The Best CDL Truck-Driving Schools in Atlanta, GA [Top 13]

If there’s a job that’s underappreciated but absolutely essential, it’s that of truck driving. As we saw when the world shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic, without truck drivers, nothing can move forward.

This career is full of adventures, traveling, and seeing new places. All you need is a CDL, and you have job security and a steady income for life!

There are two different main types of CDLs: Class A and Class B. Getting either CDL isn’t as complicated as going to college for your career, but they each have their own requirements. 

Class A Versus Class B

As you research the types of CDLs, you’ll see a “Class C,” too. Unless you plan on carrying more than 16 passengers or a truck with a specialization, like a Hazmat or double trailer, you won’t need a Class C.

Most truck-driving schools will give you the information you need to get a Class A or B CDL with no problem. As long as you pay for the license, you’ll be able to get either. 

Starting with Class A, this is the “universal” license. With it, you can drive anything that a B or C would permit you to handle.

You’ll need a Class A CDL to operate a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or higher. 

Related: 13 Best CDL Truck Driving Schools in Philadelphia

Class A licenses give you the legal right to drive: 

1. tractor-trailers (semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers)

2. tankers

3. livestock transporters

A Class B CDL is necessary if you want to drive a big vehicle but don’t need the extra bells and whistles. With a Class B, you can operate anything that isn’t attached to a trailer but weighs more than 26,000 pounds. 

A Class B license would give you the ability to get a job driving:

• straight trucks

• large buses such as school or city buses

• segmented buses

• box trucks

• dump trucks

When you go to a truck driving school, you have all the knowledge you need to pass the test by the time you graduate from the training course. You also get the experience behind the wheel you have to have before getting your license, whether you choose a Class A or B.

It doesn’t take long to learn what you have to know, from inspections to operating the vehicles. This valuable information will help you get hired at some of the most competitive companies in the area or set you on the path to start your own truck driving business.

When you’re ready to jump into the wide world of essential truck drivers, these 13 CDL schools in Atlanta will prepare you for the work. 

1. Daly’s Truck Driving School

At Daly’s Truck Driving School in Atlanta, you can register if you meet the minimum state requirements to start the permit process. Daly’s evaluates candidates individually. Meaning even if your background and work history aren’t stellar — you may still qualify.

If you’re not sure if you’ll be a good candidate for Daly’s, try out their pre-apply process online.  They also have a job placement department to help you find work as you’re preparing for truck-driving school graduation.

2. Atlanta Truck Driving School

Atlanta Truck Driving School (ATDS) offers an inexpensive 22-day long training program. Students will learn everything they need to pass a Class A CDL test and get their 34-hour behind-the-wheel requirement.

ATDS boasts a high first-time passing rate for the majority of its students. Their classes are flexible, as is their payment plan. 

Located near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, you can even attend school via public transportation. 

3. Roadmaster Driver’s School

If you’re concerned more about getting a job after you graduate than passing the class, Roadmaster’s Driving School is a good option. They teach you everything you need to know to get your CDL, but they don’t leave you hanging from there.

The trainers know the area and the biggest companies around. The Career Services program is full of staff who will introduce you to people who hire truck drivers, and since Atlanta is so busy, there are lots of them!

4. Roges Trucking School

Roges Trucking School lies outside of Atlanta in Decatur. Because it’s a smaller town, many students prefer the extra distance to get smaller classes and a more hands-on experience.

At Roges, you work at your own pace, and the lessons are designed for you. If you’re on a time crunch, you can move as fast as you’re capable of, as long as you have the behind-the-wheel hours.

If you’d rather go slow, there’s no rush here. You have from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday to learn what you need, and someone will be there to help you!

5. Katlaw Truck Driving School

Katlaw Truck Driving School is a 3-4 week long opportunity for you to get all the knowledge you need to pass a Class A test. Pre-apply for the program online to see if you meet the requirements.

While you’re a student here, Katlaw has weekly job placement assistant meetings. Before you graduate, you could have work waiting for you!

For many students, tuition is an obstacle. Katlaw offers tuition financial assistance, discounts, and community outreach programs. Some employers will even reimburse you for your schooling if you agree to work with them after graduating.

6. Schneider Facility

You’ve seen their big orange trucks on the highway. Now you can drive one!

Schneider hires experienced and inexperienced truck drivers. If you’ve never driven before, they offer all the help you need to get your license and learn the ropes.

While they aren’t a truck driving school themselves, they will guide you to one that they work with. 

And that’s not all:

When you work with Schneider, they’ll reimburse part of your schooling.

7. America’s Driving Force

As the name implies, America’s Driving Force is an all-inclusive truck driver’s resource. If you need to get your CDL training, there’s a school near you.

The company itself is family-owned and operated. You can receive a quote for your CDL training online and get directed to your nearest Atlanta-based or surrounding campus.

8. Nathan’s Driving School

Nathan’s offers a variety of adult driver’s education, both in-person and virtually. Their dates for each course vary, so you’ll need to contact them directly to find out when the school offers CDL training in your area. 

Scholarships and community support help are available for those who qualify. 

9. A-1 Driving School

A-1 Driving School also offers a mix of adult education courses. Their CDL training classes vary, so contact them directly to find out when they hold them.

You can also add special training to your license at this school through: 

• Defensive driving
• DUI/Risk Reduction
• Clinical Evaluation and Treatment classes

10. Georgia Driving Academy

Located outside Atlanta in Conyers, Georgia Driving Academy is a go-to for people who want to learn their CDL requirements in a program tailored for them. 

At this school, you can work online, get tuition assistance, and find job placements before you graduate. It’s a top-rated school with some of the best trainers in the state.

11. Knight Transportation

Knight Transportation, like Schneider’s, isn’t a school itself. But the company does work with other schools to hire knowledgeable staff.

If you’re looking for job security and tuition reimbursement, Knight Transportation could be precisely the solution. They have open truck driving jobs worldwide and are always searching for new truck drivers!

12. ProSource, Inc.

ProSource is a unique trucking company. They outsource CDL drivers and trucks to third-parties who need to get a job done.

That means they need truck drivers like you! 

Contact the company to see which schools they work with and will provide tuition reimbursement to. You could have a job secured before you graduate!

13. C.R. England

C.R. England has online and in-person training offered all over the country. They guarantee that they will train and hire you — even if you have no experience!

The company is known for its benefits and high pay rates for drivers. If you can meet their requirements and pass your CDL test, you may have a job with perks waiting for you!

Conclusion on CDL Truck-Driving Schools List in Atlanta, GA

If sitting in an office all day doesn’t appeal to you and you’d rather be exploring the country, truck driving might be the career of your dreams. 

These 13 schools can help you reach your goals and find a stable position with good pay faster than you can get an associate degree.

Author Bio:

Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Reserve Carrollton to help them with their online marketing.