Does paid CDL training mean I get wages in every phase?

No. Check classroom, permit, post-CDL mentor and solo-driving pay separately. Sponsored tuition and later reimbursement are different from wages.

How much will I owe if I leave early?

The signed agreement controls. Ask for the exact schedule, covered costs and treatment of termination or medical disqualification before accepting.

Does WIOA pay for every applicant’s CDL school?

No. Local eligibility, funding, approved providers and authorization matter. Contact an American Job Center before enrolling.

Which carriers use urine testing only?

This guide does not establish a current urine-only policy for any carrier. DOT rules and supplemental employer testing are separate; confirm the written policy.

Can I train for a CDL with a felony?

Possibly. The offense, sentence, license history, employer and required endorsements matter. Check federal/state disqualification rules and get the employer’s review before traveling.

Paid CDL Training (2026): Compare Carrier Programs, Contracts & WIOA

Four carrier programs with official-source training details, plus a checklist for repayment terms, criminal-history review and workforce funding.

Last updated: 2026-10-29

Quick Answer

Company-paid tuition, wages while learning and tuition reimbursement are different arrangements. Roehl, Prime, Schneider and TMC publish different training phases and benefits; compare the table and obtain the current contract before traveling. WIOA may fund an approved CDL program through an American Job Center, but eligibility, local funding, covered costs and approval are not guaranteed. A criminal record also requires a separate review of CDL disqualifications, employer criteria and any endorsements.

4 Carrier Training Programs Compared (2026)

Compare training pay, contract length, early-exit buyout cost, testing questions, and criminal-history/MVR review.

Carrier & Academy	Training Pay & Housing	Contract & Buyout Cost	Drug Test Method	Felony & MVR Policy + Guides
Roehl Transport Get Your CDL Paid Training Program Locations: Multiple locations; confirm the assigned training terminal before travel	Published Phase 1 pay: $616 for a full training week; Phase 2: $112 per day with a trainer. The first Phase 1 paycheck is at the end of week 3; confirm the current offer.	120,000 solo miles after training. The program page estimates about 15 months; the FAQ gives about 18 months. Use the mileage obligation and signed agreement. Obtain the current signed repayment agreement. The cited public program page does not establish a universal dollar buyout or interest rate.	DOT testing required; confirm any additional employer testing	CDL disqualification rules, driving history and the employer’s current hiring criteria are separate checks. No universal felony lookback or hiring guarantee is established here; disclose only as required and get written eligibility review before travel. Felon Hiring Guide →Official Academy →
Prime Inc. Prime Student Driver (PSD) & TNT Program Locations: Springfield, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; Pittston, PA	The public page advertises at least $900/week in the post-CDL trainer phase when available for dispatch. This is not a promise of the same wage during permit/classroom preparation; confirm phase-specific pay and deductions.	Request current service, tuition and repayment terms before accepting. The program page describes the training phases but does not settle your individual contract. Obtain the current signed repayment agreement. The cited public program page does not establish a universal dollar buyout or interest rate.	DOT testing required; confirm any additional employer testing	CDL disqualification rules, driving history and the employer’s current hiring criteria are separate checks. No universal felony lookback or hiring guarantee is established here; disclose only as required and get written eligibility review before travel. Felon Hiring Guide →Official Academy →
Schneider National CAT (Company-Sponsored CDL Apprenticeship Training) Locations: Schneider facilities serving eligible hiring areas; verify the assigned location	CAT is a paid 5-to-7.5-week apprenticeship with compensation for training time and applicable transportation, lodging and meals. The separate tuition-reimbursement option is for eligible graduates, not upfront school funding.	Confirm current CAT service and repayment conditions. Tuition reimbursement is a separate program with its own eligibility and installment rules. Obtain the current signed repayment agreement. The cited public program page does not establish a universal dollar buyout or interest rate.	DOT testing required; confirm any additional employer testing	CDL disqualification rules, driving history and the employer’s current hiring criteria are separate checks. No universal felony lookback or hiring guarantee is established here; disclose only as required and get written eligibility review before travel. Felon Hiring Guide →Drug Test Policy →Official Academy →
TMC Transportation TMC Accelerated Class A CDL Flatbed Training Locations: Des Moines, IA; Columbia, SC	Published pay is $500/week at the CDL facility and $500/week during OTR training, with transportation and accommodations. Confirm the current offer; this page does not verify a $600–$750 school wage.	One year driving for TMC after obtaining the CDL; earlier departure requires reimbursement of some training costs. Obtain the current signed repayment agreement. The cited public program page does not establish a universal dollar buyout or interest rate.	DOT testing required; confirm any additional employer testing	CDL disqualification rules, driving history and the employer’s current hiring criteria are separate checks. No universal felony lookback or hiring guarantee is established here; disclose only as required and get written eligibility review before travel. Official Academy →

