Business Details
CDL Training for Local Truck Driving Jobs
Commercial Driver School has been dedicated to transforming careers through superior CDL training since its founding. Our experienced instructors combine real-world expertise with personalized teaching methods, offering Class A, B, and C license training across five Washington and Idaho campuses. With flexible day and evening classes starting weekly, we accommodate working professionals seeking career advancement. Our graduates benefit from lifelong job placement assistance with over 1,200 industry partners, including major carriers like Werner and UPS Freight.Recognized for our commitment to human-centered values, we maintain a 3-to-1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure quality education. Accredited by VA education benefit programs, we support veterans through specialized GI Bill training tracks in Port Orchard and Olympia. Our four core principles emphasize relationship-building, diversity, clear communication, and empowering growth-oriented cultures that have driven our status as one of the fastest growing truck driver schools in the United States.
Services
Class A CDL Training
Hazmat Certification
Bus Driver Training
Dump Truck Training
Driver Job Placement
Veteran CDL Programs
Evening Classes
Online Hazmat Courses
CDL Renewal Training
Pre-Trip Inspection Prep
Highlights and features
- We offer 96% graduate job placement through 1,200+ industry partners
- Our 3-to-1 student-instructor ratio ensures personalized training attention
- We provide VA-approved GI Bill training programs for veterans
- We operate with flexible schedules featuring weekly class start options
- We maintain partnerships with major trucking companies like Werner and XPO
What people say
Life changing opportunity
Top notch training
Patient instructors
Job placement assistance
Helped career decision
Services
Class A CDL Training
Our comprehensive Class A CDL program prepares students for combination vehicle operation. With 160 hours of training, students learn commercial driving techniques, vehicle inspection, and road safety procedures. Our graduates receive job placement assistance with top regional and national carriers.
Hazmat Certification
This 16-hour Hazmat training covers hazardous materials transportation regulations, proper documentation, and emergency response procedures. Certified drivers gain employment advantages with companies handling specialized freight, including chemical and fuel transporters.
Driver Job Placement
We offer ongoing job placement services with 1,200+ partner companies including Werner, Airgas, and Old Dominion. Our graduates receive personalized job search assistance and access to exclusive employment opportunities in the trucking industry.
Veteran CDL Programs
VA-approved training programs available at Olympia and Port Orchard campuses. Veterans receive specialized support with GI Bill benefits application and career transition assistance to commercial driving careers with local employers.
Flexible Scheduling
Day classes (6am-2:30pm) and evening classes (3:30pm-midnight) available Monday-Friday. With new classes starting weekly, working professionals can complete training while maintaining current employment commitments.
People
Victor Ratz
Owner
Co-founder with extensive trucking industry experience who established Commercial Driver School to address driver shortages through quality training. Emphasizes relationship-building and growth-oriented business culture.
Petra Ratz
Owner
Co-founder focusing on operational excellence and student success metrics. Advocates for diverse work environments that create innovative solutions for commercial driver training challenges.
Questions
What CDL training programs do you offer?
We provide Class A, B, and C CDL training with specialized programs in Hazmat, bus operation, and dump truck driving. Evening classes and VA-approved GI Bill programs are also available.
How does job placement work after graduation?
We offer lifelong job placement assistance with over 1,200 industry partners including Werner, UPS Freight, and Old Dominion. Graduates receive personalized job search support and employment connections.
Are veterans benefits accepted?
Yes, we accept Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits at our Olympia and Port Orchard campuses. Veterans receive specialized training programs and career transition assistance to commercial driving careers.
What are your class schedules?
New classes start weekly with day (6am-2:30pm) and evening (3:30pm-midnight) options available Monday-Friday to accommodate working professionals.
How long does CDL training take?
Most programs take 4 weeks to complete, with Class A requiring 160 training hours and Hazmat certification completed in 16 hours through two-day intensive courses.
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Reviews (5)
Tim And Jill S
Aug 10, 2022
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On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to thank you and the staff at CDS for your continuous help and services. Every time we have had a question or problem, you have done the utmost to assist us and point us in the right direction.
Michael R
Aug 10, 2022
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Thanks for the opportunity to attend! The entire staff was professional and courteous the entire time! Thoroughly enjoyed my time here.
Darren F
Aug 10, 2022
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Just wanted to thank you and your staff for the opportunity to attend the class. The instructor was excellent and answered a lot of questions and concerns I had. It gave me a different outlook on driving schools.
Cody Christofoletti
May 18, 2022
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If I could give them a zero star I would. They don't have enough teachers to student ratio. So you don't get the adequate amount of time to learn behind the wheel.
Kelly Uchimura
Mar 09, 2022
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I highly recommend these guys if you want to get your CDL. I passed the State test in one try. They are very knowledgeable about using GI Bill benefits to pay for the training. They have several training locations available plus day and night classes to choose from. There is a decent amount of material to study for the tests. But if you put in the time, these guys will help get you there.