Best Schools in Newark, NJ

160 Driving Academy - Newark is a commercial driver's license training school located at 114 Ferry Street in Newark, New Jersey, serving Essex County and the broader Northern New Jersey metro including Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, and Hoboken. The campus delivers the standard 160 Driving Academy 4-week, 160-hour Class A CDL program. The curriculum covers 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Classes begin every Monday and run Monday through Friday. The program includes pre-trip inspection, yard skills, backing maneuvers, and on-road driving in preparation for the New Jersey CDL road test. Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, with many students receiving full tuition coverage through employer sponsorships or workforce development grants. The school reports a 5.0-star rating from over 3,000 reviews and notes that graduates frequently receive job offers before completing the program. The Newark location is well-positioned to serve the heavy freight and port logistics market of the New York-New Jersey metro area, one of the highest-demand truck driver markets in the country.

Braga's Driving School is a standard driver education school located in Elizabeth, New Jersey (not Newark, though it serves the greater Newark metro area). Founded over 50 years ago and now run by a father-and-son team with three brothers, the school specializes in helping nervous drivers and students with special needs successfully pass their road tests. Programs are limited to standard passenger vehicle driver licensing — the school offers 6-hour permit packages for first-time drivers (16+), hourly lessons, parallel parking refreshers, and written test preparation. Rental cars are available for road test day. No CDL or commercial driver training of any kind is offered. The school has strong local reviews and a 50-year track record in the Elizabeth/Newark corridor. It is a reputable option for standard driver education but is NOT a CDL provider. FLAG: This is NOT a CDL school. Braga's Driving School offers standard passenger vehicle driver education only. This record should be reviewed for removal from any CDL school database or clearly marked as non-CDL.

North Ave Driving School, established in 1995, provides driving lessons for new drivers in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey. They offer training for auto, CDL, and motorcycle licenses. The school is licensed to administer written and vision tests to 16-year-old students. Their instructors are state-certified and undergo additional training in company procedures and teaching methods. North Ave Driving School aims to equip students with the skills to be safe and confident drivers. They also offer pick-up and drop-off services within a 4.5-mile radius.

Smith & Solomon is a leader in commercial driver education, providing students with instruction and mentoring in truck driver licensing and forklift operation. They have been in the CDL training industry for over four decades. The school focuses on safety skills, responsibility, and training. Smith & Solomon is licensed by New Jersey State Motor Vehicle Commission, Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Delaware State Division of Motor Vehicles and Delaware Department of Education. They offer full-time, night, and weekend driver training courses.

Atlas Driving School is a driving instruction school located at 68 Monroe Street in Newark, New Jersey (07105), in operation since 1998. The school offers both standard passenger vehicle driver training and commercial driver licensing (CDL) instruction, making it a dual-purpose driving school serving the Newark and greater New York metro area. On the commercial side, Atlas offers Class A CDL training using tractor-trailer equipment, commercial BP (bus/passenger) lessons, and preparation for the CDL written exam. They are a registered ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) provider, meaning they are FMCSA-compliant for new CDL applicants. Bilingual instructors are available, which is a notable advantage in the diverse Newark community. The school is open Monday through Friday 9am to 6-8pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm. Contact by phone at 973-589-6963. Their website is atlasdrivingschool.org.

Express Driving School offers driving education programs aimed at providing individuals with proper driving training and road safety guidance. With a mission to create safe drivers, they emphasize easy and simple learning to help people understand and learn effectively. They focus on traffic rules and road safety, ensuring students understand how to stay safe on the road. The school's instructors are TDLR certified and provide experienced and reliable instruction. Express Driving School in Chula Vista, California, has been providing quality defensive driver education since 2001. They offer DMV-approved courses, including online drivers education, behind-the-wheel training, and traffic school programs. Their core values of safety, responsibility, and respect drive their commitment to driving excellence. Express Driving School, Inc. in Maryland believes that an educated driver is a more effective decision-maker. They teach the fundamentals of driving, focusing on safe driving decisions in various environments. The school maintains an open-door policy, admitting individuals who can benefit from their learning programs, without regard to race, sex, age, religion, or other personal characteristics. Express Driving Academy strives to make safety and education their top priority. They offer informative and hands-on drivers ed, taught by experienced instructors.

