Commercial Driver School

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at CDS. I want to take this time to thank everyone who was involved during my time there(staff and students). Thank you and best wishes!

Fantastic experience: Definitely the best school in the best bang for your buck. They stood by my side and helped me every step of the way and help me understand everything about the course and helps me work on every part of my driving and helping me with backing and we're there to congratulate me once I pass my test The people here are awesome and they care about you in your future highly recommend thank you so much for your help and helping me get started with my career. Brittany, Nate, Lisa, Adam, Corey, Vince your all very awesome and I appreciate you and none of this would have been possible unless I had your help!!

Fantastic experience: Okay, this took me a few months to write since I graduated from CDS because I didn't know what to say, plus life took off fast after graduating. This place is amazing. I took the Z course, which consists of Class A (Bill, Adam, Cory, Lisa, KC, and Naomi) dump/mix(Adam), bus(John and Lisa), forklift, and hazmat. The instructors and office personnel (Britney, Ashley, Lane and Jody the President) were very knowledgeable and treated me like family they helped me through my struggles and worked with me. They even helped me find a job with Pride Transport. I just wanted to say thank you for all the help and support to the CDS family. You guys/girls are amazing. Sorry if I misspelled any names or forgot anyone I've never been good with names.

Fantastic experience: This place is incredible for aspiring truck and bus drivers. The instructors are dedicated and provide extensive knowledge to build your confidence. I Lisa was especially outstanding—she went above and beyond to ensure I understood every detail. All the staff were very helpful. Thanks to their support, I gained the knowledge and confidence I needed to pass my test, and I'm very happy with my experience!

Fantastic experience: "I had the privilege of learning from an exceptional team of instructors who demonstrated unwavering professionalism and dedication. Their passion for teaching and sharing their expertise made the learning experience engaging and exciting. Through their personal stories and industry insights, I gained a deeper understanding of the critical importance of safety, speed, distance, and weight management in truck operation. I also came to appreciate how our actions on the road can impact families and communities. The instructors provided comprehensive training, covering all essential knowledge and responsibilities required of a truck driver. They went above and beyond to ensure we were not only prepared to pass the CDL test but also road-ready, with hands-on training in operating both 48-foot and pup trailers."

Fantastic experience: I just completed my 160 hours at CDS and passed my Class A skills test with the DOL!! CDS has great, knowledgeable instructors and people in the office that genuinely care about you succeeding. I had night class with Bill and it was the best experience I could’ve possibly hoped for. I felt fully prepared to take my test at the end of the 4th week and that I was given extra practice where I needed. The job assistance they provide is also so helpful and they do a great job at pointing you in the right direction. 11/10 would recommend and would come back!

Fantastic experience: The staff at the Lacey campus is awesome. I was struggling with a few things and they let me focus on them and with there expert training experience I overcame those struggles. I took my skills test on 11/19/2024 and passed the first time. Thank you again for the excellent training, I will continue to send you students.

Positive experience: The staff is great! They work hard and always willing to help, even on Saturdays. I am not sure if bus is less of a priority if thats what you're going for. They had one instructor who does bus when I was there, she also helped with truck and was busy supervising. Thankful for Casey, Naomi & Corey for stepping in to help when I asked. I also had an issue with paperwork not submitted completely- which I heard from friends that it happened to them too. I worked hard studying to pass my drive test, took and passed my test but DOL couldn't give me my license because CDS didn't submit proper paperwork to DOL.

Fantastic experience: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Got great experience, earned my CDL, and got a job in 2 weeks. They have evening classes and the GI Bill covers tuition for military. They even have a domicile for students that live further out. Ps....DAVE is awesome!!!

Fantastic experience: They welcomed me back for a refresher course with open arms, the staff was very accommodating to needs when i needed to be flexible. Dave the night instructor was the definition of what a teacher should be, he took time to help, is very calm mannered and never got frusterated with his teachings. Vince was awesome in answering any questions i had promptly and was very curteous. Would strongly reccomend them as a facility to get your CDL training. The equipment is great and nice to use.

Fantastic experience: Hailey and Vince are the two staff members I spoke to during a phone call and each encouraged me to visit for a walk through. I must say, the enrollment is for my son but he was extremely excited, he had the biggest smile on his face and in his eyes and can’t wait to get started. Thank you very much for your time and attention to detail.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend the commercial driver school in Lacey, Washington for anyone pursuing their Class A CDL. I entered the program with minimal knowledge of commercial driving, but their fantastic course structure and effective teaching style made all the difference. The program covers over 160 hours of comprehensive training in a hands-on manner, which really helped me grasp the material quickly. After graduating, I was able to obtain my CDL right away. Additionally, the support didn't stop there—when I received a conditional job offer, the school offered free, job-specific training to ensure I was well-prepared. They also assisted with job placement. A big thank you to Lisa, Cory, Adam, Naomi, and the rest of the team for their dedication and support. I’m extremely grateful for the education and opportunities provided.

