What Is It Known For?
Western Truck School has trained over 40,000 graduates since opening in 1976. The school operates three California campuses in Bakersfield, Santee/San Diego, and West Sacramento, with around 300 students training there each year.
The curriculum prepares you for commercial driver’s license exams using modern technologies and current equipment. Safety training follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Rules and Regulations standards.
Degrees & Certifications
Western Truck School awards diplomas and certificates when you complete programs. No degree programs are available.
Training runs from 20 to 330 hours based on what you need, with the Commercial Tractor Trailer Operator Program being the shortest at 20 hours. Other options include:
- Class A Commercial Driver Program
- Class B/P Combined Commercial Driver Program
- Class P Passenger Commercial Driver Program
- Class A or B Specialized/Refresher Commercial Driver Program, and more.
Class Schedules
Day, night, and weekend classes at Western Truck School help you work around your schedule. All training happens in person since the programs require hands-on driving practice. This means that online classes are also not available.
Externships/ clinical experience aren’t part of the curriculum because the programs focus on commercial driving.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Western Truck School isn’t accredited by an agency that the US Department of Education recognizes. However, California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) approves the school.
Acceptance Rate
Western Truck School hasn’t published its acceptance rate. Contact them directly to learn about admission requirements.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Most programs cost between $6,995 and $12,995. The Class A or Class B Skills & Driving Development Program/Commercial Tractor Trailer Operator Program, however, costs $3,495.
Western Truck School has no net price calculator currently, so reach out directly, and the admissions representatives will give you more financial information and potential payment arrangements.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- CDL
Campus Locations
Bakersfield 5800 State Rd # 7, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Western Truck School is an exceptionally highly-rated institution, overwhelmingly praised for its dedicated staff, effective, hands-on training, and ability to successfully prepare students for their Class A CDL on the first attempt.
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Dedicated Staff: The entire staff, including the Admissions Counselor and the main driving instructors, are praised in nearly every review. They are described as “super helpful,” “extremely knowledgeable,” patient, understanding, and highly motivational. The Admissions staff is specifically called out for going “above and beyond” to get students enrolled and keep them encouraged.
Effective, Fast, and Comprehensive Training: Students consistently praise the quality of the instruction, noting that the school teaches exactly what is needed to pass the CDL test, including skills like driving a manual transmission.
Rapid Career Transition: The program is celebrated for its ability to transition students into a new career quickly, often in just four weeks for the full-time course, or two months for the weekend course. Graduates often secure their Class A license on the first attempt.
Supportive and Motivational Environment: Reviewers describe the environment as highly positive, with staff members treating the students like family and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way, making the transition to a new career “fun and easy.”
Job Placement Support: The school is noted for providing support and following through on job perspectives and career connections with local businesses.
Momentum
The momentum for Western Truck School is extremely strong and consistently high. The most recent reviews (within the last few months) continue the pattern of high praise, specifically mentioning the Admissions Counselor and the lead instructors and crediting them directly with the students’ success in getting their CDL Class A license. The school is clearly successful at rapidly turning out high-quality, employable commercial drivers, and its reputation for hands-on, knowledgeable, and patient instruction positions it as a top choice in the region.