Smart Driving School appears to operate in multiple locations, offering driver education for teens and adults. The schools focus on safety, confidence, and convenience, with engaging classroom lessons and personalized on-the-road training. They aim to equip students with lifelong driving skills through experienced and patient instructors. The schools emphasize defensive driving techniques and responsible road usage. Some locations offer specialized programs for teens, adult refresher courses, and flexible scheduling options.

Amin Driving School (branded as ADS — New Jersey's Top Driving School) is a standard passenger vehicle driver education school operating out of Jersey City, NJ. Despite being listed under Newark in the database, the physical location is at 3495 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07307 — about 4 miles from Newark. The school serves Hudson County and the greater northern NJ metro area. IMPORTANT: Amin Driving School does not offer CDL training. Their programs are limited to standard NJ MVC-certified passenger vehicle driver education: behind-the-wheel lessons, road test preparation, teen driver programs, and defensive driving. They have served over 50,000 students across 25+ years of operation and offer door-to-door service with dual-controlled vehicles and NJ MVC certified instructors. The school is reachable at (201) 659-2224, operates Monday through Friday 9am–5pm and Saturday 10am–2pm, and maintains a booking system at amindrivingschool.com. Online booking is available. This entity should be flagged as non-CDL. If the database tracks CDL programs exclusively, this record warrants reclassification or removal. The city listing as Newark may also be inaccurate — the physical address is Jersey City.

Concord Driving School, established in 1994, is a family-owned and operated driving school in East Orange and West Orange, New Jersey. They have been serving the community for over 20 years, offering excellent services at affordable prices. The school's instructors are licensed by the state of New Jersey and rigorously trained to be patient and attentive, aiming to instill confidence in their students. Concord Driving School offers personalized driving plans to meet individual needs, helping students overcome their fears and become proficient drivers. They provide assistance for new drivers, anxious drivers, and those wanting to improve specific skills like parallel parking and highway driving.

Driving Academy is a CDL training provider with multiple locations across the United States. They offer comprehensive CDL training programs designed to help individuals launch successful careers in the trucking industry. The academy boasts experienced instructors, modern equipment, and flexible scheduling options, including weekday, weekend, and evening classes. Driving Academy also provides job placement assistance to help graduates find employment after completing their training. They have earned many 5-star ratings from students who appreciate the guaranteed CDL program, which allows students to keep training until they pass without extra charges.

Jersey Tractor Trailer Training, established in 1983, is one of the oldest CDL programs in New Jersey. Before becoming instructors, the staff worked as truckers, bringing real-world experience to their training. The school has trained over 25,000 men and women in the trucking industry and is located in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. They offer Class A and Class B CDL training with both manual and automatic options. Jersey Tractor Trailer Training distinguishes itself through comprehensive training, flexible program options, and a lifetime job placement guarantee. The school provides study materials, unlimited hours of classroom preparation, and at-the-wheel driving training. They also offer a unique 500 questions and answers Motor Vehicle knowledge test preparation and practice CD. With over 320 years of combined instructor experience, Jersey Tractor Trailer Training is committed to helping students secure trucking jobs, offering ongoing job placement assistance, industry connections, and career guidance. The school is dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the CDL test and begin a successful career in the trucking industry.

Ena's Driving School, located in Hollis, Queens, NY, specializes in providing comprehensive driving education for new drivers and those seeking employment requiring a bus or truck license. They offer various packages tailored to individual needs, including motorcycle training and a 5-hour pre-licensing course. The school is licensed by the State of New York and aims to transform hesitant learners into confident drivers through patient and understanding instructors. Ena's Driving School provides instruction for car, bus, and truck licenses. They also offer a Defensive Driving Course approved by the DMV, which can help experienced drivers earn insurance discounts and improve accident prevention skills. The school's programs are designed to ensure thorough comprehension of driving fundamentals. With a focus on personalized attention, Ena's Driving School structures its classes to cater to each student's development. Testimonials highlight instructors' patience and ability to build rapport with nervous students, contributing to high success rates on road tests. Ena's Driving School has multiple locations in Queens, NY.