Fantastic experience: CDS is a great school with amazing staff. Every instructor will give each student the attention they need, no matter the skill level or experience of the student. They don't just teach you how to pass the test. They will make sure each student knows how to properly and efficiently operate the vehicles. I personally (along with other veterans I attended the course with) was very pleased with Dave's teaching methods. A familiar crawl, walk, run teaching method at a fast pace, but not overwhelming all at once. Rodney (the lead instructor) is very good at keeping the pressure on you to perform at your best availability, without over stressing students. Naomi (the pre-trip instructor), was very skilled at taking what a few of us thought was an impossible task of memorizing the whole pre-trip in a short amount of time, very simple and much easier then we assumed it would be. She's very good at working with the strength and weaknesses of people's learning capabilities.

Fantastic experience: CDS offer great training. The instructors, Rodney, Dave, Corey do well to support students. Naomi also provides tips and tricks and supports with getting your pre-trip dialed in. They also are military friendly and is highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: The entire staff at CDS was amazing! Hailey (in the office) is friendly and knowledgeable, Naomi will help get you squared away with your pre-trip, and all the drive instructors work very well together. The best part about CDS is they actually teach you how to drive (not just how to pass a test). Shout out to Rodney and Cory! These 2 guys are reason enough to choose CDS! Thank you!

Fantastic experience: This school is great. Really friendly staff. The instructor, Dave, in the night classes is really great. He really does care about his students. I had a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a good school to get your CDL in only 4 weeks, this is the one.

Fantastic experience: Dave waters was a great instructor made my experience as a student great and he taught me everything I know now

Fantastic experience: Great experience and helpful instructors hats off to all

Fantastic experience: Well to start off I have to say that this driving school was very helpful for me to learn as much as I needed to understand the safety of driving a big rig. When you start it is overwhelming with the pretrip inside and outside and only having 3 weeks to get it down but Naomi is great at helping you get it figured out and makes sure you get it down before you have your test. Then for the driving part I'll have to say Casey, Corey and Anja helped me with that and made the driving not so stressful and they have a lot of knowledge to give to you so just always ask questions. The backing is what was killing me but then I had Dave help me which he is the night instructor and it helped me out a lot. So really if you are thinking of wanting to get your class A or B you should go in and talk to them because this is a very good school and they will do whatever it takes to help you get your license. Also Jeremy is another person there that will do all he can to help you be ready for your testing.

Fantastic experience: The lacy campus has the best instructors. They explain everything well the learning experience was an absolute joy. They made it fun and was one in one with the students. I would go back and refer any one to that campus. Thanks again by the way they coached me well enough one and done on test day. Thanks again lacy campus!!!!

Fantastic experience: I recently went to CDS and attended the Lacey campus. The training was excellent. All of the instructors have real life CDL driving experience and they all really care about the students and their education! At the time of my training the lead trainer was Casey, he spent extra time with me off the clock just to ensure that I was ready for my drive test. Jeremiah also spent extra time with me to ensure I was ready for my drive test the head of the campus is a man named Vince. Vince makes a point to be involved with the students with everything from working on their pre-trip to taking them on drives and giving them pointers. Anja did an excellent job in the classroom instructing drivers she really goes above and beyond to help the students find jobs. She helped with everything from bringing in recruiters to giving her own personal references. Mike was in charge of backing and is an excellent backing and coach gives great pointers, tips and instruction. He even comes in on Saturdays for anybody that wants to do extra backing. Last but not least, I would like to mention Naomi. Naomi is in charge of teaching us pre-trip, which is a very important part of the school. She’s excellent at what she does, and just like everybody else she goes above and beyond to help out the students. I would highly recommend going to CDS over any other school! When it came time to go to the DOT yard for my Drive Test more people from our school passed on the first try or second try like myself than any other school there. I have nothing bad to say about the school and only good things to anyone that wants to listen. I appreciate everybody at the school for helping me get my CDL Class A!!! Thank You!!! You are all rock stars!!! Anthony

Fantastic experience: Great school, awesome staff. It’s amazing they focus on job placement after you complete your training and get your CDL!

Negative experience: Lady at the front desk was super sweet that’s the reason for my 2 stars but besides that when I came in to inquire about attending this school, I was told the GI bill was not accepted but on there trucks it advertises GI bill. Either false advertisement or false information.

