How to Learn and Earn: Exploring Leading Paid CDL Training Programs in 2025
Earning a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) opens the door to a stable and well-paying career in trucking. But what if it were possible to get trained and paid simultaneously? This article explores two major paid CDL training programs available in 2025, revealing how aspiring drivers can earn an income during training and smoothly transition into professional truck driving.
⚠️ Please note: Related training programs may include minimum service periods and breach penalties. Specific minimum service years and breach terms should be confirmed with official company information.
📌 Roehl Transport’s Get Your CDL™ Program: An Industry Model for Paid Training
Roehl Transport’s Get Your CDL™ program is distinctive because it hires trainees as employees from day one, enabling them to earn wages during the three-week CDL training. Unlike traditional schools where tuition fees apply and no pay is given, Roehl pays $616 per week during training while providing lodging and most meals.
Trainees use equipment similar to what they will operate on the job, gaining hands-on experience with controls, inspections, and safety procedures. After passing the CDL test, trainees continue on-the-road training with a certified driver trainer, earning $112 daily while transporting live freight. This phased approach culminates in solo driving with competitive mileage pay.
💼 Drivers’ salaries vary based on experience and position; refer to official company sources for specific compensation details. Roehl also offers foundational benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible home time to support work-life balance.
📌 Schneider’s CDL Apprenticeship Training: Diverse Payment and Support Options
Schneider’s paid CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT) program lasts between five and seven and a half weeks. Participants receive compensation during training plus transportation to training sites, classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel experience, and company-funded lodging and meals where applicable.
To qualify, candidates must have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), hold a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least one year, and reside in an area where CAT is available. Beyond direct payment, Schneider supports drivers with tuition reimbursement up to $7,000 after graduation and allows veterans to apply GI Bill benefits toward training costs.
🔑 This multifaceted support reduces financial barriers, making CDL training more accessible for a broad range of candidates.
🔍 CDL Training Application Process and Eligibility Requirements
Applying to these programs involves meeting specific qualifications and completing detailed steps.
Roehl’s process includes educational videos and in-depth application questions to ensure candidates understand the job’s demands. Trainees must independently obtain their Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before starting paid training to maximize paid hours.
Schneider requires pre-hire approval, assisting applicants in securing loans or grants for training.
Both companies emphasize safety and compliance with federal mandates such as Entry-Level Driver Training requirements, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for CDL exams and employment.
📊 Funding Sources for Paid CDL Training and How to Access Them
Beyond employer-sponsored programs, several funding options are available:
| Funding Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Veterans Benefits | Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits can cover training costs. |
| Federal Student Aid | Available for some truck driving schools, depending on eligibility and school acceptance. |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) | Funding for underemployed or displaced workers seeking training. |
| Personal Loans | Financing option with potential tuition reimbursement through certain employer programs. |
Prospective drivers are encouraged to explore these channels by contacting local career services, educational institutions, or financial providers to find suitable funding pathways.
🎯 Career Paths and Long-Term Earnings After CDL Training
Completing a paid CDL training program provides stable employment opportunities and competitive salaries. Roehl drivers’ compensation varies by experience and position; official sources should be consulted for precise figures. The company also offers health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible home time.
Schneider graduates receive ongoing training and related incentives after entering the workforce. Both companies emphasize career development, offering opportunities for drivers to advance into specialized or management roles.
✅ Through paid training, foundational benefits, and career support, CDL drivers can achieve sustained professional growth within the freight industry.