Universal Driving School LLC, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is dedicated to promoting and improving highway safety. They focus on helping new drivers develop safe driving habits through education in defensive driving, traffic laws, driver attitude and emotions, physical laws/restraints, freeway and night driving, substance use and abuse, and reducing accident risk. The school provides traffic survival school, behind-the-wheel driving instruction, and instruction permit courses. They aim to create a nurturing environment where students gain confidence behind the wheel.

Winsor's has been training and launching careers in the commercial truck driver job market since 1995, establishing itself as one of the best driving schools in New Jersey.

CDL AUTO CLUB in Newark, NJ could not be independently verified as a distinct operating CDL school. Research surfaced a similarly named business — Dymond CDL Auto Club — located at 2174 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210, reachable at (718) 282-7792, which is a Black-owned and women-owned driving school formerly known as Technic Driving School. However, that school is in Brooklyn, NY, not Newark, NJ. Dymond CDL Auto Club offers Class B CDL training on a school bus, monthly NYSED 10-hour Basic Monitor/Attendant training, and a 6-hour defensive driving course. It describes itself as a community-focused driving school serving all levels of learners. Whether a Newark branch exists or the Newark entity is a reference to this Brooklyn school under a slightly different name is unclear from available sources. No independent website, phone number, or FMCSA TPR listing was found for a CDL AUTO CLUB specifically operating in Newark, NJ. The entity name is unusual and may reflect a misclassification, a since-closed operation, or a data entry that conflated the Brooklyn school with a Newark location. Recommendation: Flag for manual verification. If connected to Dymond CDL Auto Club, update with the Brooklyn address and Class B CDL details. Otherwise treat as unverified until confirmed through direct outreach or NJ MVC registry.

160 Driving Academy in Newark, NJ sits at 114 Ferry Street in the Ironbound neighborhood, putting it right in one of the region's most transit-accessible corridors. As part of the 140+ location national network founded in 2012, this campus delivers the same four-week Class A CDL program that has produced thousands of licensed drivers nationwide. Training is 160 hours total — 40 in the classroom and 120 behind the wheel. The four-to-one student-to-instructor ratio keeps the experience hands-on. All instruction is FMCSA ELDT-compliant, satisfying the federal Entry Level Driver Training mandate. Tuition runs $4,000–$7,000 with employer reimbursement and payment plans available. Many students graduate with a job offer already in hand through the school's carrier placement network, which covers the Newark/NYC metro and national routes. For NJ-based drivers, this location avoids the cost and hassle of travelling out of state for training. Graduates leave with a Class A CDL and access to one of the most freight-dense markets in the country.

EZ Wheels Driving School in Union City, NJ, is dedicated to providing quality driving instruction and training. They offer Class A and Class B CDL training, as well as School Bus endorsements. With multiple locations throughout New Jersey, EZ Wheels aims to provide accessible training with classrooms and instructional videos at each site. They emphasize one-on-one instruction, flexible scheduling, and job placement assistance for life, helping students find the right company after graduation. EZ Wheels instructors are patient, friendly, and certified by the NJMVC, with staff members fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Winsor's Tractor Trailer Driving School, established in 1995, has been providing CDL training for over 20 years. They train men and women of all ages to drive trucks, buses, cars, and specialty equipment. Winsor's combines classroom education with behind-the-wheel simulation and on-the-road training. They offer Class A and Class B CDL training, as well as forklift certification, defensive driving courses, and stick shift training. Winsor's aims to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to become professional drivers.

