verifiedcdlschools.com/tools/quote-request-script/