Fantastic experience: Great instructors with a lot of knowledge . Had a great time learning all I could

Negative experience: I took the 16 hours class for the hazmat class and it was the most stupid class I have ever been. Definitely not worth the money and time. But I guess you have to since it's required to take it. Hopefully I don't have to come back again.

Fantastic experience: This place is great. All instructors are more than helpful and willing to spend the time to make sure you understand the material you’re learning. It’s a fast paced curriculum, but these guys and gals have all the resources you need to be successful. Office staff is just as helpful in answering all questions and making sure you have what you need. If you’re on the fence about cdl training, hands down this is the place to go.

Fantastic experience: I felt comfortable and informed. They try their best to get you ready for state tests.

Fantastic experience: I have the utmost respect for this school and how helpful it is. I was dealing with the most complicated situation with the state that was denying me the opportunity to test before I exited the military earlier this year and the school put in the effort not required of them to help me get my test and accommodate the fact I was also doing the Z course all while I was crunched for time with the minimal time to make it work and I appreciate all the instruction I received there that has helped me in my driving since graduating from the Olympia campus. Got me a heavy haul job right off the bat and soon to be cement mixer job since I trained on the mixer at CDS.

Fantastic experience: This school was awesome to learn at. Staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone looking to get there CDL license.

Positive experience: Ive attended twice i have my Hazmat has well from CDS. Its was very accommodating to the learning and acquiring skills to implement with HANDS ON TRAINING During vehicle walk around to actually getting behind the wheel if your thinking of a CDL There is literally nothing better than CDS.-M.D Sweitzer-

Fantastic experience: I had a wonderful time there and the instructors are awesome

Negative experience: I have a class B, with a school bus endorsement. I want to upgrade my class B to a class A. I go in to ask what's involved in doing that and they tell me there is no upgrade. I have to do the full CDL-A course. I explained that it seems odd, since I've obviously already had a certain amount of training to get what I have, including air brake, plus 5 years experience, and they tell me "well, your bus was an automatic, and it takes a while to learn to shift the manual". DOL specifically lists the requirements to upgrade, and they list this company as a registered CDL school that does class A, B, and school bus, so I can only assume they just don't want to do it. Obviously they want to sell you the full course. Go down the street, save some money, and get your upgrade done in 2 weeks.

Fantastic experience: Thanks to evening instructors Dave and Nicole I was able to pass my CDL Class A exam the first time through. Both instructors were professional, enthusiastic and committed to each students success. My first week at CDS was spent in the classroom with Andrew, who is a high energy, exceptional instructor. If you can manage it, I recommend the evening class which is usually smaller in size. If you want the best, go to CDS. Thank you CDS!

Fantastic experience: My experience with CDS (Commercial Driving School) in Olympia has been absolutely amazing. Everyone working here has been kind, personable, respectful, and patient with me as a student. The Evening Instructor, Dave, has been instrumental in my success as a driver. He has taken me aside and helped me, and other students, every step of the way. Being able to pinpoint areas we need to work on, and how to get out of a tough situation i.e; Backing at an odd angle, being stopped on a hill with traffic directly behind the truck, how to safely downshift, etc. He also stands behind his students as an instructor. He genuinely wants everyone to succeed. Very cool, very funny, awesome guy. The Pre-Trip Instructor, Nicole, has been awesome. When you're handed the Pre-Trip paperwork to study, it can be extremely intimidating. She instantly came up with solutions on how to memorize certain areas in various ways, from simplicity such as highlighting acronyms to using phrases and sayings to help solidify parts of the vehicle in your mind. She has no issue bouncing back and forth between students to make sure everyone is progressing at an appropriate pace. Very smart, very funny, super patient. Even if these two individuals aren't around for whatever reason, there are other people you could use for help as well. I was stuck memorizing an area and the Senior Vice President of the company had no issue giving me the time, helping get an area down. The ladies in the front office are super helpful as well. This company wants to work with you, not throw you on an assembly line, so to speak. 5/5 Would always recommend to anyone interested in acquiring a commercial driver's license.

Fantastic experience: I can't highly enough recommend this place. I honestly felt like family to most the staff. Dave at the night class was a great teacher and grew my confidence and skills. I seriously doubt any other commercial driver school would go as above and beyond for their students as CDS does for theirs.

