List of 8 Paid CDL Training In Ohio

Looking for paid CDL training in Ohio to start your trucking career without paying tuition upfront? Ohio is home to several company-sponsored and state-certified programs that not only cover training costs but also pay you while you learn. These opportunities are perfect for aspiring truck drivers who want to get a CDL in Ohio to earn a steady income during training and secure guaranteed employment after graduation.

8 paid CDL training in Ohio

Below, we break down 8 verified paid CDL programs in Ohio, including details about pay rates, requirements, and features so you can find the right fit for your career path.

1. Classic Carriers CDL Training Program

Classic Carriers CDL Training Program

Classic Carriers, based in Versailles, Ohio, offers a company-sponsored CDL training program for individuals with no prior trucking experience. The company covers the full cost of tuition through the Apollo Career Center, ensuring trainees have no out-of-pocket expenses. During the classroom phase, students receive a weekly stipend, followed by 8 weeks of paid on-the-road training with a professional mentor. 

• Features: Tuition-free CDL training, $250 weekly stipend during classroom instruction, paid 8-week on-the-road mentorship, professional driver support, and guaranteed employment with Classic Carriers.
• Requirements: Must be at least 23 years old, hold a valid Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), maintain a clean driving record, have no DUI/DWI within the last 7 years, and pass a DOT physical and drug test.
• Pay during training: $250 per week during classroom instruction, followed by paid wages (amount not publicly disclosed) during the on-the-road training phase. After licensing, drivers move into full-time paid positions with benefits.

2. Mast Trucking Paid CDL Training

Mast Trucking

Mast Trucking, based in Millersburg, Ohio, offers a company-paid CDL training program designed for new drivers entering the trucking industry. The program covers the full cost of CDL Class A training, combining classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel practice. From day one, trainees receive wages while learning. After completing the program, graduates are guaranteed full-time OTR (over-the-road) employment with Mast Trucking.

• Features: Tuition-free CDL training, paid from the start of training, personalized instruction with small class sizes, and guaranteed employment after graduation.
• Requirements: Applicants must hold a valid Ohio driver’s license and be at least 21 years old. Candidates should have a clean driving history with no DUI/OVI violations in the past 10 years, no more than one moving violation in the past year, and no more than two within the last three years. All participants must also pass a DOT physical exam and drug screening before starting.
• Pay during training: Paid wages during training (exact weekly rate not disclosed). Upon completion, full-time drivers earn an estimated $55,000–$65,000 annually.

3. DriveLine Solutions & Compliance CDL Training

DriveLine Solutions & Compliance CDL Training

DriveLine Solutions & Compliance, located in Millersburg, Ohio, offers a structured entry-level CDL training program designed for individuals ready to begin a trucking career. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice with trainers, and eventual transition to solo driving. Training pay is structured with an hourly wage during the classroom phase, followed by mileage-based pay once trainees begin road training. 

• Features: Paid CDL Class A training, hourly wages during the initial classroom phase, mileage-based pay while driving with a trainer, and a clear path to solo driving opportunities.
• Requirements: Candidates should live within approximately two hours of Millersburg, OH. Applicants must meet FMCSA standards, hold a valid driver’s license, and pass a DOT physical and drug screen. A high school diploma or GED is typically preferred.
• Pay during training: Trainees earn $9.30 per hour during the classroom phase, then transition to mileage-based pay while driving with a trainer. Solo drivers are paid per mile, offering strong earning potential as experience builds.

4. Clean Harbors / Safety-Kleen

Clean Harbors / Safety-Kleen

This program is tailored for Class B CDL drivers in Ohio and is an excellent fit for those seeking local or regional driving opportunities in construction, delivery, waste management, or industrial services, rather than over-the-road trucking. From day one, trainees receive hourly pay while completing CDL training, making it one of the clearest and most stable financial pathways into commercial driving.

• Features: Company-paid Class B CDL training, hands-on warehouse and route work during the training period, and guaranteed placement into a Clean Harbors/Safety-Kleen driving role upon licensure. Drivers benefit from local routes, minimizing time away from home, and receive training on handling specialized industrial equipment.
• Requirements: Candidates must be able to obtain a Class B CDL within 180 days (with company sponsorship), secure Hazmat and Tanker endorsements within 30 days of licensure, and meet DOT medical/fitness standards. Applicants should be physically capable of lifting and switching out 15- and 30-gallon drums and must pass drug/alcohol screenings. Reliability, safety awareness, and a clean driving history are strongly valued.
• Pay during training: The program pays $22+ per hour from the very first day, which continues throughout both classroom instruction and driving practice. This is among the most competitive training wages in Ohio.

5. Knight Transportation CDL Training

Knight Transportation

This program is designed for entry-level drivers who want to earn their Class A CDL and begin a long-haul trucking career. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Knight Transportation offers paid OTR (over-the-road) training where new drivers are paired with certified trainers to gain real-world driving experience. The training typically lasts 4-6 weeks and is performance-based, ensuring drivers are fully prepared for solo work.

