How to use the G.I. Bill® to help pay for CDL training

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Veterans' skills and experience match those needed to be a successful truck driver. People with a military background often have experience operating heavy equipment, handling multiple tasks simultaneously and focusing on safety.

At Schneider, we’re proud to help those who serve make the transition from the military to a career in trucking. Our military recruiters work with candidates to make sure they take full advantage of the military benefits they’ve earned.

Let's explore how veterans can use the G.I. Bill® for CDL school.

How the G.I. Bill® can be used to pay for CDL training

The first step in becoming a truck driver is to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by attending a CDL training school. While most drivers pay for CDL training out of pocket, eligible veterans have the unique ability to use the G.I. Bill® to pay for their training.

The G.I. Bill® can cover all costs associated with CDL training and licensing, including:

• CDL program tuition.
• Books and supplies.
• CDL license.
• Background checks and medical testing.

If you’re an active-duty service member or veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a qualified survivor or dependent, you may be eligible for the G.I. Bill® or other educational assistance. You can learn more about G.I. Bill® eligibility and current education benefit rates on the VA’s website.

How to find a VA-approved CDL training school

A VA-approved CDL training school means the Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized it as a quality institution that can be trusted to provide education and training to military veteran students.

If you're applying to receive G.I. Bill® benefits to pay for CDL training, you want to make sure the school you’re attending or plan to attend is approved by the VA, so you don’t end up paying for training out of pocket.

Where to start

The VA provides tools, like the WEAMS (Web Enabled Approval Management System), that allow you to search for VA-certified schools and programs near you. Just type “Commercial Driver Training” into the tool, along with your preferred location, to find approved CDL schools.

To help with this process, Schneider has a military recruiting team made up of veterans who are dedicated to helping military personnel through the entire CDL process. Just fill out our Military Contact form, and one of our military recruiters will reach out to help you find a truck driving school that honors your GI Bill® benefits.

What to look for in a Veterans-Affairs-approved CDL training school

Choosing the right CDL school can make all the difference in your career. Not all CDL training schools offer the same benefits, so it’s important to research and compare your options to find the best fit for your needs. You can do this by browsing the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool to see what benefits you’d be eligible for at various schools.

Here are a few things you should consider when looking for a VA-approved CDL training school:

Is there a VA coordinator on staff?

If you have any questions or need help with your G.I. Bill® benefits, having a VA coordinator on staff at the school can be immensely helpful. Plus, schools that offer dedicated veteran resources are more likely to understand the unique needs of military personnel.

To find out if this resource is available at the school you’re considering, you can call or email the school’s admissions and ask directly.

Is the school approved and registered by the FMCSA for Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)?

Federal rules require all new CDL applicants be trained in a registered facility using a standard curriculum. Visit the FMCSA Training Provider Registry to see if the school is listed.

Attending an approved program helps ensure you’ll get a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training, access to high-quality equipment to practice with, and other benefits that set you up for a successful trucking career.

Does the school have flexible scheduling options?

Transitioning veterans often balance work, family life and training, if they stay in the Reserves or Guard. Check if the school offers flexible training schedules, such as part-time, evening or weekend options.

Does the school offer job placement assistance?

Find a school that provides job placement services. Many CDL programs maintain strong relationships with trucking companies, providing graduates with leads and opportunities for immediate employment.

What to do once you’ve found a school

Once you’ve identified a VA-approved CDL training school that meets your needs, it’s time to move forward with the enrollment process.

1. Contact the school.

Reach out to the school to discuss their application process and confirm how your G.I. Bill® benefits will be applied. Most institutions offer help navigating these steps, especially for veterans.

2. File for G.I. Bill® benefits.

Using the VA’s online application, file a claim for your G.I. Bill® benefits (if you haven’t done so already). Be sure to select the correct school and program when filling out the application. The school’s VA coordinator can often assist with this step.

You will need the following materials to complete your application:

• Social Security number.
• Bank account direct deposit information.
• Education and military history.
• Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend.

It takes around 30 days for an application to be reviewed and approved by the VA, but it can vary based on your situation. Once you are approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility, or award letter.

3. Gather the required documents for applying.

Ensure you have all necessary documentation before applying to the school, including:

• Certificate of Eligibility.
• Military service records.
• Any additional paperwork the school may require.

4. Apply for enrollment.

Submit your application to the CDL program. Many schools also require prospective students to pass a basic entrance exam or aptitude test, so make sure you’re prepared.