National Standard Trucking School | CDL Training in Tacoma, WA
Professional semi-truck on highway
The National Standard in CDL Training

CDL Truck Driving School
in Tacoma
The Start of Your Career

National Standard Trucking School is a state-licensed, FMCSA-compliant CDL training program in the Tacoma/Seattle area. Get your Class A or Class B CDL in as little as 4 weeks with hands-on training from industry veterans. With a 95% job placement rate, our graduates earn $61,000+ in their first year driving for top carriers like Swift, UPS, and Werner.

10+
Years in Tacoma
5,000+
Graduates
95%
Job Placement

Our graduates drive for the nation's top carriers

Covenant Transport
UPS
Werner Enterprises
XPO Logistics
Estes Express
FedEx
J.B. Hunt
Penske
Swift Transportation
Schneider National
Covenant Transport
UPS
Werner Enterprises
XPO Logistics
Estes Express
FedEx
J.B. Hunt
Penske
Swift Transportation
Schneider National
CDL Training Programs

Which CDL Program Is Right for You?

FMCSA-compliant training programs designed to get you road-ready and earning fast.

Most Popular
Class A Manual

Class A Manual

160 Hours

Full CDL Class A training with manual transmission. Master pre-trip inspections, backing maneuvers, and road skills.

  • Manual Transmission
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Road Training
  • Endorsement Prep
Learn More about Class A Manual
Class A Automatic

Class A Automatic

160 Hours

Complete Class A CDL program with automatic transmission vehicles. Same comprehensive curriculum, modern fleet.

  • Automatic Transmission
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Road Training
  • Endorsement Prep
Learn More about Class A Automatic
Class B CDL

Class B CDL

80 Hours

Shorter program for straight truck and bus operations. Perfect for local delivery and transit careers.

  • Straight Truck
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • City Driving
  • Quick Completion
Learn More about Class B CDL
Class B CDL Passenger

Class B CDL Passenger

94 Hours

Complete Class B CDL training plus 14-hour passenger endorsement. Prepares you for city bus, school bus, and shuttle careers.

  • Passenger Endorsement
  • Pre-Trip Inspection
  • Air Brakes
  • City Driving
Learn More about Class B CDL Passenger
CDL Upgrade

CDL Upgrade

80 Hours

Already have a Class B? Upgrade to Class A and unlock higher-paying over-the-road opportunities.

  • B to A Upgrade
  • Combination Vehicles
  • Highway Training
  • Advanced Maneuvers
Learn More about CDL Upgrade
About Our School

What Makes NSTS Tacoma's Top-Rated CDL School?

National Standard Trucking School has been the Tacoma/Seattle area's top-rated CDL training program for over 10 years, with a 4.9-star Google rating and 95% job placement rate. Our comprehensive programs combine 40 hours of online classroom instruction with 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training to prepare you for a career earning $61,000+ per year.

Right now, coast-to-coast, truck drivers are delivering everything America depends on — food, medicine, fuel, and more. The industry needs 80,000+ new drivers every year, and demand keeps growing. With a CDL from NSTS, you're stepping into a career with real job security and earning potential.

Our graduates don't just pass their CDL exam — they launch careers. With an industry-leading 95% job placement rate and partnerships with top carriers nationwide, your new career starts the day you graduate.

$61K+
Average Starting Salary
4 Weeks
To Your New Career
80,000+
Driver Shortage Annually
100%
Hands-On Training
Truck drivers reviewing training materials
Locally Trusted. Professionally Trained.

Why Choose National Standard
Over Other CDL Schools?

The Standard Isn't Just Our Name. It's Our Promise. We've been training professional drivers in Tacoma for over a decade. Family-owned with 25+ years of experience in the trucking industry. We don't just teach you to drive — we prepare you for a career.

State-Licensed & FMCSA Compliant

Fully licensed by the State of Washington and compliant with all federal motor carrier safety regulations.

Expert Instructors

Learn from CDL professionals with decades of real-world trucking and training experience.

95% Job Placement Rate

Our partnerships with top carriers mean graduates get hired fast — often before they even finish training.

Modern Fleet & Facilities

Train on late-model trucks and professional training grounds that mirror real-world conditions.

Convenient Tacoma Location

Easily accessible from Seattle, Fife, Milton, and surrounding areas in the Puget Sound region.

Small Class Sizes

More one-on-one time with instructors means better learning outcomes and faster skill development.

