I know this post is long but worth reading if u do not want 2 be taken advantage of. I just graduated August 23rd from CDS school & I have 2 agree w/Nicolay, it was the WORST school I have ever attended. I do NOT recommend this school 2 others. Check out several schools before just going with CDS. (there are more schools than you know out there who teach CDL) CDS will entice u with all of the fancy looking stuff & the supposed training plus they will BS u from the beginning 2 the end. Everything that Nicolay stated is TRUE! So much for filling out a class critique form which u have 2 ask for. It appears that things have NOT changed since Jan & more than likely will NEVER change since I was LIED to constantly. During the second week I was told by the school manager that they hired an electrician 2 put lights in @ the Rochester campus. I was told on Aug 30th that they will never put lights in @ that campus. The manager admitted the lie but had no guilt about doing so. His logic was, "I don't tell the truth so the students who learn 2 back in the dark do better on test day since it is during the daytime." The funny thing is the instructor had us try 2 back in the dark w/another vehicles lights & it was just too dark 2 do so & it actually made us back worse. So we never did that again plus it could be dangerous if someone was hit. So u have 2 go 2 school on Saturdays 2 practice backing. During enrollment they do NOT bother 2 truly inform u that school is actually 7 days a week. This mainly pertains 2 ALL Veterans since we are required 2 attend Class A, Bus & Dump Truck. Backing on Sat & Dump Truck on Sun. The 160 hours needed 2 pass class A is OVER two thirds of just SITTING around socializing. Some of us actually want 2 learn & would like 2 know that we received our almost $10,000 dollars worth of training which u actually do NOT receive since the classes are OVER crowded & there is the constant sitting around. The school manager also lied by saying that, "the poorly arranged scheduling of the state test is caused by the DOL office." He stated that, "during week 1 the DOL office is given a list of every students name from CDS then the DOL office puts the students on a test schedule according 2 who is doing better in the course." Funny since the DOL office has NO clue as 2 the students test grades or driving/backing abilities just from a list of names from week 1 which is entirely classroom. The pretrip instructor should NOT be called an instructor because this person did NOT instruct the students but rather showed us 1 time what a pretrip looked like. (if u take this course in the evening bring a flashlight because there r NO lights @ Rochester n there r is poor lighting @ Lakewood) Other than that this person stands around flirting with the students & instructors while drinking coffee. This same person is the one who schedules the DOL test dates that are supposedly done thru the DOL office. Then the school FORCES many students who r NOT ready 2 test. If u try 2 tell them that u want 2 reschedule CDS employees tell u that if u miss a DOL test date that it will be months B4 u can test again. NOT TRUE! It then costs the student out of pocket another $100.00 every time there after 2 retest. DOL is making money off of this. The school claims to have a 80 to 100 percent pass rate. NOT TRUE on FIRST time attempts. Many students FAIL the backing. So again, what Nicolay had to say is very TRUE! If u r not ready 2 test do NOT give the CDS employees your "skills" test form until u r READY! Another big LIE from the office manager is that he stated, "he cannot control the actions/behaviors of students in the class." Funny since on day 1 every student signs a class conduct form. If a student acts inappropriately @ any school the school has the right/obligation 2 protect employees & other students from such behavior. I was subjected 2 terrible verbal behavior from a student for 3 days. The instructor did NOT stop the student but instead he condoned it by behaving the same way. The student even verbally attacked the instructors coworker & the instructor did absolutely nothing. There is a FEDERAL law protecting people from such nonsense. (Federal protected class, it includes 12 of them) Many students COMPLAINED on a daily basis to one another & other instructors about the school & its issues but in the end no came forward but a couple of us. We were told often that, "we r truck drivers so deal with it." NO, we r students @ a school trying to get an education to enhance our knowledge base 4 a better career. It appears the school only cares about raking in MONEY! The students who complained but did not say anything to management stated that, "nothing will change so why bother?" They too are CORRECT since the office manager LIED to my face many times. read more

