Thinking about CDL training in the Los Angeles area? Aztlan Trucking School has been around since 1976, helping folks get started in commercial trucking. Tucked away in Vernon, California, this place offers both Class A and Class B commercial driver’s license training programs.
Aztlan Trucking School does CDL training in both English and Spanish, which is a big plus for a lot of students in LA.
They put a lot of emphasis on hands-on training, so you’re not just stuck in a classroom all day. With nearly 50 years in the business, Aztlan’s become kind of a staple for people who want to break into commercial driving around here.
If you’re weighing CDL training programs, there’s a lot to think about—costs, how long it takes, whether they help you get a job afterward. Getting a sense of what Aztlan brings to the table compared to other schools can make the whole career decision a little less overwhelming.
Atzlan Location & Contact Info
5742 Duarte St Vernon, CA 90058
323-778-0498
- Aztlan Trucking School has been in LA since 1976, offering Class A and B CDL training
- Bilingual classes (English and Spanish) help reach a wide range of students
- Their Vernon location is right in the middle of industrial LA, which makes for a pretty realistic training ground.
School History and Mission
Aztlan Trucking School started up in the late 70’s and has stuck around ever since. It’s a private CDL school, and their focus is pretty straightforward: get students ready for commercial driving careers.
According to business records, the staff is pretty small—about 5 to 10 people in total. That probably means you won’t get lost in a crowd during training.
Annual revenue is estimated at around $270,000, so it’s not a huge operation, but it’s stable. The fact that they’ve lasted this long says something about their commitment to CDL training in LA.
Aztlan leans heavily on practical, real-world training to help students pass CDL exams. They train for both Class A and Class B licenses—so whether you want to haul trailers or drive a big box truck, you’re covered.
Aztlan CDL Training Programs
Class A CDL Training
Class A training at Aztlan is all about learning to drive the big rigs—tractor-trailers, truck/trailer combos, anything over 26,001 pounds. If you’re picturing long-haul or regional trucking, this is the license you’ll probably need.
The program covers pre-trip inspections, backing up, and actual road driving. You’ll get to practice with different trailers and learn how to couple and uncouple them—stuff that’s not always as easy as it looks.
There’s a mix of classroom time and real driving. Instructors are there to help you get the hang of vehicle control and all the safety procedures you’re expected to know.
With a Class A CDL, you can look at long-haul, local delivery, or regional jobs. It’s the one most commercial trucking companies want you to have.
Class B CDL Training
Class B is for straight trucks and smaller commercial vehicles—still over 26,001 pounds, but no trailer. Think delivery trucks, dump trucks, and city vehicles.
Training covers driving, inspections, air brakes, and handling cargo. You’ll learn about operating stuff like garbage trucks or construction vehicles—jobs that usually mean you’re home most nights.
There’s a lot of focus on city driving and tight maneuvers. You’ll get to practice things like backing up, parallel parking, and dealing with LA traffic (which, let’s be honest, is its own challenge).
Passenger and Hazmat Endorsements
Aztlan also offers add-on training for endorsements. With the passenger endorsement, you can drive buses or anything with 16+ people.
Hazmat training teaches you how to safely haul dangerous materials—paperwork, placards, emergency plans, the whole nine yards.
School bus endorsements need extra background checks and a bit more specialized training. If you’re aiming to drive for a school district, that’s what you’ll want.
There are other endorsements too: motorcycle, doubles/triples, etc. Each one means more tests and paperwork, but it opens up more job options.
Course Structure and Schedule
The Aztlan Trucking School schedule depends on what license you’re after and how fast you want to finish. Full-time students can usually wrap up basic CDL training in about 3-4 weeks.
If you need to work while training, there are part-time and weekend options—those usually take 6-8 weeks. It’s nice to have that flexibility.
A typical day mixes classroom lessons with actual driving. Figure on 4 hours in the truck and a couple hours in the classroom.
They cover federal rules, safety basics, and how to keep your truck running. You’ll do practice tests and mock CDLs before the real DMV exam.
Are there any prerequisite requirements to enroll in the CDL training at the school?
You’ll need to meet California’s basic CDL eligibility requirements. That means having a valid driver’s license and being old enough for commercial driving—no surprises there.
There’s also a Department of Transportation physical exam, plus vision and hearing standards you’ll have to pass before signing up.
A clean driving record is usually important too. It’s worth double-checking with the school to find out exactly what paperwork or documentation they’ll want from you.
What are the costs associated with the truck driving programs, and are there financial aid options available?
Honestly, there’s no clear answer online about tuition costs at Aztlan Trucking School. Best bet? Give them a call at 323-778-0498 to get the latest info.
Plenty of truck driving schools try to work with students on payment plans or financing, and some folks qualify for financial aid programs.
The school can walk you through payment options when you’re signing up. Costs can shift depending on which CDL program you pick.
How long does the CDL training program typically take to complete?
There’s no set timeline listed for Aztlan Trucking School’s programs, but generally, the duration depends on which CDL license you’re going for.
Most truck driving schools run programs that last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If you’re doing a full-time course, you’ll probably finish up sooner than if you’re part-time.
It’s a good idea to check in with the school directly for the most accurate info on schedules and how long it’ll take to wrap things up.
What kind of job placement assistance is provided to graduates of the Aztlan CDL program?
There’s not a ton of specific info out there about job placement at Aztlan Trucking School. That said, most truck driving schools do try to help grads get started in the industry.
Definitely ask the school what sort of job resources they offer—it might be anything from employer contacts to resume help or interview tips.
The school could have connections with local trucking companies, and honestly, networking in this business can go a long way once you’ve got your license.