Fantastic experience: My time and money were well spent with this school, from my class time through all three instructors. I will definitely recommend Commercial Drivers School to anyone asking for recommendations. Andrews teaching style had me ready for permit testing in three days and I was able to walk in confident and sure of Mt knowledge. Kieth, my first instructor, was very forward and informative, he helped become more attentive to my surroundings and my gears. Vince, was very patient even when he told me to turn right and I went left, several times, I really enjoyed my time with Vince. Dave pulled everything together for me with my backing and down shifting, this is one great team of instructors. Thanks guys for all the help

Positive experience: Great instructors, will prepare you for the written and practical exam for state CDL, it's a short course so you have to be prepared to put the time and effort into yourself The school is only here to show you the way they open the door but you still have to walk through it yourself

Fantastic experience: Excellent school; very courteous staff and instructors, from the vice president down; and the safety measures that the instructors bring upon the students is absolutely above and beyond with how they teach there students to be safety conscious while learning to drive a commercial vehicle. Vince; and all other instructors are making sure that you pass your Class A Or B only if they know that you know how to operate a commercial vehicle the most safest and efficient way while on the roadways! I wouldn't go to any other trucking school besides CDS! Best training ever! Safety first at this school; keeps our roadways safe because of it!

Fantastic experience: Well the instructors were great Dave the night class was absolutely amazing. Dave and i become really close friends. I would recommend going to the school for anybody who wants to get their CDL Especially if you can do it during the night class. But the front office staff at the CDS in Lacey wa Really needs to work on their PR skills in my opinion. Every time I had interactions with the front office staff which wasn’t very often because of the night class the gal was very rude and short and did not have a good attitude like she was having a bad day. It felt like I was an inconvenience to talk to her. So that is my only negative thing to say about CDS is the front office staff there and Lacey Washington. I highly suggest if you want to get your CDL do it at night if you can and have a beer instructor he takes the time out of his way to make sure you understand what you’re doing hats off to Dave thank you very much Dave

Fantastic experience: CDS has the best instructors anyone could hope for. Every instructor gives amazing feedback, positive encouragement, and does everything in their power to teach you the trade. Their teaching is well above expectations and beyond reproach. I went in knowing very little and came out with a CDL

Fantastic experience: This place is great, very helpful, professional, glad I attended school here for my class A. You are sure to leave this place with some new friends.

Fantastic experience: I just finished the 4 week class got cdl and I owe it all to the InstructorsThey were extremely patientAnd truly genuine about wanting to teach me and for me to get my CDL Even the ladies in the front office where awesome the whole experience was great thank U CDS

Fantastic experience: Great school to obtain your CDL. Instructors are fantastic and great people to learn from.

Fantastic experience: In school now very good team ..instructors..and knowledge

Fantastic experience: Very professional school. I attended the Lacey Campus and I have nothing but good things to say. The instructors are very experienced drivers who are passionate in training students to be very confident behind the wheel and get them the experience they need to begin a new career field right.

Fantastic experience: The instructor was great. The instructor helped me understand and learn everything I need to know and prepare myself. I highly recommend this Commercial Driver School.

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at this School. I did the night class which was rough being I was working full time. Dave was a great instructor. He made the class enjoyable and very educational. I passed my test the first time which is really what mattered to me. Overall I recommend this school. Family like atmosphere, they want you to pass.

Negative experience: I had some great instructors, but zero assistance in job placement.

Fantastic experience: Just earned my Class A CDL and all to the thanks of CDS Lacey, WA, During this difficult time (COVID 19) CDS will not let you down. Trust the process and allow them to do their job, you won’t be disappointed. thanks again CDS.

Fantastic experience: I enjoyed the classes even though I'm only one week in the instructors are awesome, understanding and willing to help there students how ever possible to ensure everyone underatands ecactly what and how everythings works.

Fantastic experience: Just finished the "Z" course with these guys, that is they trained me in every thing the G.I.Bill would cover, A-Z, and I already feel about future job prospects because trucking companies are always hiring, and not just over the road either. The instructors make a big sticking point of emphasizing getting a local truck job, and you will make at LEAST $16/hr when you finish school and have your CDL in hand. The instructors, every one that I worked with, James, John, Pam, Mike, and Burk amongst others were genuinely helpful easy to get along with, and most importantly patient. The school makes a point of giving you the help you need to pass the state licensing tests, even if you require a little more time than the scheduled curriculum. Speaking of the schedule, it's flexible. Morning or evening classes, and if you miss any time due to an appointment the school will make sure you make up your hours. As an army veteran after 8 years of service I would especially recommend this to veterans, particularly those not sure what they want to do after service, such as me. The G.I. Bill will cover almost everything they offer, gives you about two months of training, and most importantly a CDL which will be a job ticket almost anywhere you go, and you can get all that even if you aren't sure you want to drive for a living, hell take the class before you ACAP/SFLTAP. In conclusion, the school is great and opens the door of opportunity for the interested.