The Department of Education's College Navigator Website lists more than 150 community colleges and trade schools across the country that teach commercial drivers. These are all accredited schools, meaning a federally-recognized agency has vetted their business practices and instructional standards. Any of these programs will teach a potential trucker to pass the test for a Class A commercial license, and the majority have trucks for hands-on driving experience. Some programs include instruction in related subjects, such as basic truck and diesel maintenance.
The Professional Truck Driver Institute provides oversight to trucking schools, in much the same way that accreditation bodies does with colleges. PTDI certification vouches for a level of accountability and quality in its member schools, and their compliance with national standards. The PTDI or some other industry organization certifies most regional and national chains of trucking schools. These schools maintain their own fleets of trucks for students to train in and also provide the necessary instruction for a Class A license.
Independent private schools are difficult to generalize about. Some consist of just one truck and an entrepreneurial driver, who finds teaching an agreeable alternative to the road. Others are large, well-equipped institutions with modern vehicles and all the amenities of the major chain schools. For potential students, trucking firms in the area are often willing to provide feedback on which schools provides the best training. Some major employers even provide the necessary training in-house for qualified applicants, and may provide an entry point into the industry.
Some working adults may find that a correspondence or online course is their best option. A good distance learning program meets the same quality standards as regular schools, but offers more flexibility. While this provides all the necessary coursework to understand the regulatory environment and earn a Class A license, it does not provide time behind the wheel. Students going this route will need to arrange their own driving time, either through a private arrangement or a local driving school.