Best Schools in Charlotte, NC

160 Driving Academy in Charlotte, North Carolina operates at 4830 Hovis Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208, delivering the same proven four-week CDL-A training program used across the national network. The school offers 160 total training hours with 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, preparing students for Class A commercial driver licensing on local and interstate roads. The Charlotte campus offers CDL Class A, Hazmat certification, ELDT courses, and CDL refresher training. Financial assistance is widely available including WIOA grants that can cover 100% of tuition, employer-sponsored programs through major carrier partners, and income-share financing. The school maintains a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio for personalized coaching. Reviews are mixed at the Charlotte location. Students frequently praise instructor support and program outcomes, but a notable number of reviews cite concerns about overcrowding (reportedly up to 20-35 students per session with only 2 instructors) and a past regulatory incident where the DMV shut down operations temporarily due to safety equipment and staffing violations. That said, the school has continued operating and many graduates report positive experiences. Hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. As part of the 160 Driving Academy network, the Charlotte campus is FMCSA-registered and ELDT-compliant, and graduates are prepared for trucking careers averaging $55,990 annually.

Charlotte Truck Driver Training School Reviews. Program: Class A CDL Training.

Carolina CDL Training Center is a driving school headquartered at 2379 Smokey Park Hwy in Candler, NC (near Asheville). Research found only a single campus — in Candler, NC — with no confirmed Charlotte location. This Charlotte entity appears to be an unconfirmed duplicate or data error; the school does not appear to operate a campus in Charlotte. The confirmed Candler campus offers Class A and Class B CDL training in 160-hour programs. Class A tuition runs $4,000 for automatic or $4,500 for manual transmission vehicles. The school provides CDL skills testing and prepares students for pre-trip inspection, backing maneuvers, and the road test. Weekend schedules are available for those who cannot attend weekdays. Financing is available through CREDEE and the school has a tuition assistance program. Students can reach the school at (888) 878-9986 or cdl@carolinacdltc.com. Curriculum includes commercial motor vehicle laws, logbooks, sliding tandems, chaining procedures, and reefer trailer operation. Note: This Charlotte entity should be flagged as unconfirmed. The actual school operates out of Candler NC, not Charlotte. If a Charlotte campus opens in the future this record can be updated with campus-specific details.

RDWayz CDL Truck Rental - Truck Driver Training, also known as Roadwayz CDLS School of Instruction, is located in Charlotte, NC, and Gastonia, NC. They offer CDL Class A training, HazMat Endorsement training, and Dispatch training. Roadwayz CDLS aims to equip students with the necessary tools to become commercial Class A drivers, preparing them for the CDL test. The school works with a limited number of students each month, providing one-on-one training. They are also NCWorks Approved, offering eligible students access to WIOA funding to cover training costs.

Midwest Truck Driving School, established in 1998, has been training professional drivers for over 27 years and has graduated over 20,000 students. They offer comprehensive CDL training, specializing in Class A and Class B CDL licenses, as well as endorsements such as Passenger and School Bus, Tanker, Hazmat, and Doubles and Triples. The school is committed to providing top-quality education with experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment. Midwest Truck Driving School is dedicated to helping students succeed in their careers by teaching them the skills and knowledge they need to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. The school's 160-hour Class A CDL course is CVTA certified and meets FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. The course includes classroom instruction, range training, and real-world driving experience. Midwest Truck Driving School also offers a Class B to A CDL upgrade course, as well as Class B CDL courses for straight trucks and school buses. The school emphasizes hands-on training with manual transmission trucks and provides training on electronic logging devices (ELDs). Midwest Truck Driving School has received the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, reflecting their commitment to ethical business practices, customer service, and community impact. The school is approved for Veterans benefits, including the GI Bill®, Voc Rehab, and Montgomery GI Bill®. Midwest Truck Driving School aims to be a one-stop shop for all trucking needs, offering specific endorsements and commercial truck training.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been training students for CDL licenses since 1973. TDI has multiple campuses across the US and is known for its 3-week (15-day) program. TDI is one of the largest Class A CDL schools not owned by a trucking company. TDI's programs are well-respected in the trucking industry due to their professionalism and effectiveness. TDI also provides job placement assistance with a high placement rate. TDI's training includes classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience on a multi-acre driving range. They offer financial assistance options, including military benefits, carrier-paid tuition, student financing, and scholarships. TDI is registered and compliant with FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training requirements. Students appreciate the knowledgeable and experienced instructors, the helpfulness of the staff, and the job placement assistance provided. The school is dedicated to student success, with instructors willing to go the extra mile. TDI graduates are hired by numerous carrier partners. TDI also offers refresher courses.