How It Works

How Do I Get My CDL? 4 Simple Steps

Call Us or Apply Online

Call Us or Apply Online

Talk to our team. We'll walk you through programs, find the right financial assistance, and answer every question. No sales pitch. Real information from real people.

(253) 210-0505

Our Graduates

Join hundreds of proud NSTS graduates who earned their CDL and launched new careers on the road.

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Student Reviews

Rated 4.9★ by 100+ Graduates

Real reviews from real students. See why NSTS is Washington's top-rated CDL school on Google.

A

Andrew Kennedy

March 2026

"I recently completed the course and got my Class A through NSTS. I was extremely happy with the quality of teaching and skills taught here. Vlad and Jay were awesome, incredibly knowledgeable, and patient throughout the entire experience. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to make the jump into truck driving."

R

Richard Smith

March 2026

"My 4 weeks experience is one of the most stressful experiences those guys are really good you get a lot of drivers time."

S

Sauniatu West

February 2026

"Great school. Cheaper price than most school in Washington. Jay and Vlad were very good instructors. Cool people learn from."

R

Rick Taylor

January 2026

"Magnificent school. The way everyone works together to get you through is great. Julie and Val are two of the most talented people I've ever met. I would recommend this school to anyone really trying to get through the process."

U

Uzair Ahmed

July 2025

"I just passed my CDL-B skills test today, and I'm so thankful to National Standard Trucking School for helping me reach this goal! A huge thank you to my amazing instructor Julley — she was patient, supportive, and always made sure I understood everything clearly. Her training made me feel confident and fully prepared for the test."

A

Alexandr Volcovinschi

July 2025

"I'm really grateful for this school. Amazing instructors and training curriculum. Instructors helped me to perfect the Pre-Trip. I was able to pass on first time. Will highly recommend this school. Thank you Jelly, Vlad, Rustam so much!"

E

Erlan Bazarbekov

July 2025

"I attended this truck driving school for one month, and I'm truly grateful for the experience. In that short time, I gained not only the knowledge and skills needed to pass my exams, but also the confidence to be safe and professional on the road. The instructors are patient, clear in their explanations, and genuinely care about the success of their students. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to get their CDL quickly and effectively — you won't regret it!"

D

Duoth Tut

July 2025

"I'm a Class A CDL holder. I would like to thank all my instructors — Julie, Mike, Vlad, and Ross. Your mentorship, hard work, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. As a student, your lessons have helped me succeed. My special thanks goes to Julie. You have a gift for teaching. You inspire me to be my best self. If you are interested in getting your CDL, Class A or B, I recommend you go to National Standard Trucking School."

K

Kolya Shcherbachuk

July 2025

"I'm very satisfied with my experience at National Standard Trucking School. It's truly a great school that not only provides knowledge but also builds real confidence behind the wheel. I especially want to highlight instructors Julie and Mike — working with them was both enjoyable and highly effective. They have a talent for explaining complex things in a simple way, and they always support and share practical, real-world advice."

R

Raider Skillet

May 2025

"Awesome school and worth every penny you spend. The instructors, Julie, Mike and Ross are amazing and have decades of experience being truck drivers. In 4 very easy and relaxed weeks they taught me everything I needed to learn to get my Class A CDL. Come prepared to learn and you won't fail. The road and the big money are out there for you to grab ahold of. 5 STARS!"

S

Skyler Scott

2024

"Jay, Luis, and Vlad are amazing. One of the first students to pass on the first time, plenty of one-on-one time and also plenty of alone time to study the truck and do everything that was necessary! Check this school out, you won't regret it."

T

Timothy Johnson

2024

"NSTS is a school in Milton that I attended and I must say it was an experience I will never forget. Jay, Vlad and Luis the instructors have many years of experience so they were very helpful and I passed my test a couple weeks ago and now have my Class B driver's license. Give them a chance and you won't regret it."

Y

Yal

2023

"This is hands down the best CDL school in Seattle! All the instructors are very knowledgeable, caring, supportive and encouraging, always patient with me. They always care about their students, not only succeeding but their futures as well. What they will do is push you to believe in yourself and guide you with proper direction. Highly recommend NSTS if you are looking to get your CDL."

A

Anastasia Sharapova

2019

"Great school! Matthew, the instructor, is very experienced, the staff is helpful, and their course is amazing. They also have books in both English and Russian. So if you want to get your CDL, I definitely recommend going there!"

