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Starting a truck driving school can be a smart move when more people need CDL training. In this post, you’ll learn why the demand is rising, what law changes matter, and what it looks like to start (or buy into) a structured program—plus common ways to pay for CDL training.

Why demand is growing

Imagine a time when trucking companies can’t find enough safe, trained drivers. When that happens, new driver training schools are suddenly needed in many places.

Here are the main reasons demand keeps increasing:

  • Massive CDL driver shortages
  • Higher driver pay and benefits, which makes the driver career more attractive
  • New training rules that require certified instruction, which increases the need for trucking training programs and schools

The CDL rule that changed in 2022

A key requirement came into effect on February 7, 2022.

What changed

To get a CDL after that date, applicants must attend Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) at a registered truck driver training course.

Why it matters for school owners

More drivers need training before they can earn a CDL, which pushes demand toward schools that can provide the required certified instruction.

Who issued the rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency tied to this law change.

The business opportunity and franchising idea

If you want to become an owner, a common path is a franchise model.

How franchising helps future owners

Franchising with a structured CDL school system can let you become your own boss while still using an established process for:
- running the school
- teaching students
- building operations so the business is easier to start

A clear picture of CDL license types

One driving school franchise trains for multiple CDL classes. For example, Driving Academy provides training for:

CDL type What it allows you to drive Typical school goal
Class A Tractor-trailers and other heavy vehicles Road + yard training, then testing readiness
Class B Box trucks and delivery trucks (no trailer or limited trailer rules) Teach vehicle handling and safe operation
Class B+P Passenger-carrying vehicles (16+ passengers including driver) Add passenger-vehicle driving focus

This matters because a school can serve different types of students depending on the jobs they want.

Example school model training students

A structured program typically includes a mix of:

  • Classroom training
  • Yard training
  • Road-focused practice
  • Simulator training for realistic driving practice

For example, one described program includes over 100 hours of classroom training and yard training, plus state-of-the-art simulator work that supports learning different conditions and vehicle types (including manual transmission practice).

Starting a CDL school as a franchise

Below is what the franchise path looks like in practical terms.

Initial investment and franchise fee

An estimated total investment range is:

Item Amount
Total investment range $224,200 to $557,300
Initial franchise fee $50,000
What changes the total cost Space size and how many trucks you start with

Franchisee training program

If you’re buying into the system, training is not only for students. The franchise owner also goes through a structured onboarding.

What the training involves

  • A mix of online at-home training
  • Two weeks of in-person training at the franchise headquarters (example given: Linden, New Jersey)
  • Teaching of the Driving Academy business model
  • Instruction on opening and running the truck school at a real field level

Typical timing

The program is described as “generally” online plus two weeks in person before opening.

What makes a franchise profitable

A school’s profitability doesn’t come from one thing only. The biggest drivers include:

Profit factor Why it affects money
Operating and occupancy costs Rent, utilities, and staffing can rise fast
Financing terms Loans change monthly cash flow
A well-defined business plan Clear plans reduce wasted effort and improve student flow

A practical tip is to treat your early weeks like a test. Track student intake, scheduling, and costs tightly—profit usually appears when the schedule runs smoothly.

Is a CDL required to own the school

Not always.

One described franchise model states:
- You don’t need a CDL to own the school
- But you do need to hire someone with a CDL to serve as the head instructor

This can be important if you’re a business-minded owner and want to focus on operations.

Can you open a school if you already own a trucking company

Yes, it can even help.

If you already have:
- a trucking company
- a yard location
- trucks
- a trusted team

…then launching a CDL school may be easier, and it can help you recruit drivers for your existing operation.

Where locations come from and current availability

Location planning works differently from “pick any city you want.”

A described approach:
- Territories are discussed during the initial interview
- Availability is handled first-come, first-served
- The company cannot guarantee future location availability in advance

Currently operating examples mentioned

Locations were listed in states such as:
- Florida
- Indiana
- New Jersey
- Oregon

States listed as not available

The franchise opportunity was described as not available in:
- Alaska
- Hawaii

How to express interest in starting

A common process is simple:

  • Fill out an online form or contact the franchise team
  • You then get a call from a franchise advisor team
  • They explain the process and check whether you qualify

Training and paid CDL options for drivers

Even though this post focuses on how to start a school, it helps to understand how students get funding. One example is Schneider’s programs.

Company-paid training options

Program What it is Time frame
CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT) Paid CDL apprenticeship with on-the-job experience 5 to 7.5 weeks
Tuition reimbursement Reimbursement after graduation Up to $200/month for qualified drivers

CAT requirements (example)

To qualify for the apprenticeship training, students need:
- a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) from their state
- a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least 12 months
- living in an area where CAT is available

Tuition reimbursement documentation

A student may need:
- proof of payment such as a receipt or loan agreement
- the enrollment agreement or invoice showing the training cost

Veterans and GI benefits

Veterans may use VA education benefits to cover CDL school costs (eligibility varies). This is often handled through VA benefit rules.

Federal student aid

For drivers who qualify:
- apply using FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- schools must accept grants in many cases, so it’s important to confirm with the chosen driving school.

Workforce funding

For drivers facing barriers:
- WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) funding may be available
- eligibility depends on situation, such as underemployed, unemployed, or dislocated
- applicants typically go through local Career Services or a WIOA office

Financing on your own

Another option is paying upfront through personal funds or a loan provider. Some drivers may still be eligible for tuition reimbursement if they apply with the company soon enough.

How drivers can get pre-hired before training

A helpful point for both students and school operators: some carriers offer ways to get pre-hired before a driver starts school.

The described process:
- submit a pre-hire form
- once reviewed and approved, the driver can use the approval to secure funding such as loans or grants for school

This can help reduce “money anxiety” for new students.

A simple visual plan for launching

flowchart TD
A[See rising need for CDL training] --> B[Choose a path to start: franchise or other model]
B --> C[Understand the 2022 ELDT rule for CDL applicants]
C --> D[Prepare training programs for Class A/B/B+P]
D --> E[Set up costs: space, trucks, staff]
E --> F[Run owner training and school setup]
F --> G[Enroll students and support CDL test readiness]
G --> H[Track profitability factors: costs and scheduling]

Quick checklist for “how to start a truck driving school”

Step What to do
1 Learn the February 7, 2022 ELDT requirement for CDL applicants
2 Decide what CDL classes you’ll train (example includes Class A, Class B, Class B+P)
3 If franchising, plan for the initial investment range and $50,000 franchise fee example
4 Complete the owner training program (example includes online + two weeks in person)
5 Budget for costs like operating and occupancy, and plan financing terms
6 Hire a head instructor with CDL if you don’t have one yourself
7 Plan locations carefully since availability can be first-come, first-served

Author background

The material described is associated with Jonathan Marques, the founder and CEO of a CDL training school. He is also described as:
- an instructor
- a certified CDL examiner
- having decades of experience teaching students to pass CDL exams

Why now is a favorable time

Put together, the timing is strong because:
- more people need CDL training due to the 2022 certified training rule
- shortages mean graduates can often find work more easily
- rising pay and benefits make students more likely to enroll

When those pieces line up, starting a truck driving school can move from “idea” to “real, operating business” faster than in calmer years.