Al Sorano's Professional Truck Driving School is one of the New York metro area's most established CDL training institutions, founded in 1964 and operating out of the Bronx. The school is listed with a Newark, NJ city slug in the database, but all verified campus information points to a single location at 1059 E. Gun Hill Rd in the Bronx, NY — no independent Newark or New Jersey campus has been confirmed through research. The school offers a comprehensive range of commercial driver training including Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Class B-PS (passenger/school bus), Class C-PS, Class D, and Class M licenses. With over 60 years in operation, Al Sorano's is one of the longest-running CDL programs in the Northeast, serving students from across the New York metro area including Yonkers, White Plains, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Instructors are bilingual in English and Spanish, making the school accessible to a broad student population. The school accepts GI Bill benefits for qualifying veterans. Training includes classroom instruction, yard work, and over-the-road driving components designed to prepare graduates for real-world commercial driving careers. Note: This record is flagged as a potential duplicate — the Newark city slug may have been assigned in error or may represent a satellite testing location rather than a full campus. The confirmed primary campus is in the Bronx, NY.

Ideal Driving School, established in 1987, has been a leading driving school in New Jersey. They offer instruction for a wide range of vehicles, including Class A CDL, Class B CDL, motorcycles, and automobiles. With multiple locations, including one in Fords, NJ, they provide accessible training to students throughout North and Central Jersey. The school focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass their driving tests and pursue lucrative careers in the transportation industry.

Smith & Solomon Driver Training in Linden, NJ, has been providing CDL training for over 40 years. They offer comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in the trucking industry. The Linden location is easily accessible for students in northern New Jersey and urban areas like Newark and Elizabeth. Smith & Solomon also works with major trucking companies to provide customized CDL training programs for their employees. They offer flexible schedules with full-time day and part-time weekend classes.

Queens Trucking School, located in Astoria, NY, is dedicated to providing superior training programs with the latest industry education. They offer top-quality professional training for tractor-trailers, box trucks, and school buses, catering to both local driving and over-the-road needs. The school provides hands-on training with conventional tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles equipped with air brakes. They offer Class A, Class B, and school bus certifications.

Sunny Truck Driving School, established in 1998, has been providing commercial truck driving training in Queens, New York, helping numerous drivers achieve their licenses and start new careers. They offer comprehensive, package-based training programs to help students earn their Commercial Driver License in NYC. The school prides itself on delivering practical training combined with job-oriented programs, preparing students for success in the trucking industry. Sunny Truck Driving School is known for its experienced instructors, well-maintained vehicles, and a supportive learning environment. The school offers a variety of CDL classes, including Class A (automatic & manual tractor-trailer training) and Class B + P (commercial truck & bus training). They provide flexible weekday, weekend, and evening classes. A standout feature is their private training range, which allows for safe, focused learning away from public traffic. The school also assists graduates in finding job opportunities. Students express high appreciation for the instructors and the practical learning approach. Many students succeed on their first attempt at the CDL test. Testimonials highlight the professional and knowledgeable staff, patient instructors, and a friendly, supportive atmosphere. The school's commitment to student success and its long-standing reputation make it a trusted institution for aspiring truck drivers.

EZ Wheels Driving School has been serving the Tri-State area (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) for over 30 years, with multiple locations throughout New Jersey. They focus on training students for careers in trucking and transportation. The school is dedicated to providing quality driving instruction, training, and service to all clients. They strive to provide a pleasant, family atmosphere, with many clients staying in touch long after completing their training. EZ Wheels aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become safe and confident drivers.

Smith & Solomon Driver Training is a leading commercial driver education provider with over 20 years of experience. They are considered the largest commercial driver training school in the country. Smith & Solomon aims to provide the highest quality driving courses, emphasizing safety, responsibility, and comprehensive training. They offer CDL Class A and Class B training with as little as 160 hours of instruction, along with CDL refresher courses in New Jersey. The school is licensed by various state authorities, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Smith & Solomon distinguishes itself through experienced instructors who are professional truck drivers, bringing real-world scenarios and up-to-date knowledge to the classroom. They discuss driver recruitment, retention, and compliance issues, ensuring students are well-prepared for the industry. The school also focuses on the latest requirements from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and OSHA. Smith & Solomon provides flexible scheduling options, including full-time, night, and weekend courses. They offer lifetime job placement assistance to their students. With multiple campus locations across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, Smith & Solomon aims to make CDL training accessible to a wide range of students. Graduates have found employment with major carriers like Werner. The school has trained over 25,000 individuals, with a high percentage placed in jobs shortly after completing their training. Smith & Solomon's comprehensive approach and industry connections make it a strong choice for individuals seeking a career in commercial driving.