Compare the full training agreement

Request the amount financed, wage for each phase, first paycheck date, housing and meal deductions, mileage or service obligation, and the exact repayment rule for resignation, termination or medical disqualification. Ask whether completion records are provided. Do not infer a buyout, interest rate or forgiveness schedule from a third-party estimate.

Ask an American Job Center about WIOA first

An eligible training account can fund an approved provider when local eligibility, assessment and funding conditions are met. There is no nationwide guaranteed $5,000–$8,000 award or fixed approval time. Apply and obtain approval before enrolling; ask which tuition, permit, testing, transport and supportive-service costs are covered.

Drug testing and the Clearinghouse

DOT-regulated safety-sensitive work requires compliance with FMCSA testing rules and a Clearinghouse check. Employers can have additional non-DOT testing policies; this comparison does not certify any carrier as urine-only. A DOT drug/alcohol violation can prohibit safety-sensitive work until the required return-to-duty process is completed. Not every routine negative test is reported to the Clearinghouse. Ask the designated employer representative about the actual policy and have prescription questions reviewed by the medical review officer.

CDL eligibility and employer hiring are separate

Review 49 CFR § 383.51 for CDL disqualifications, the specific job posting for employer standards and TSA rules if a hazardous-materials endorsement is needed. Some TSA offenses are permanently disqualifying and others use time windows and waiver rules. A generic 5- or 7-year felony statement is not a reliable eligibility decision. Obtain written review before paying a deposit or leaving for training.

Related CDL & Trucking Resources on SecondChanceInfo

Complete CDL Licensing & ELDT Guide for People with Records — FMCSA § 383.51 disqualifications, TWIC cards, and state CDL rules
Does Western Express Hire Felons? — top second-chance carrier for drivers who already hold a Class A CDL
Federal CDL Disqualification Rules (49 CFR § 383.51) — check how specific driving or felony convictions affect CDL eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Does paid CDL training mean I get wages in every phase?: No. Check classroom, permit, post-CDL mentor and solo-driving pay separately. Sponsored tuition and later reimbursement are different from wages.
How much will I owe if I leave early?: The signed agreement controls. Ask for the exact schedule, covered costs and treatment of termination or medical disqualification before accepting.
Does WIOA pay for every applicant’s CDL school?: No. Local eligibility, funding, approved providers and authorization matter. Contact an American Job Center before enrolling.
Which carriers use urine testing only?: This guide does not establish a current urine-only policy for any carrier. DOT rules and supplemental employer testing are separate; confirm the written policy.
Can I train for a CDL with a felony?: Possibly. The offense, sentence, license history, employer and required endorsements matter. Check federal/state disqualification rules and get the employer’s review before traveling.

Official Resources

Roehl Transport — training program— Official training phases and published program details.
Prime Inc. — training program— Official training phases and published program details.
Schneider National — training program— Official training phases and published program details.
TMC Transportation — training program— Official training phases and published program details.
American Job Center finder— Ask about local WIOA eligibility and approved CDL providers.
FMCSA Training Provider Registry— Check the training provider and applicable ELDT requirements.

Related Resources on This Site

Helpful guides

RightsCan a felon get a professional license?
ExpungementClean Slate laws — automatic expungement
ToolsReentry Grants & Programs
Free Legal AidFree legal aid by state

Sources

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Carrier training pay, tuition contract buyout amounts, and drug testing methods (urine vs. hair follicle) vary by terminal and state and may change at any time. Always obtain and read the written training promissory note before signing or traveling to orientation.