What Is It Known For?
Sage Truck Driving School, founded in 1989, is known for its high-quality CDL training. The school stands out with its hands-on, personalized approach, offering one-on-one instruction to ensure each student gets plenty of attention and driving practice.
While exact enrollment numbers aren’t public, this method suggests smaller class sizes. The school is not part of a larger network but it does have a national presence, with schools in several states, making top-tier training accessible across the country. Over the years, Sage has built a strong reputation for producing skilled, confident drivers who are in demand among trucking industry employers.
Degrees & Certifications
Sage Truck Driving School offers the following CDL training programs:
- Class A CDL Training Program: For those looking to drive large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, including extensive behind-the-wheel training.
- Class B CDL Training Program: Focused on smaller commercial vehicles such as buses and dump trucks, ideal for students not needing a Class A license.
- Refresher Courses for CDL Holders: For those with previous experience who need a refresher to update their skills.
- Veteran’s Truck Driver Training: Tailored programs to help veterans transition from military service to civilian truck driving careers.
Class Schedules
Sage provides flexible class schedules to accommodate various students, including options for full-time and part-time training. Classes are typically offered during the day, with some locations also offering evening or weekend courses.
The programs are mostly in-person, ensuring students get practical, hands-on driving experience. Sage’s training is intensive, providing students with a thorough foundation in truck driving, including both classroom instruction and on-the-road driving time.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Sage Truck Driving School is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), a certification that only about 5% of truck driving schools achieve.
In addition, Sage’s programs are fully compliant with the FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, ensuring that all CDL training meets federal guidelines for safety and competence.
Acceptance Rate
There is no mention of the school’s acceptance rate. However, to gain admission to Sage Truck Driving School, applicants must meet specific entry requirements. These include having a clean driver’s license free of major violations, completing an enrollment application, submitting a DOT medical examination form, and passing a drug test.
How Much Does It Cost?
Tuition for Sage Truck Driving School typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the program and location. Sage offers various financial aid options and payment plans to help students manage the cost of their training.
For more information on available tuition assistance and funding options, you can visit their Tuition Assistance page.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Commercial Driver's License
Campus Locations
Phoenix 9215 N Black Cyn Hwy Space #2, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Denver 510 E 51st Avenue, Suite 206 Denver, CO 80216
Grand Junction 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, CO 81506
Fort Pierce 4200 Okeechobee Rd #92, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
Jacksonville 1932 Dahlia Road Jacksonville, FL 32254
Plant City PEPC, Hillsborough Community College, 1206 N Park Rd #123, Plant City, FL 33563
Blackfoot 80 Doud St, Blackfoot, ID 83221
Caldwell 412-H S Kit Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605
Coeur d'Alene 4259 W Seltice Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Idaho Falls 3950 S Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Muncie 3711 E McGalliard Rd, Muncie, IN 47303
Billings 2110 Overland Ave Suite 103, Billings, MT 59102
Las Vegas 3450 S Maryland Pkwy Space #2, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Albuquerque 885 Sunset Rd SW Space 2, Albuquerque, NM 87105
Durham 3000 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 102 Durham, NC 27705
Rocky Mount CDL Training, 522 N Old Carriage Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Schnecksville Attn: CDL Training, 4500 Education Park Dr, Schnecksville, PA 18078
Bloomsburg 326 E 2nd St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Lexington 277 Dooley Rd, Lexington, SC 29073
San Antonio 204 Dunton Ave, San Antonio, TX 78226
Dallas 1050 N Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75211
Jacinto City 10930 E. Freeway Jacinto City, TX 77029
Houston 8866 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77017
Salt Lake City 333 N 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Casper 8411 Airport Pkwy, Casper, WY 82604
Cheyenne 1938 Wyott Dr A-1, Cheyenne, WY 82007
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, SAGE Truck Driving Schools in Phoenix presents a highly polarized experience. While many students praise the supportive staff and effective training, a significant number of recent, severe criticisms point to major issues with poor organization, communication, and excessive program delays that waste students’ time and money.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Patient Instructors: The instructors are the most consistently praised aspect, described as “knowledgeable,” “patient,” and having a special place in students’ hearts. Reviewers found the training to be pleasant, informative, and thorough, with instructors genuinely caring about students passing safely.
Responsive Leadership (Specific Director): The program director is mentioned by name and praised for being “present,” resolving issues, and having “prompt and professional” communication. This suggests a dedicated effort from the leadership to address student needs.
Effective and Fun Learning Vibe: The training is described as “really laid back and fun,” with students being “in and out in no time” if they pay attention. The school is highly recommended by graduates for a successful CDL acquisition.
Program Affordability and Equipment: The program is noted by at least one student for its affordability, and the training equipment is described as “really nice” and well-maintained.
Common Criticisms
Excessive Program Delays: The most serious complaint is about the program timeline. One reviewer stated a “6 weeks program turned into 6 months of wasted time and money,” despite working hard. This suggests significant scheduling or testing bottlenecks.
Wasting Time and Money: Multiple critical reviews state the school is the “worst place to get your training” because it causes students to “waste time and money,” alleging the school only cares about the financial aspect.
Poor Communication and Organization: Several reviewers cite “terrible service” and a severe lack of communication from specific office staff members, who are accused of failing to return calls, having “no follow through,” and sending students to incorrect locations for necessary screenings (like drug screens).
Subpar Training Environment: One detailed criticism noted that the trucks are “bad” and the hosting yard is merely a “storage facility that rarely has appropriate room for… training,” impacting the quality of the practical instruction.
Momentum
The reviews show a dangerous polarization. While positive reviews are generally recent (within the last year), so are the most severe negative criticisms (within the last year and as recent as four months ago). The positive feedback focuses heavily on instructor quality and director responsiveness, suggesting the teaching staff is excellent. However, the negative feedback focuses on systemic flaws in organization, communication, and logistics (delays, poor yard conditions), suggesting that while the teaching is great, the administrative and operational infrastructure may be critically broken, leading to financial and temporal risk for students.