• Features: Tuition-free CDL training, hands-on OTR experience, one-on-one mentorship with experienced Knight drivers, and guaranteed job placement with Knight after program completion. Drivers also benefit from modern equipment, consistent freight, and the stability of a major national carrier.
• Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, and meet DOT physical and drug testing standards. A clean driving record is required, with no major violations or DUI/OVI within the last 5 years. Candidates must also qualify under Knight’s internal hiring policies.
• Pay during training: Trainees earn pay while in the program, starting at $500–$600 per week during the initial training phase, with mileage-based pay ($0.45–$0.63 CPM) once they begin running OTR loads.

6. Millis Transfer (Millis Training Institute)

Millis Transfer (Millis Training Institute)

Millis Training Institute (MTI), part of Millis Transfer, operates one of the most respected CDL-A apprenticeship programs in the U.S., with locations that serve Ohio-based applicants. This program is structured to give students professional instruction in small class settings, ensuring one-on-one guidance from seasoned instructors. MTI emphasizes real-world driving skills, safety, and confidence, preparing students for long-term careers in trucking.

• Features: Tuition-free CDL apprenticeship program, small class sizes, modern equipment with advanced technology, professional mentorship, and guaranteed full-time employment with Millis Transfer upon graduation. Students also benefit from MTI’s decades of experience and strong graduation success rate.
• Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A clean driving record is required, with no major accidents or moving violations within the last 5 years. All candidates must pass a Department of Transportation physical and meet standard drug/alcohol testing requirements.
• Pay during training: Trainees earn $600 per week during the first 4 weeks of classroom instruction, then $0.44 per mile while driving with a trainer. After completing the program and becoming a solo driver, graduates transition directly into full-time professional roles with Millis Transfer, earning competitive mileage-based pay and benefits. 

7. Roehl Transport Paid CDL Training

Roehl Transport

This program is one of the most reputable company-sponsored CDL programs in the U.S., and in Ohio, Roehl offers “Get Your CDL” training where participants are paid from day one, including during classroom and on-road trainer phases. The program includes lodging and most meals during the training period, making the financial support quite strong. 

• Features: Tuition-free CDL training, paid during training from day one as an employee, structured classroom + behind-the-wheel instruction with certified driver trainers, lodging and most meals provided, guaranteed job placement with Roehl once training is complete. 
• Requirements: Must meet Roehl’s hiring standards: typically at least 21 years old, a valid driver’s license, the ability to pass a DOT physical exam and drug/alcohol test, and meet safety and driving record criteria. (Specific local Ohio requirements may vary.) 
• Pay during training: Trainees earn $616 per week during the classroom phase (3 weeks) of the CDL training program. Once licensed, trainees move into Phase Two with a certified driver trainer, then solo trucking, where pay transitions to mileage-based depending on fleet assignment. Roehl’s drivers with at least one year of experience average ~$1,360/week, with the top 50% making ~$1,540/week.

8.  Schneider Paid CDL Training

Schneider Paid CDL Training

Schneider has a paid training/tuition assistance program for new drivers who do not yet have a CDL. While it may not always mean “full paid upfront + wages during all training phases,” Schneider offers compensation during training and strong reimbursement/housing/benefits options.

• Features: Compensation for time spent in training (classroom + behind-the-wheel), paid transportation to Schneider training facilities (if applicable), accommodations or lodging support, and benefits; veterans and qualified drivers can use VA benefits or reimbursement programs.
• Requirements: Must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) from the state of residence; have a valid U.S. driver’s license for at least the past 12 months; live in an area where Schneider’s training (CAT program) is offered; pass DOT physical and drug test.
• Pay during training: Exact wages vary by location. Schneider offers compensation during classroom & hands-on training. For many qualified drivers, tuition reimbursement can amount to up to $7,000.

FAQs

1. Does Ohio pay for CDL training?

No. The state of Ohio itself does not directly pay for CDL training. Unlike some state-funded vocational programs, there is no universal “free CDL license” program provided by the government. What Ohio does offer is workforce development assistance through agencies like OhioMeansJobs, where qualified applicants can sometimes receive tuition vouchers or grants to reduce training costs.

2. How can I get my CDL for free in Ohio?

You can get a free CDL in Ohio through employer-sponsored training programs. Companies such as Roehl Transport, Knight Transportation, Classic Carriers, and Schneider cover tuition in full and even pay wages while you train, as long as you commit to driving for them afterward. Another path is applying for OhioMeansJobs workforce grants, which may fund CDL schooling for eligible residents.

Conclusion

Starting your trucking career doesn’t have to mean taking on debt. These 8 paid CDL training programs in Ohio offer tuition-free options, steady wages during training, and guaranteed job placement once you graduate. Whether you’re looking for local Class B driving jobs or long-haul Class A trucking careers, Ohio has multiple pathways to get you on the road quickly. Ready to take the next step? Explore our Ohio CDL practice test resources or check out our full guide on CDL training programs in the U.S. to compare opportunities across states.