CDL Training in New Jersey — Class A & Class B Truck Driving School

Mike’s Driving School is a New Jersey-licensed commercial driving school (NJ License #22094S) providing comprehensive CDL training at our Clayton, NJ facility. Since 1993, we’ve prepared thousands of South Jersey students for rewarding careers in the trucking industry — with hands-on training, FMCSA-compliant curriculum, and direct job placement assistance.

Why Choose a Career in Commercial Truck Driving?

The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy — and demand for qualified CDL drivers has never been higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a median salary of over $50,000 per year, with experienced drivers at top companies earning $70,000–$90,000+.

Benefits of a CDL Career

High demand — The American Trucking Associations reports a shortage of 80,000+ drivers nationwide
Competitive pay — Entry-level drivers often start at $45,000–$55,000; experienced drivers earn $70,000+
Job security — Freight doesn’t move without truck drivers; the industry is recession-resistant
No college degree required — Start earning in weeks, not years
Multiple career paths — OTR, regional, local, dedicated routes, specialized hauling
Benefits packages — Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off at major carriers
Independence — Many drivers enjoy the freedom of the open road

Local Employers Hiring Our Graduates

Mike’s Driving School graduates are working at leading trucking companies throughout the region, including:

Coca-Cola
Werner Enterprises
US Xpress
McLane Company
Covenant Transport
Silvi Concrete
Local and regional carriers throughout South Jersey

Our job placement assistance helps connect you with employers actively seeking new CDL holders.

Learn about job placement assistance →

Class A CDL Training — Tractor-Trailer / Semi-Truck (160 Hours)

Our Class A CDL program prepares you to operate tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and any combination vehicle over 26,001 lbs with a towed unit exceeding 10,000 lbs. This is the most versatile CDL classification, opening doors to the highest-paying trucking jobs in the industry.

Program Details

Total Hours: 160 hours of training
Classroom Instruction: CDL theory, DOT regulations, trip planning, logbooks
Yard Skills: Coupling/uncoupling, backing maneuvers, pre-trip inspection
Road Training: Highway driving, city driving, shifting, defensive techniques
Location: Clayton, NJ training facility (700-900 Cenco Blvd)

What You’ll Learn

Complete pre-trip vehicle inspection procedures
Coupling and uncoupling tractor-trailers safely
Straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking
Shifting techniques for manual transmissions
Highway merging, lane changes, and speed management
Defensive driving and hazard recognition
Air brake systems operation and inspection
DOT Hours of Service regulations and ELD compliance
Road skills for the MVC driving test

Included Certifications

OSHA Forklift Certification — Included at no extra cost (meets OSHA 1910.178 requirements)
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) — Compliant with FMCSA regulations

Vehicles You Can Operate with Class A

Tractor-trailers / Semi-trucks / 18-wheelers
Tanker trucks
Flatbed trucks
Livestock carriers
Any Class B or Class C vehicle (with proper endorsements)

Enroll in Class A CDL Training →

Class B CDL Training — Straight Truck / Delivery Vehicle (120 Hours)

Our Class B CDL program trains you to operate single vehicles over 26,001 lbs, including straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, and large delivery vehicles. Class B drivers are in high demand for local and regional delivery, construction, and waste management positions — often with home-daily schedules.

Program Details

Total Hours: 120 hours of training
Classroom Instruction: CDL theory, safety regulations, vehicle systems
Yard Skills: Backing maneuvers, dock procedures, pre-trip inspection
Road Training: Urban driving, residential areas, highway operation
Location: Clayton, NJ training facility (700-900 Cenco Blvd)

What You’ll Learn

Complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
Straight-line and offset backing maneuvers
Dock loading and unloading procedures
Urban driving techniques and tight-space navigation
Air brake systems (if applicable to vehicle)
Defensive driving and hazard awareness
DOT regulations and compliance
Road test preparation for MVC exam

Included Certifications

OSHA Forklift Certification — Included at no extra cost
Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) — FMCSA compliant

Vehicles You Can Operate with Class B

Straight trucks / Box trucks
Dump trucks
Cement mixers
Large delivery trucks (FedEx, UPS, beverage distribution)
Garbage/recycling trucks
City buses (with Passenger endorsement)
School buses (with Passenger and School Bus endorsements)

Class B Career Opportunities

Class B CDL holders often enjoy local routes with daily home time. Common employers include:

Beverage distributors (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, beer distributors)
Package delivery (FedEx Ground, UPS Freight)
Construction and landscaping companies
Waste management services
Concrete and building material suppliers
Moving companies

Enroll in Class B CDL Training →

Class B CDL with Passenger Endorsement — Bus Driver Training (120 Hours)

Our Class B CDL Passenger program prepares you for a career transporting people — from city transit and charter buses to school buses and shuttle services. This 120-hour program includes everything you need to earn your Class B CDL with Passenger (P) endorsement.

