Best Schools in Portland, OR

160 Driving Academy in Portland, Oregon is located at 16140 SE 82nd Dr. in Clackamas (97015), just southeast of Portland proper. This location is a member of the Oregon Trucking Associations and is part of 160 Driving Academy's 90+ location national network. The school runs a 4-week Class A CDL program with 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training, with a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio. Students train on local Portland-area roads and interstates and return home each night — no relocation required. The Portland campus is FMCSA-registered and Oregon state-licensed. Evening and weekend class options are available for students with daytime work or family obligations, making this one of the more schedule-flexible locations in the network. Tuition sponsorship from major carrier partners (Swift, Schneider, H.O. Wolding) can cover 100% of costs for eligible students willing to commit to a post-graduation employment contract. Direct-pay tuition typically ranges from $3,795–$7,000, with WIOA grants and Edly income-share agreements as additional financing options. The Portland location draws strong feedback for its experienced instructors and patient teaching approach. Google reviews highlight dedicated staff who focus on helping students pass on the first attempt. However, some historical reviews flagged overbooking concerns and limited driving time per student at certain periods — worth asking about current class sizes before enrolling. Job placement assistance is integrated into the program, connecting students with carrier partners prior to graduation. Graduates can expect average starting salaries of approximately $55,990. Free ELDT theory courses are included with behind-the-wheel enrollment, and Hazmat endorsement training is also available.

Driving Academy is dedicated to helping individuals launch careers in the trucking industry by providing comprehensive CDL training. They offer a guaranteed CDL program where students can train until they pass without extra charges. The academy uses modern equipment and simulators to provide real-world experience in a safe environment. Experienced, licensed instructors guide students through the process, and job placement assistance is available to help graduates find their first trucking job. Flexible scheduling options include weekday, weekend, and evening classes.

Elite Truck School has been a trusted leader in truck driver training in the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. Founded by professional truck drivers, the school aims to provide students with real-world experiences and prepare them for successful careers. Elite Truck School emphasizes professionalism and provides hands-on training with experienced instructors. The school is ELDT-compliant and approved by the Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation.

Western Pacific Truck School, established in 1977, has been a prominent choice for over 40,000 students seeking CDL training in California's Central Valley. With campuses in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto and Auburn, they offer Class A and Class B commercial driver's license training, as well as customized programs. Western Pacific Truck School also provides an OSHA certified forklift license program. They have day and night classes available, with classes starting every three weeks and night classes every six weeks. The school emphasizes safety and efficient equipment operation, offering hands-on training. They provide classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, preparing students for the CDL exams. Western Pacific Truck School is approved for Veteran training and accepts the GI Bill. They also work with WIOA and other funding sources. Western Pacific Truck School has a high placement rate. May Trucking Company notes that Western Pacific Truck School students are well-prepared for their careers as professional truck drivers. The school also creates custom CDL training programs tailored to companies' and agencies' special needs.

I&H Truck Inc. is a commercial truck driver training school located in Oregon. They offer an extensive CDL training program designed to meet the needs of students and address the demands of the trucking industry. The school prides itself on providing a comprehensive Class A CDL training program. They offer flexible, self-paced courses to accommodate individuals with busy schedules. I&H Truck Inc. aims to provide effective and affordable CDL training, with experienced instructors and a focus on preparing students for successful careers in trucking.

TCB Northwest, established in 1991, is a leader in Hazmat and OSHA training and supplemental labor services in the Pacific Northwest. With offices in Portland, OR, and Tacoma, WA, they serve environmental contractors, consulting firms, and various public and private organizations. TCB Northwest focuses on improving employees' lives through professional, personal, and financial growth, believing that employee success leads to the best customer service. They offer flexibility to companies needing Hazmat technicians and provide certified and compliant training courses.

