Best Schools in Tucson, AZ

Driving Academy is a school with multiple locations that helps individuals obtain their commercial driver's license (CDL) and launch careers in the trucking industry. They offer a guaranteed CDL program where students can keep training until they pass, with no extra charge. The academy utilizes modern equipment and simulators to provide real-world experience in a safe environment, and their instructors are licensed and knowledgeable truck drivers. Driving Academy also provides job placement assistance to help graduates land their first trucking job.

Pima Community College's Center for Transportation and Logistics, located in Tucson, Arizona, offers hands-on Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training, allowing students to earn their Class A CDL in as little as six weeks. The program features training behind the wheel of real semi-trucks and trailers, mirroring on-the-job experiences. The truck driver training program is designed to be affordable and meets all federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, including free job placement assistance. In addition to Class A CDL training, they provide Class B CDL training for operating vehicles like box trucks or passenger vehicles. Pima's Center also offers specialized programs such as the Autonomous Vehicle Driver and Operations Specialist Certificate, a Logistics and Supply Chain Management certificate, and an associate degree program. They provide CDL testing for both Class A and B licenses, offering a convenient train-and-test environment. Completing the Class A or Class B CDL program prepares individuals for various careers, including local or long-haul truck driving, delivery services, construction equipment hauling, and bus or shuttle driving. The Class A Vehicle Driver Certificate program provides the skills and confidence needed to operate commercial vehicles safely, covering CDL requirements, trip planning, safety checks, and essential driving techniques. The Autonomous Vehicle Driver and Operations Specialist Certificate prepares students to work with self-driving truck technology in roles such as autonomous vehicle co-driver or operations specialist. Pima also offers a Hazardous Materials endorsement program for CDL drivers interested in transporting hazardous materials. Pima Community College aims to provide students with comprehensive training and job placement support. The college also has partnerships with companies like TuSimple for autonomous vehicle training. Pima Community College is recognized as a Center of Excellence, offering in-demand programs, stackable credentials, and real-world experience aligned with regional demands.

HDS Truck Driving School, established in 1991, offers comprehensive CDL training programs to equip students with the technical knowledge and personal skills necessary for successful careers in the trucking industry. With a focus on safety, professionalism, and courtesy, HDS aims to recruit, educate, and lead Class A drivers. The school provides flexible programs that combine classroom instruction, yard practice, and on-the-road training, allowing students to complete their CDL training in as little as four weeks. HDS also offers job placement assistance to help graduates find employment opportunities. The school's CDL programs are designed to meet the needs of both individuals seeking Class A and Class B licenses. HDS Truck Driving Institute is accredited and recognized by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including options such as VA benefits, WIOA, and other forms of assistance. HDS Truck Driving Institute has a long-standing history of serving Tucson and Southern Arizona, and has expanded to include multiple truck driving schools. The institute also provides resources to help students finance their education and assists with job placement. HDS Truck Driving Institute is committed to providing quality student drivers for many of the nation's top transportation companies. With experienced instructors and a focus on real-world training, HDS Truck Driving School prepares students for local, regional, and over-the-road runs, with opportunities for both solo and team drivers. The school also offers a comprehensive six-month Professional Truck Driver program, which includes four months of on-site instruction and two months of on-the-job training.

Southwest Truck Driver Training, established in 1999, has been empowering students for truck driving careers for over 20 years. With locations in Phoenix, Tucson, and North Las Vegas, they offer comprehensive CDL training programs. As an independent truck driving school, they work for the students, not for a specific trucking company. Southwest focuses on preparing students to pass their CDL test and teaching them the skills to excel as professional drivers. They strive to provide quality training at a practical cost and facilitate gainful employment for graduates.

160 Driving Academy in Tucson, Arizona is a branch of one of the nation's largest CDL training networks, with 90+ locations across the United States. The Tucson campus is located at 5815 E Speedway Blvd and offers Class A CDL training in a structured four-week format designed to get students road-ready fast. The program runs 160 total hours, combining 40 hours of classroom instruction with 120 hours of hands-on behind-the-wheel training on local and interstate roads. Students at the Tucson location benefit from the national network's relationships with major trucking carriers. Qualified candidates may be eligible for 100% employer-sponsored tuition through the SWIFT sponsorship program, and the school also works with WIOA grants, Climb Credit financing, Edly income share agreements, and Liberty Career Finance loans. Self-pay students typically pay between $4,000 and $6,000 for the full program. The school offers free Entry Level Driver Theory (ELDT) courses bundled with behind-the-wheel enrollment, fulfilling the federal FMCSA ELDT requirement that went into effect in 2022. Hazmat certification is also available as an add-on. 160 Driving Academy is fully FMCSA-registered and operates in compliance with all federal requirements across the states where it operates. The Tucson campus has earned strong reviews from students who highlight personalized scheduling and instructor commitment. One graduate noted that their instructor cares and uses a fool proof way to pass your CDL test. Graduates earn an average of $55,990 per year, and the national network reports a 95% student graduation rate.

HDS Truck Driving Institute, located in Tucson, Arizona, has been providing CDL training for over 30 years. Established in 1991, the school offers Class A and B commercial driver's license preparation, combining classroom instruction, yard skills, and on-the-road training. HDS aims to equip students with the technical knowledge and personal skills necessary for employment in the transportation industry. The institute is accredited and provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment with national carriers. The CDL program can be completed in as little as four weeks. HDS offers flexible scheduling with day and night classes, as well as weekend courses. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify, including options like the VA/GI Bill and WIOA. The school also provides resources to help students finance their education and offers lifetime job placement assistance. With a focus on real-world experience, HDS Truck Driving Institute prepares students for local, regional, or over-the-road runs. The institute has a long-standing reputation in Southern Arizona and is recognized by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. HDS Truck Driving Institute is a family-owned and operated company.