CDL Training Programs at Southwest Truck Driver Training
Southwest Truck Driver Training has been preparing Arizona drivers for commercial trucking careers for over 25 years. The programs at both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses are built around one principle: real training, not just a certificate.
Students train on a late-model fleet of professional-grade commercial vehicles, guided by instructors with actual industry experience. Every program meets federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, and state-approved CDL testing is available on-site at both campuses.
Whether someone is starting from scratch or adding to an existing license, there is a program at Southwest designed for that goal.
Learn What CDL Training is Like at Southwest Truck Driver Training
Choose a Program
Class A CDL Training
A Class A CDL is the most versatile commercial license available. It qualifies drivers for long-haul freight, combination vehicles, flatbed, tanker, and the highest-paying careers in the industry. Students train to complete pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, city driving, and highway travel before they ever apply for a test appointment.
Duration: Varies by Schedule (Days, Nights, Weekends)
Available at: Phoenix and Tucson
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Class B CDL Training
A Class B CDL opens the door to steady, home-daily work throughout Arizona. Bus driving, local delivery, straight trucks, and transit operations are all within reach. The program includes air brakes training and prepares students to pass the Class B CDL skills test with confidence.
Duration: Varies by Schedule (Days, Nights, Weekends)
Available at: Phoenix and Tucson
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CDL Endorsement Training
Endorsements make drivers more valuable to more employers — and often increase earning potential. Southwest offers training for the three most in-demand endorsements: HazMat, Passenger, and School Bus. Each program covers the ELDT-required topics and prepares students for the corresponding knowledge test.
Endorsements offered: HazMat (H), Passenger (P), School Bus (S)
Available at: Phoenix and Tucson
CDL Refresher Training
Designed for licensed drivers who have been off the road or need to meet a new employer’s requirements. The CDL Refresher program is hands-on, focused, and built to get experienced drivers back to full confidence without starting over. Students also receive help finding the right career path for them when they graduate.
Best for: Drivers with experience in the past 2–3 years
Available at: Phoenix and Tucson
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RV Training
Southwest’s RV Training program teaches safe operation of large recreational vehicles for personal and professional use. The curriculum covers pre-trip inspections, city and freeway driving, and maneuvering techniques specific to RVs. Graduates receive a Southwest Recreational Vehicle Training Certificate of Attendance, which most insurance companies recognize and may use to offer a rate reduction.
Best for: Personal owners and professional operators
Available at: Phoenix and Tucson
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Business Development Program
Southwest works directly with companies that need a reliable training partner for their drivers. Through the Business Development program, businesses send employees through the same curriculum and same instructors that Southwest has used for more than 25 years. No franchise. No shortcuts. The same standard that has built Southwest’s reputation in Arizona.
Best for: Employers seeking CDL training for their workforce
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Training Built Around Real Careers
Southwest Truck Driver Training is not affiliated with any trucking carrier. That independence matters.
Many CDL schools are owned by or tied to carriers. Those schools often route graduates toward one employer. Southwest does not operate that way. Students graduate and choose where they want to work. The school’s career services team supports that decision — and that support does not expire at graduation.
Lifetime job placement assistance is included with every program. Whether a graduate is starting out or making a change years later, Southwest’s team is still in their corner.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Programs
What CDL programs does Southwest Truck Driver Training offer?
Southwest Truck Driver Training offers Class A CDL training, Class B CDL training, CDL Refresher training, HazMat endorsement training, Passenger endorsement training, School Bus endorsement training, RV Training, and a Business Development program for employers. All programs are available at the Phoenix and Tucson campuses.
Do I need prior experience to enroll in a CDL program?
No. Most students who enroll in the Class A or Class B CDL programs have no commercial driving experience. A valid driver’s license and the motivation to learn are the starting points.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B CDL?
A Class A CDL authorizes drivers to operate combination vehicles — meaning a vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as well as vehicles towing a unit
Is CDL training in Arizona expensive?
CDL training costs vary by program type. Southwest Truck Driver Training offers tuition assistance to eligible students, and many carrier partners offer tuition reimbursement as part of their hiring packages. That means some students recoup part or all of their training costs after taking their first driving job. Southwest’s admissions team can walk through tuition options and reimbursement with any prospective student.
Does Southwest Truck Driver Training offer flexible class schedules?
Yes. Both the Phoenix and Tucson campuses offer day, evening, and weekend classes. Students can choose the schedule that fits their current work or family situation.