Program Details

Total Hours: 120 hours of training
Classroom Instruction: Passenger safety, emergency procedures, ADA compliance
Yard Skills: Passenger loading zones, wheelchair accessibility, pre-trip inspection
Road Training: Passenger comfort, smooth braking, route navigation
Location: Clayton, NJ training facility

What You’ll Learn

Safe passenger loading and unloading procedures
Emergency evacuation protocols
ADA accessibility requirements and wheelchair securement
Smooth acceleration and braking for passenger comfort
Managing passenger behavior and difficult situations
Railroad crossing procedures for buses
Pre-trip inspection specific to passenger vehicles
Air brake operation (as applicable)

Additional Endorsements Available

Depending on your career goals, you may also want to add:

School Bus (S) Endorsement — Required for school bus drivers; includes additional written and skills tests
Air Brakes — Removes air brake restriction from your CDL

Passenger Vehicle Career Opportunities

NJ Transit and municipal bus systems
School bus contractors
Charter and tour bus companies
Airport shuttle services
Senior transportation services
Church and organization buses
Casino shuttle services

Bus driving offers consistent schedules, benefits, and local routes — ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.

Enroll in Passenger CDL Training →

         Posted on Google  
   
   Renee Scott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I enrolled both of my children in Mike's driving school—my middle daughter five years ago and my 16-year-old son recently. My son was fortunate to have Mr. Walt as his instructor. Mr. Walt helped him feel more at ease, and by the end of his lessons, my son was very confident in his driving skills. I want to express my gratitude to Mike's driving school and Mr. Walt for helping to create two confident drivers on the road.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charles Johnston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They worked around my daughters schedule to accommodate her.
  
 
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   Maryellen C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a great experience my son had.  He loved his instructor Marissa. She was patient and kind, he wasn’t overwhelmed or stressed.  Definitely recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Silvia Tlapa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My Daughter had a wonderful  experience. Frank was amazing he made her feel confident and comfortable when she did her 6hr, my other daughter passed her road test. Thank you frank
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Donny C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Booked an appointment with Mike’s for my daughter. They were able to get me in within the week and were super friendly and helpful!! From the staff in the office to Pete who did the test, A+ rating!! Pete was so patient and guiding with my daughter and made her feel at ease. Highly recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   chase 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa was the best instructor ever! She was so sweet and kind and outgoing. She immediately calmed my nerves, and taught me everything I needed to know! I am so grateful I chose Mike’s Driving School!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Latasha Kendrick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jeff was a great instructor and was very kind I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking into driving school for their kids and definitely using him for my son road test
  
 
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   CJ Bunch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. my driving instructor jeff helped me a lot urging my 6 hour course i highly recommend
  
 
  
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CDL in New Jersey?

Most students complete our Class A program in 4–6 weeks and our Class B program in 3–4 weeks, depending on scheduling. You must hold your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test. Total time from enrollment to CDL in hand is typically 5–8 weeks.

What's the difference between Class A and Class B CDL?

Class A CDL allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailers, semi-trucks) over 26,001 lbs where the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs. This is the most versatile license with the highest earning potential.

Class B CDL allows you to drive single vehicles over 26,001 lbs (straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, buses). Class B jobs are often local with daily home time.

Class A includes Class B privileges — if you get Class A, you can also drive Class B vehicles.

Do you help with job placement after CDL training?

Yes. Mike’s Driving School provides job placement assistance to help graduates connect with employers. Our graduates are working at companies including Coca-Cola, Werner Enterprises, US Xpress, McLane Company, Covenant Transport, Silvi Concrete, and many local and regional carriers. We maintain relationships with employers actively seeking new CDL holders.

Is Mike's Driving School approved for VA GI Bill® benefits?

Yes. Mike’s Driving School is approved for VA educational benefits including Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), and other VA programs. Contact the VA Education Benefits office or call us to verify your eligibility and enrollment process.

What is ELDT and is your school FMCSA compliant?

ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is a federal requirement from the FMCSA that took effect in February 2022. All new CDL applicants must complete training from a registered provider listed on the Training Provider Registry. Mike’s Driving School is fully ELDT compliant and registered — your training counts toward your CDL.

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Teen Driving Course

Our complete teen driving course promotes safe practices behind the wheel and allows teens to gain experience in a variety of locations and circumstances. Solid driver education for teens helps reduce crashes and traffic violations.

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means taking care to proactively reduce the dangers of operating a vehicle. A motorist who practices defensive driving techniques is less likely to get in a collision, helping to keep themselves and other drivers safe.

Evaluations Courses

The ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and under control is a vital skill. Like all skills, they must continuously be worked on and practiced. To help permitted and licensed drivers maintain their driving skills, Mike’s Driving School offers in-depth refresher and evaluation courses.