What Knight Transportation's CDL Training Offers

Knight Transportation runs a company-sponsored CDL training program that teaches you to drive commercial trucks and prepares you for the CDL exam. The program is operated through Knight's own training division and combines classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel training in actual commercial vehicles. Upon completion, you receive your CDL and move into a driving position with Knight or another carrier.

The program is designed for people with no prior commercial driving experience. Knight handles the logistics of scheduling, provides the training vehicles, and covers most or all of the tuition cost in exchange for a commitment to work as a driver for the company after you finish. This arrangement means you do not pay out of pocket for the training itself, though the specifics of tuition coverage and employment terms can vary.

Key Takeaways

  • Knight Transportation's CDL training is company-sponsored, meaning Knight covers tuition costs in exchange for a work commitment after you complete the program.
  • The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on driving training in commercial trucks, culminating in preparation for the CDL written and skills tests.
  • You must meet Knight's hiring requirements, which typically include being at least 21 years old, having a valid driver's license, and passing a background check and medical exam.
  • Training duration varies but typically runs between three and seven weeks depending on the location and your prior experience.
  • After graduation, you enter Knight's driver employment pipeline, though job placement and specific routes depend on company needs and your performance during training.

Who Can Enroll in Knight's CDL Program

Knight Transportation requires applicants to meet baseline criteria before entering the training program. You must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver's license, and pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination. Knight also conducts a background check that includes criminal history, driving record, and employment verification.

The company does not require prior commercial driving experience—the program is built for people starting from scratch. However, Knight does screen for factors like drug use, serious traffic violations, and felony convictions. The exact standards vary by location and can change, so the best way to know whether you meet Knight's requirements is to contact a recruiter directly or visit Knight's careers page to begin the inquiry process.

How the Training Program Is Structured

Knight's CDL training combines classroom learning with practical driving instruction. The classroom portion covers federal motor carrier safety regulations, vehicle inspection procedures, cargo handling, and the rules of the road specific to commercial trucks. This material prepares you for the written portion of the CDL exam administered by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

The hands-on portion takes place in actual Knight commercial trucks under the supervision of a certified instructor. You learn vehicle operation, backing maneuvers, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and safe driving techniques on highways and in traffic. The program culminates in preparation for your state's CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving evaluation.

Training locations and schedules vary. Knight operates training facilities in multiple states, and the length of the program depends on the specific location and whether you have any prior commercial experience. Most programs run between three and seven weeks. Some locations offer accelerated schedules, while others spread instruction over a longer period.

What Happens After You Complete Training

Upon finishing the program and passing your CDL exam, you transition into employment with Knight Transportation. The company does not may provide a specific route, pay rate, or start date—those depend on current hiring needs, your performance during training, and operational demands at the time you graduate.

New drivers typically begin with entry-level positions, often in over-the-road (OTR) trucking, which means longer hauls and time away from home. Some drivers move into regional or local routes after gaining experience. Pay is typically based on miles driven or hours worked, and compensation structures can vary by position and location.

Knight may also require a commitment period—a set length of time you agree to work for the company in exchange for the training. If you leave before that period ends, you may owe Knight a portion of the training costs. The length and terms of this commitment vary, so clarify these details before you enroll.

Costs and Tuition Coverage

Knight Transportation covers most or all CDL training tuition as part of its company-sponsored model. You do not typically pay tuition upfront or receive an invoice after graduation. However, you are committing to work for Knight for a specified period, and leaving early may trigger a repayment obligation.

Some costs may fall to you depending on the program location and your circumstances. These could include the cost of your DOT medical exam, state CDL exam fees, or background check fees—though Knight sometimes covers these as well. Before enrolling, ask Knight's recruiter which costs, if any, you are responsible for and what the employment commitment terms are in writing.

How to Inquire About Knight's CDL Program

The first step is to contact Knight Transportation's recruiting department. You can reach them through Knight's official careers website, where you will find information about current training locations, program dates, and the process process. You can also call Knight's recruiting line directly—the phone number is listed on their careers page.

When you contact Knight, have your driver's license and basic employment history ready. A recruiter will walk you through the requirements, explain the program structure at your nearest training location, and discuss the employment commitment. They can also answer questions about pay, benefits, and what to expect during and after training.

Be prepared to discuss your background, including any traffic violations, accidents, or gaps in employment. Knight uses this information to assess whether you meet their standards. If you do, the recruiter will guide you through the next steps, which typically include a formal process, background check authorization, and scheduling your DOT medical exam.

What to Expect During Your First Weeks as a Driver

After you pass your CDL exam and are hired, Knight typically assigns you to a training phase with an experienced driver. This driver training period, sometimes called a "ride-along" or "mentor phase," lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the company's current standards and your performance. During this time, you drive under supervision, learning Knight's specific procedures, safety protocols, and operational expectations.

You are paid during this phase, though the rate may be lower than that of fully independent drivers. Once your trainer signs off on your performance, you move into independent driving status. At that point, you are responsible for your own truck and routes, though you remain subject to Knight's dispatch system and safety monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work for Knight after I finish the training?

You are required to work for Knight for a set commitment period in exchange for the company covering your training costs. If you leave before that period ends, you may owe Knight a portion of the training expenses. The length of the commitment varies by location and program, so confirm the exact terms before you enroll.

What if I fail the CDL exam on my first try?

Knight's policy on retesting varies by location. Some programs include one or more retests in the initial tuition coverage, while others may charge a fee for additional attempts. Ask your recruiter about the retesting policy at your specific training location before you start.

Can I choose what type of driving I do after graduation?

Knight assigns routes and positions based on company needs and your qualifications at the time you graduate. Most new drivers start in over-the-road positions, but you may be able to transition to regional or local routes after you gain experience and demonstrate strong performance. Discuss your preferences with your recruiter, but understand that initial placement is not may provide.

How long does the entire process take from process to your first solo drive?

The timeline depends on several factors: how quickly you complete the process and background check (typically one to two weeks), the length of the training program itself (three to seven weeks), passing your CDL exam on the first attempt, and completing your post-graduation driver training phase (several weeks to a few months). In total, expect three to six months from initial process to independent driving status.

What if I have a poor driving record or minor criminal history?

Knight evaluates each process individually. Minor traffic violations or older criminal history may not disqualify you, but serious violations, recent felonies, or drug-related offenses typically will. Contact Knight's recruiting department with your specific situation—they can tell you whether you meet their standards without committing to the full process process.