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Class A CDL Training

Students prepare for entry-level local and over-the-road truck driving jobs in just 4 weeks at the San Diego and Riverside campuses.

Check Out Class A CDL Training
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Class A CDL + Passenger Training

Drivers who want more job options learn to operate both tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles over 4.5 weeks of training.

Explore CDL-A + Passenger Training
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Class B CDL + Passenger Training

Dump trucks, delivery trucks, and tow trucks are just a few of the local jobs this 3-week program prepares students for, along with driving a passenger vehicle.

Learn About Class B CDL Training
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CDL Refresher Course

Current Class A and Class B CDL holders can sharpen their skills behind the wheel with 30 hours of training and no set class schedule.

View the CDL Refresher Course

California CDL Training Serving Riverside & San Diego

United Truck Driving School has trained commercial drivers in Southern California since 1978. The school offers commercial driver’s license (CDL) training at two campuses, one in San Diego and one in Riverside. Students choose from three programs: Class A CDL training, Class A plus Passenger training, and Class B plus Passenger CDL training. Each program combines classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel practice and prepares students for the California CDL skills test.

Every program below is Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) compliant. United also accepts most VA education benefits for eligible military-connected students. Details on both are below.

Class A Commercial Driver's License Training

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Class A CDL training prepares students for entry level work as commercial truck drivers. Graduates can pursue over the road or local jobs.  Our students receive in-depth knowledge in a classroom setting to learn material required for permitting and endorsements; such as airbrakes, doubles/triples, hazmat, tanker. Students are taught all subject matter for ELDT curriculum mandated by the FMCSA. Our classroom focuses on the general knowledge needed for a successful career in the transportation industry. After learning the foundational knowledge, the student moves to the training yard for behind the wheel training.

At the yard our students master airbrakes, pre-trip, foundational backing exercises, DMV skills preparation and road driving. Our students are behind the wheel of a Kenworth sleeper tractor pulling a 48′ trailer, which prepares them for real world truck driving in the transportation industry. Our program is 4 weeks, Monday through Friday, followed by testing at the CA DMV. Our students must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of ELDT before testing.

See the Class A CDL Training Program

Class A plus Passenger Training

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Class A plus Passenger CDL training prepares students for entry level work as commercial truck or bus drivers. Graduates can pursue over the road or local jobs.  Our students receive in-depth knowledge in a classroom setting to learn material required for permitting and endorsements; such as airbrakes, doubles/triples, hazmat, tanker and passenger. Students are taught all subject matter for ELDT curriculum mandated by the FMCSA. Our classroom focuses on the general knowledge needed for a successful career in the transportation industry. After learning the foundational knowledge, the student moves to the training yard for behind the wheel training. At the yard our students master airbrakes, pre-trip, foundational backing exercises, DMV skills preparation and road driving. For Class A training our students are behind the wheel of a Kenworth sleeper tractor pulling a 48′ trailer, which prepares them for real world truck driving in the transportation industry. Passenger training is taught with a full-size passenger bus. Our program is 4 and a half weeks, Monday through Friday, followed by testing at the CA DMV. Our students must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of ELDT before testing.

See the Class A plus Passenger Training Program

Class B plus Passenger Commercial Driver's License Training

United Truck Driving School Class B CDL training bus

Class B plus Passenger CDL training prepares students for entry level work as commercial truck or bus drivers. Class B trucks include cement trucks and other construction vehicles, delivery trucks, utility trucks, sanitation trucks, etc. Our students receive in-depth knowledge in a classroom setting to learn material required for permitting and endorsements; such as airbrakes, passenger, hazmat, tanker. Students are taught all subject matter for ELDT curriculum mandated by the FMCSA. Our classroom focuses on the general knowledge needed for a successful career in the transportation industry. After learning the foundational knowledge, the student moves to the training yard for behind the wheel training. At the yard our students master airbrakes, pre-trip, foundational backing exercises, DMV skills preparation and road driving. Our students are behind the wheel of a full-size passenger bus, which prepares them for real world driving in the transportation industry. Our program is 3 weeks, Monday through Friday, followed by testing at the CA DMV. Our students must demonstrate proficiency in all areas of ELDT before testing.

See the Class B CDL Training Program

Upcoming Recruiter Events

View More Events
  • Swift Transportation Recruiters at Riverside
    Oct 12, 2026
  • Swift Transportation Recruiters at San Diego
    Oct 12, 2026
  • May Trucking Recruiters at Riverside
    Oct 13, 2026
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Entry-Level Driver Training for New CDL Applicants

The Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule is the federal training standard set by the Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration (FMCSA). The rule applies to:

  • Drivers getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time
  • Class B holders upgrading to Class A
  • First-time applicants for a passenger, school bus, or hazmat endorsement

United builds its Class A, Class A plus Passenger, and Class B plus Passenger programs around these federal theory and behind-the-wheel requirements. Every program at United is ELDT compliant.

Learn more about ELDT requirements at United
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Military and Veteran CDL Training

United accepts these VA education benefits:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
  • SpouseWorks Scholarship, formerly known as MyCAA

A VA certifying official on staff works with military-connected students on eligibility and paperwork. Coverage and benefit amounts depend on the benefit chapter and the student’s eligibility, so not every applicant receives the same funding.

Veteran students train in the same Class A, Class A plus Passenger, and Class B plus Passenger programs open to every student.

See Veteran CDL Training Benefits & Eligibility

Two Campuses, Flexible Schedules

United operates two campuses in Southern California, one in San Diego and one in Riverside. New classes start every two weeks.

Accredited and Licensed CDL Training

United holds these approvals and memberships:

  • Licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) in California
  • Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE)
  • Member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA)

United has trained CDL students since 1978, and the Hanley family has owned and operated the school since 1997.

Read United’s History & Accreditation

Career Assistance and Job Placement

Career assistance includes recruiter visits and job placement support. Employment depends on the student and employer. United’s job placement staff help connect graduates with hiring partners. Staff can also assist with applications, resumes, and interview preparation for students in good standing.

Learn About Job Placement Support
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Hear What Our Graduates Are Saying

I did a lot of research, and it was one of the accredited schools that was worthwhile. When Monty heard that I was a prior service member, he did tons of leg work to help me get approved ahead of time!

Shaun

Everything was excellent at United, to be honest with you. The teachers were good in the classroom and were very helpful. I even loved the owner – she was very helpful. Everyone was great!

Lamont

I’m 57, so when I was unemployed, I was so thankful that Christen, the owner of United Truck Driving School, had this available.

Tim

I loved it! I'm prior-service military, and a handful of the instructors are as well. The classroom instruction in the first two weeks was great; Dave is very informative and has an excellent style of delivery, sharing the required information. The last two weeks spent at their truck yard are when it gets real. What an experience driving vehicles this size. I totally recommend.

Braulio

5 out of 5 stars! Best CDL School in Riverside!

Anthony

United Truck Driving School is your best choice if you're seeking your Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Brian

I just completed my Class B driver's license today. The instructors at United are very knowledgeable and helpful in teaching you. They know what you need to know to obtain your commercial driver's license. I would recommend United to anyone that is seeking to obtain a commercial driver's license. I also want to thank the owner for having such a great trucking school.

Frankie

Start CDL Training in San Diego or Riverside

United Truck Driving School trains Class A, Class A plus Passenger, and Class B plus Passenger CDL students at its San Diego and Riverside campuses. Programs are ELDT compliant, and most VA education benefits are accepted for eligible military-connected students.

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