Ideal Driving School (IDS) has been offering driving instruction in North Jersey since 1987. They provide instruction for a wide range of vehicles, including Class A vehicles and motorcycles. Whether you're a new learner wanting to drive passenger cars or an experienced driver interested in operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV), they can help you achieve your goals. The school has multiple locations and teaches students from all over New Jersey. They focus on safely driving large, commercial vehicles like tractor trailers, straight trucks, and buses.

Master Driving School appears to operate in multiple locations, offering driver's education courses for both teens and adults. Some locations, like the one in Lawton, Oklahoma, have been providing driver's education and defensive driving for nearly 20 years. They focus on delivering classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Other locations, such as MasterDrive in Colorado, emphasize advanced driving skills and winter driving techniques. MasterDrive aims to provide skills for life and confidence under pressure, exceeding minimum licensing requirements. Master & Sylvania Driving School in Northwestern Ohio has been preparing drivers for over 32 years, offering both online and in-person classes.

Ideal Driving School, operating since 1987, has become a leading driving school in New Jersey, with locations in Union City, Clifton, and Fords. They offer instruction for a wide range of vehicles, including Class A vehicles and motorcycles. Whether you're a new learner wanting to drive passenger cars or an experienced driver interested in operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV), Ideal Driving School aims to help you achieve your goals. They provide hands-on instruction to equip students with the knowledge needed to confidently pass their driving tests. Ideal Driving School specializes in Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training, driver's license training for adults and teens, motorcycle training, and defensive driving training. They offer CDL Class A and Class B programs, as well as teen and adult driving lessons. The school is certified by the state of New Jersey to administer the written test and perform eye exams for 16-year-old student drivers. Ideal Driving School aims to create a calm and supportive environment where students can learn the rules of the road and focus on safety. They offer personalized training with certified instructors. Instructors provide clear, straightforward instructions and realistic coaching to help learners build confidence and prepare for their driving tests. With multiple learning locations, two training facilities, and instructors, Ideal Driving School strives to provide exemplary instruction and help students stay safe behind the wheel.

Bradway Trucking & Truck School is a FMCSA-registered, VA-approved CDL training provider operating out of Vineland, New Jersey — not Newark as sometimes listed. The school has been in operation for over 20 years and is affiliated with Cumberland County College. Training follows full ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) federal compliance standards with classroom, online, range maneuvers, and on-the-road components. The school offers both Class A CDL (first-time or upgrade from Class B) and Class B CDL programs, along with a Hazmat endorsement. Real-world training includes driving with 80,000 lb. loads and practicing dock backing in simulated traffic scenarios. One-on-one instruction is available, and weekend sessions can be arranged. No additional charge for retaking road tests. Prerequisites include being at least 21 years old, holding a valid automobile license, passing a DOT physical and drug test, and English reading comprehension. The school is Veterans Administration approved and works with NJ workforce assistance programs for eligible students. Note: The listed city is Newark but the physical campus is in Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County). Prospective students in the Newark area should confirm travel logistics before enrolling.

Start CDL, established in 2015, aims to help individuals achieve stable, well-paying trucking careers. With a focus on second chances and practical education, they've assisted over 10,000 students in obtaining their CDLs and securing jobs. The school boasts a modern fleet of over 30 trucks, a state-of-the-art truck simulator, and an online AI-powered learning platform. Start CDL offers flexible programs that can be completed in as little as two weeks, along with financing options and multilingual support in English, Spanish, and Ukrainian.