Brookstone College of Business is a private vocational college located in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused primarily on business, healthcare administration, and medical office programs. The NITE (National Institute of Training and Education) CDL program was historically offered as a partnership through the college, allowing students to access CDL training while enrolled in the vocational institution. The NITE CDL program at Brookstone was a four-week program well-regarded in the Charlotte market, with forum participants recommending it as accessible and eligible for WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funding. However, current operational status of both Brookstone College and the NITE CDL partnership is uncertain — the college appears to have undergone changes and current enrollment and program availability cannot be confirmed from available sources. The college address on record is 10125 Berkeley Place Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262, with a main phone of 704-547-8600. Prospective students should call to confirm whether the CDL/NITE program is currently active before applying. FLAG: CDL program status is UNCONFIRMED. The NITE CDL partnership at Brookstone College may no longer be active. Verify directly before use in any CDL school directory.

Future Truckers of America (FTA) is a CDL training school in North Carolina, dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the trucking industry. FTA's programs include Class A CDL licensing and CDL refresher courses, with customized options available. The school is approved and governed by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and is an NCDMV-approved CDL testing company. FTA also offers housing with Wi-Fi for students who wish to study in the evenings. FTA emphasizes interactive and easy-to-understand training to ensure students are comfortable with the equipment and knowledgeable about study materials. The school has a long history of maintaining high CDL training standards, attracting representatives from major trucking companies seeking qualified entry-level drivers. Over 80% of FTA students receive multiple job offers before completing their CDL training. Many of these companies offer tuition reimbursement. Experienced and certified instructors provide hands-on training, focusing on both theory and practical driving techniques to ensure safety and efficiency on the road. Students have the opportunity to meet and form lasting friendships with classmates and instructors. FTA also provides job placement assistance to help graduates secure employment. With a family-oriented environment, FTA's staff is committed to preparing students to become professional truck drivers. The school has been in operation since 1997 and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1999.

Midwest Truck Driving School, established in 1998, has been training professional drivers for over 27 years and has graduated over 20,000 students. They offer comprehensive CDL training, specializing in Class A and Class B CDL licenses, as well as endorsements such as Passenger and School Bus, Tanker, Hazmat, and Doubles and Triples. The school is committed to providing top-quality education with experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment. Midwest Truck Driving School is dedicated to helping students succeed in their careers by teaching them the skills and knowledge they need to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. The school's 160-hour Class A CDL course is CVTA certified and meets FMCSA's Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. The course includes classroom instruction, range training, and real-world driving experience. Midwest Truck Driving School also offers a Class B to A CDL upgrade course, as well as Class B CDL courses for straight trucks and school buses. The school emphasizes hands-on training with manual transmission trucks and provides training on electronic logging devices (ELDs). Midwest Truck Driving School has received the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, reflecting their commitment to ethical business practices, customer service, and community impact. The school is approved for Veterans benefits, including the GI Bill®, Voc Rehab, and Montgomery GI Bill®. Midwest Truck Driving School aims to be a one-stop shop for all trucking needs, offering specific endorsements and commercial truck training.

South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) serves Anson and Union counties in North Carolina, offering college transfer education, career education, industry training, and developmental education. Established in 1999, SPCC replaced Anson Community College and Union Technical Education Center, tracing its roots back to 1962. The college provides accessible and affordable education with a range of programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. SPCC is committed to helping students achieve their educational and career goals through academic advising, financial aid, and career exploration services.

Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been training truck drivers since 1973. TDI's programs are designed to provide students with hands-on, safety-oriented Class A CDL training. The courses include classroom instruction, range driving, and on-the-road training. TDI also offers job placement assistance. Many students appreciate the instructors' knowledge, experience, and willingness to help students succeed.

