“How to find unemployment grants for CDL training near me?” This is a common question because private CDL training schools cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 which is unaffordable for people already facing financial strain due to unemployment.
But there are ways to cover the cost of CDL training so you can get back to work. Some trucking companies offer free CDL training for unemployed workers. You can also get CDL loans and grants through federal and state-sponsored programs.
In this guide we’ll look at:
- Free CDL training for unemployed workers
- CDL loans and grants
- Truck driving schools with free tuition
Unemployment Grants For CDL Training Near Me 2025
Government grants can help you pay for your CDL training. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides funding to states to help unemployed individuals to gain new skills and reenter the workforce.
Through the WIOA you may be eligible for grants or low-cost training programs, including CDL courses.
WIOA funding is typically available to individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed and can be accessed through local Workforce Development Centers and Job Centers.
How WIOA Funding Works for CDL Training
WIOA funding is distributed through your local Workforce Agency. The program covers training for in-demand fields like commercial truck driving and offers grants or vouchers for training. Here’s how WIOA funding covers free CDL training for unemployed workers.
What’s Covered? WIOA can cover all or most of the cost of CDL training. This includes tuition for CDL school and fees for licensing exams.
WIOA may also help cover other expenses you’ll face while training. This could include transportation assistance or childcare support.
Can I choose the school? WIOA funds are only available for CDL training programs at schools approved by your local Workforce Development Board. Many CDL schools partner with these boards and offer programs that meet WIOA guidelines.
When you’re shopping for a CDL school, ask if they’re WIOA-approved or contact your Workforce Agency for a list of eligible schools in your area.
How is the grant paid? WIOA grants are usually provided through a voucher system. Once approved for the program, you’ll receive a voucher for tuition that can be redeemed at an approved CDL school. In some cases, payment goes directly to the school once you’re enrolled.
Are There Any CDL Grants For Felons?
Yes. Felons are eligible for WIOA grants and Pell Grants. Many trucking companies also run free CDL programs and will consider students with felonies on a case-by-case basis.
CDL Loans & Grants
Federal student loans can be used to pay for CDL training. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you could also qualify for a Pell Grant. Pell Grants are given to low-income students and unlike a student loan, you don’t need to repay the money.
Because student loans are limited to courses offered by accredited schools, you’re best option will be to find out if your local community college offers a CDL training program.
Many community colleges offer affordable CDL training, and the cost of these programs is a lot more affordable than the courses at most independent truck driving schools.
The CDL training program at Craven Community College in North Carolina is a good example. Full CDL training costs $2,000, and the school will help place you with an employer once you qualify.
If you’re interested in learning more about getting a student loan to pay for your CDL certification, speak to your local community college. If they run a CDL program, they’ll be able to help you with the loan application (FAFSA).
Truck Driving Schools With Free Tuition
Free truck driving schools are a great alternative to CDL loans and grants. Some of the big trucking companies run their own truck driving schools or partner with private CDL schools to provide free CDL courses.
But there’s a catch. In return for free CDL training, you have to sign a contract agreeing to work for the trucking company once you qualify.
On the surface, this seems like an ideal arrangement. You get free CDL training with a guaranteed job at the end. You can even get paid while you train!
The downside is you could be locked into a contract on a lower pay scale for eight to twelve months. If you quit your job before completing the contract period, you have to repay some or all of the cost of your CDL training.
Even so, this is a fair deal and it’s a popular way to get free CDL training. Having a guaranteed job lined up is a big plus when you’re unemployed.
Another benefit of getting your CDL through this route is the on-the-road experience you’ll get. When you apply for truck driving jobs, many trucking companies require drivers to have a minimum level of experience. This could be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years which can make it hard to find work as a new driver.
By signing on with a trucking company that provides free CDL training, you jump right over that hurdle. Once you get your CDL, you’ll be paired with a more experienced driver until you’re ready to go solo.
Company-run trucking schools are usually residential. They’ll often cover your transport costs and provide your accommodation and meals meaning you’ll have very few out-of-pocket costs while you train.
Free Trucking Company CDL Programs
These trucking companies offer free Class-A CDL training.
Wilson Logistics Free CDL Training
CDL school location: Missoula MT & Springfield MO
Minimum age: 23
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: Yes
Contract length: 1 year (failure to complete requires repayment of $3,500 CDL training cost)
Apply Here.
TMC Free CDL Training
CDL school location: Des Moines IA & Columbia SC
Minimum age: 23
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Yes
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: Yes
Contract length: 1 year (failure to complete requires repayment of CDL training cost)
Apply Here.
PAM Transport Sponsored CDL School
CDL school location: Multiple locations in 25 states
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: No
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: No
Contract length: 1 year (failure to complete requires prorated repayment of $5,995 CDL training cost)
Apply Here https://www.pamtransport.com/
Swift Transportation Free CDL Training
CDL school location: Phoenix AZ, Lewiston ID, Memphis TN, Corsicana TX, Richmond VA
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: No
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: No
Contract length: 1 year (failure to complete requires prorated repayment of $3,900 CDL training cost)
Apply Here.
Prime Inc. Free CDL School
CDL school location: Springfield MO & Salt Lake City UT
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Yes
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: Yes
Contract length: 1 year (failure to complete requires repayment of $4,375 CDL training cost)
Apply Here: https://www.primeinc.com/drive-for-prime/driver-training-program/
Roehl Transport Free CDL Training
CDL school location: Marshfield WI, Conley GA, Gary IN, Appleton WI
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Yes
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: No
Contract length: 120,000 miles – approx 15 months (failure to complete requires repayment of CDL training cost)
Apply Here: https://www.roehl.jobs/driving-jobs/cdl-truck-driving-schools
Knight Trucking Sponsored CDL Training
CDL school location: Phoenix AZ
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Some
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: Yes
Contract length: 18 months (failure to complete requires prorated repayment of CDL training cost)
Apply Here.
Carter Express Sponsored CDL Training
CDL school location: Cedar Rapids IA, Dallas TX, Riverside CA, & Jacksonville FL
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: No
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: No
Contract length: 12 months (failure to complete requires prorated repayment of CDL training cost)
Apply Here.
CRST Sponsored CDL School
CDL school location: Multiple locations
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Some
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: Yes
Contract length: 10 months (failure to complete requires repayment of CDL training cost)
Apply Here.
XPO Logistics Sponsored CDL Training
CDL school location: Joplin MO
Minimum age: 21
Paid training: Yes
Meals included: Yes
Room provided: Yes
Travel covered: No
Contract length: 12 months (failure to complete requires prorated repayment of $4,000 CDL training cost)
Apply Here: https://www.xpo.com/driver-jobs/driver-schools/
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