A

Andrew Kennedy

March 2026

"I recently completed the course and got my Class A through NSTS. I was extremely happy with the quality of teaching and skills taught here. Vlad and Jay were awesome, incredibly knowledgeable, and patient throughout the entire experience. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to make the jump into truck driving."

R

Richard Smith

March 2026

"My 4 weeks experience is one of the most stressful experiences those guys are really good you get a lot of drivers time."

S

Sauniatu West

February 2026

"Great school. Cheaper price than most school in Washington. Jay and Vlad were very good instructors. Cool people learn from."

R

Rick Taylor

January 2026

"Magnificent school. The way everyone works together to get you through is great. Julie and Val are two of the most talented people I've ever met. I would recommend this school to anyone really trying to get through the process."

U

Uzair Ahmed

July 2025

"I just passed my CDL-B skills test today, and I'm so thankful to National Standard Trucking School for helping me reach this goal! A huge thank you to my amazing instructor Julley — she was patient, supportive, and always made sure I understood everything clearly. Her training made me feel confident and fully prepared for the test."

A

Alexandr Volcovinschi

July 2025

"I'm really grateful for this school. Amazing instructors and training curriculum. Instructors helped me to perfect the Pre-Trip. I was able to pass on first time. Will highly recommend this school. Thank you Jelly, Vlad, Rustam so much!"

E

Erlan Bazarbekov

July 2025

"I attended this truck driving school for one month, and I'm truly grateful for the experience. In that short time, I gained not only the knowledge and skills needed to pass my exams, but also the confidence to be safe and professional on the road. The instructors are patient, clear in their explanations, and genuinely care about the success of their students. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to get their CDL quickly and effectively — you won't regret it!"

D

Duoth Tut

July 2025

"I'm a Class A CDL holder. I would like to thank all my instructors — Julie, Mike, Vlad, and Ross. Your mentorship, hard work, and dedication have not gone unnoticed. As a student, your lessons have helped me succeed. My special thanks goes to Julie. You have a gift for teaching. You inspire me to be my best self. If you are interested in getting your CDL, Class A or B, I recommend you go to National Standard Trucking School."

K

Kolya Shcherbachuk

July 2025

"I'm very satisfied with my experience at National Standard Trucking School. It's truly a great school that not only provides knowledge but also builds real confidence behind the wheel. I especially want to highlight instructors Julie and Mike — working with them was both enjoyable and highly effective. They have a talent for explaining complex things in a simple way, and they always support and share practical, real-world advice."

R

Raider Skillet

May 2025

"Awesome school and worth every penny you spend. The instructors, Julie, Mike and Ross are amazing and have decades of experience being truck drivers. In 4 very easy and relaxed weeks they taught me everything I needed to learn to get my Class A CDL. Come prepared to learn and you won't fail. The road and the big money are out there for you to grab ahold of. 5 STARS!"

S

Skyler Scott

2024

"Jay, Luis, and Vlad are amazing. One of the first students to pass on the first time, plenty of one-on-one time and also plenty of alone time to study the truck and do everything that was necessary! Check this school out, you won't regret it."

T

Timothy Johnson

2024

"NSTS is a school in Milton that I attended and I must say it was an experience I will never forget. Jay, Vlad and Luis the instructors have many years of experience so they were very helpful and I passed my test a couple weeks ago and now have my Class B driver's license. Give them a chance and you won't regret it."

Y

Yal

2023

"This is hands down the best CDL school in Seattle! All the instructors are very knowledgeable, caring, supportive and encouraging, always patient with me. They always care about their students, not only succeeding but their futures as well. What they will do is push you to believe in yourself and guide you with proper direction. Highly recommend NSTS if you are looking to get your CDL."

A

Anastasia Sharapova

2019

"Great school! Matthew, the instructor, is very experienced, the staff is helpful, and their course is amazing. They also have books in both English and Russian. So if you want to get your CDL, I definitely recommend going there!"

From the Blog

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About CDL Training

Everything you need to know about CDL training at NSTS. Can't find your answer? Give us a call.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

(253) 210-0505
Ready to Get Started?

Your New Career Is Weeks Away.

It Starts With One Call.

Speak with an enrollment advisor today. Classes are filling fast — secure your spot in the next cohort.

7402 Pacific Hwy E, Tacoma, WA 98354

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