IITR Truck School, established in 1981, is the oldest continually licensed truck school in Oregon and Washington. They have trained over 30,000 students to become truck drivers. IITR is accredited by ACCET, a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. IITR's mission is to provide qualified students with comprehensive tractor-trailer driving programs, providing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be employable in the transportation industry. IITR provides lifetime job placement assistance to its graduates. IITR offers Class A and Class B CDL training, as well as Passenger and HazMat endorsements. Training includes classroom time, yard instruction, and road instruction. Day, night, and weekend classes are available. IITR also has refresher training available, but those who take refresher training will not be issued a diploma or be eligible for job placement assistance. IITR is founded on the principle that all people, regardless of sex, race, ethnic origin, age, or religion are equally entitled to career opportunities.

IITR Truck School has been a licensed private career school in Oregon since 1981, making it the oldest continually licensed truck school in Oregon and Washington. Since its founding, IITR has trained over 30,000 students to become successful truck drivers. IITR's instructors are passionate about teaching students to drive safely, keep the curriculum interesting, and relate real-life experiences to help students succeed. IITR is accredited and provides lifetime placement assistance.

Compliance Solutions offers Environmental Health & Safety training since 1995, focusing on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safety protocols. They aim to equip employees with the tools to mitigate workplace dangers, ensuring they come home safely. The company provides online courses, instructor-led classroom and virtual sessions, and on-site training. Customer service is a priority, with a US-based team available to assist with inquiries and custom quotes.

C1 Truck Driver Training is a national CDL school chain with confirmed campuses in Indianapolis IN, Fort Worth TX, Springfield MO, and Fort Wayne IN. This location has not been independently verified as an active C1 campus and may be a service-area listing or data error. Prospective students should confirm availability directly at c1training.com before enrolling. C1 programs typically run 4 weeks, cover Class A and Class B CDL, and cost $4,000–$6,000 with financial aid and VA/GI Bill options available.

Aisling Truck Academy is an Oregon-based CDL school with campuses in White City, Goshen, and Eugene, serving drivers across southern and central Oregon. Founded and operated by instructors and trucking company owners with over 45 years of combined industry experience, Aisling takes a career-first approach — their stated goal is to train successful commercial drivers, not just CDL holders. The White City flagship campus is located at 875 Avenue G in the Medford-Ashland corridor, a region with high demand for qualified freight drivers. The Class A CDL program covers classroom instruction, yard skills, and over-the-road training to build genuine confidence behind the wheel. Aisling also offers CDL refresher courses for experienced drivers returning to the profession or seeking to sharpen specific skills. All instruction is conducted with industry-standard equipment, and the curriculum aligns with FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training requirements. Tuition for the full program runs $5,000, with a $150 registration fee and additional costs for DOT physical, drug testing, permit fees, and third-party testing bringing the total to approximately $5,940. Payments can be made in full or through weekly installments by end of week two. Veterans may qualify for VA Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 benefits, and other students may be eligible for state tuition grant programs. A standout feature is Aislings lifetime job placement assistance program, which supports graduates throughout their entire career — not just at the point of graduation. The academys multiple Oregon locations and strong local carrier relationships make it an excellent choice for aspiring drivers in the Pacific Northwest.

Skyline CDL School in Portland offers comprehensive CDL training programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the trucking industry. They focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the CDL exam and enter the workforce with confidence. The school prides itself on dedicated instructors, modern training facilities, and high pass rates. They offer Class A and ELDT HAZMAT courses.

I&H Trucking School, located in Portland, Oregon, offers a comprehensive Class A CDL training program designed to meet the needs of both students and the trucking industry. With a focus on providing well-trained drivers, the school prides itself on its effective and affordable CDL training. The school provides instruction for both automatic and manual CDL licenses, and also offers an ELDT course. They offer a self-paced course for those who cannot commit to 8 hours at a time. Ibrahim Hoshmend, the owner, has extensive experience in the trucking industry as both a driver and a trainer. I&H Trucking School requires students to obtain their permit before applying to the school. Once enrolled, a start date for training is set. Upon completion of training, the school provides trucks for students to take their CDL test. Students appreciate the school's flexibility, with some obtaining their Class A CDL in as little as two weeks. The school allows students to practice 7 days a week and encourages open communication to address any concerns. Instructors are helpful and knowledgeable, preparing students for pre-trip inspections, parking maneuvers, and on-the-road tests.