Excel Driver Services, operating for over 15 years, focuses on providing strategic safety solutions tailored to each student's needs. With backgrounds in transportation, law enforcement, and the military, they specialize their training to meet specific requirements. Excel uses Behavior-Based Safety methods, addressing driver attitude and complacency to reduce vehicle incidents. They offer CDL training and testing in San Antonio, Colorado Springs, and Denver, with programs designed to be affordable in both time and cost, allowing students to graduate in as little as two weeks. Excel Driver Services has trained over 130,000 drivers.

TransTech is a leading CDL training provider in the Southeastern United States, with multiple locations in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They focus on providing intensive, hands-on training programs designed to quickly prepare students for a career in commercial truck driving. TransTech graduates over 2,000 drivers annually and offers both Class A and Class B license training. They emphasize excellence by offering third-party testing, streamlining the certification process.

Roadwayz CDLS School of Instruction is a CDL training school located in Charlotte, NC, and Gastonia, NC. They offer comprehensive training programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for a successful career in the trucking industry. Roadwayz CDLS focuses on one-on-one training, working with a limited number of students each month to ensure personalized instruction. The school is NCWorks Approved, meaning eligible students can get WIOA funding to cover CDL training costs.

C1 Truck Driver Training is a national CDL school chain (c1training.com) with confirmed campuses in Indianapolis IN, Fort Worth TX, and Springfield MO. No confirmed physical campus has been identified in Charlotte, NC. This listing may be a service-area or phantom entry.

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in the Charlotte metro area offers CDL Class A truck driver training through its Continuing Education division. The program has two options: a 10-week course and an 8-week/320-hour accelerated course. Training includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel practice, yard skills, pre-trip inspections, and a CDL Class A road test opportunity. No high school diploma is required -- students must be 18+, hold a valid NC license, and obtain an NC CDL Class A learner's permit, DOT physical, and DOT drug screen. Multiple scholarship opportunities cover full out-of-pocket costs. Classes are held at the Merancas campus, 11636 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078. The program received a grant from the NC Trucking Association and NC Community College System.

Roehl Transport, founded in 1962, is a leading American trucking company providing national transportation and logistics services. Recognized as one of North America's safest trucking companies, Roehl has received the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) President's Award five times. The company offers on-the-job training for recent CDL school graduates through the Get Your CDL Program. Roehl is known for its driver-driven culture, safety focus, and investments in driver success. Roehl provides diverse transportation solutions, including dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, and dedicated services. They operate a large fleet with terminals across the country. The company emphasizes safety and offers dynamic pay plans, practical route mileage calculations, and passenger/pet programs. Roehl also focuses on sustainability, operating CNG-fueled trucks from some terminals. Roehl's CDL training program is often mentioned as a good starting point for new drivers. While some reviews mention lower pay compared to other companies, many appreciate the comprehensive training and opportunities to gain experience. The company's commitment to safety and its family-owned values are also frequently highlighted. Roehl Transport is best for individuals seeking entry-level CDL training and a company focused on safety and driver support. The company provides a structured training program and various fleet options to match different driving preferences.

Lion Technology, established in 1977, empowers organizations to simplify hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and safety compliance. They offer training, consulting services, and hazmat label solutions. Lion Technology provides training courses in various formats, including nationwide workshops, on-site seminars, online training, and live webinars. They focus on helping Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) managers comply with regulations from DOT hazmat, RCRA hazardous waste, HAZWOPER, OSHA workplace safety, IATA DGR, IMDG Code, and US EPA. Over 250,000 industry professionals have chosen Lion for their expertise, dynamic instructors, regularly updated course content, and comprehensive resources.

Compliance Solutions, established in 1995, is a leader in the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) training industry. They equip employees with the knowledge of hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safety protocols necessary to mitigate workplace dangers. The company aims to ensure all employees return home safely by offering certified elite training that goes beyond basic compliance, providing expert-led instruction, hands-on practice, and real-world application. Compliance Solutions offers online courses, instructor-led classroom and virtual sessions, and on-site training.