Commercial Driver School™ is a privately owned, commercial driver's license (CDL) training school with four convenient Washington-state campuses (Auburn, Lakewood, Olympia and Port Orchard). Company's instructors - all experienced commercial drivers - provide top-notch, easy-to-understand classroom and on-the-road training for men and women who are interested in earning or renewing their Class A, B, and/or C CDLs.  In order to accommodate their students busy schedules and preferences, new classes begin most every week and they offer day (6 am - 2:30 pm)  and evening (3:30 pm-midnight) classes Monday through Friday. Even better, due to their partnerships with many respected companies, Commercial Driver School™ also provides ongoing job placement assistance to its graduates, so they can take advantage of the many local and/or regional opportunities that exist in the trucking industry today. Given this, Commercial Driver School™ is one of the fastest growing and most respected truck driver training schools in the United States. Owners Victor and Petra Ratz credits this success to Commercial Driver Schools'™ outstanding team of professionals who not only deliver world-class CDL training but also embrace and demonstrate the company's following four core principles: Nurturing authentic human relationships with customers, employees and colleagues must be every company's number one goal.Yes, technology, streamlined systems, and other tools are also important for operational excellence, but they should never be substituted for accessible and genuine human interaction.Companies who value diverse people, cultures, and ideas are better poised to compete in today's complex and over-crowded marketplace.In other words, businesses that use diversity to arrive at creative solutions for complex challenges have distinct competitive advantages.Excellent leaders clearly and regularly communicate  - and demonstrate -  their companies foundational principles.Additionally, they must encourage their employees to allow these tenets to guide their business decisions and empower them to take appropriate action.Employees who are challenged, mentored, empowered, valued and rewarded for their accomplishments love their jobs... and it shows - especially to customers.That's why it's vitally important to create business cultures where reasonable mistakes are viewed as "lessons learned" and personal and professional growth are priorities.Commercial Driver Schools'™ Mission Statement Commercial Driver School™ provides outstanding opportunities for people wanting to start or advance their careers through superior local training and career placement programs. read more

I had a awesome experience with this school. You start off in class for a week, there they will teach you the basic knowledge of what you need to learn to pass the DOL written test, as well the functions of the trucks and how weight impacts your driving and all about how the breaking system works. While you are in the class room they even bring in scouts for companies that are looking to hire right out of the school. As well they have a section on how to build a good resume. For the next three weeks you are broken down into groups of three and you take turns driving the truck while the other two wait and watch in the sleeper. The whole time that the student is driving the Instructor is giving advice on how perfect their driving ability for the student driving and the ones waiting to drive. If you are having a difficult time learning how to do different functions they may pull you to the side and concentrate on working you through the problem. I myself had somewhat a difficult time learning backing the trailer so I would be the first to drive and then the Instructor would place me back on the yard to work on backing. While you are in the yard you are given a pre trip study guide so you can practice pre trip and know what you got wrong, as well if the staff sees you standing around just doing nothing they will come up to you and ask you to do a pre trip demonstration for them so you will stay on track. While I attended CDS they even hosted a job fair which I thought was good on their part. The staff acts like a family and they make it a point to make you feel like family too. They treat you as an adult so they don't just grab your hand and walk you to the job, you need to put in the effort and actually apply for the job!! As well they have a bulletin board that has companies that are currently looking for employees. If you need additional help looking for a job they will help you with research and take a look at your resume and give you pointers on how to improve it. Just like the old saying close mouths don't get fed, so if you need something just ask and they will help you. read more

Honestly one of the best experiences with a school that I have ever had and I haven't even signed up yet! I drove up to the school and was very impressed by the amount of trucks and the amount of students that were learning in the gravel lot next-door to the office. I was barely through the door when I was graciously greeted by two bright smiling faces, both offering me a variety of treats. I helped myself to a fresh, hot cup of coffee and an awesome cookie. The front office was very cozy, it wasn't too hot, and it wasn't too cold. They have an awesome display of graduates and their trucks. There were so many, I didn't have enough time to watch them all. I sat down with one of their "specialists" to go over some information, I really like the way specialist sounds! I was then given information about the school, trucks, the truck driver shortage, and a rundown on the transportation industry. The school is apparently pretty well recognized and works with plenty of local truck companies, I recognized a few of the companies he named off. Pretty much everything I needed to know was covered. It was super informative! I will be returning shortly to begin my training. I look forward to getting the same quality of experience in my future learning. read more

Great investment in your future and your safety. Very veteran friendlyThe staff is extremely helpful in addressing your personal concerns and questions as you go through the registration process. The most valuable thing you will walk away from this school is knowing that CDS is ALL about preparing you for, and helping you obtain the driving JOB you want following graduation. When a school bases its own success on the success of it's students following graduation, rather than graduation or a certificate/license itself, there is something to say about the institution. With a little research and some word of mouth, you will learn that CDS has a 96% job placement, which is unheard of and incredible. The instructors are very knowledgeable and personable. They put their pants on the same as you.....Just cool guys and gals with a lot more knowledge and skills who want to teach.....no BS. I just finished up my first week....Shout out to Jason Snow, my lead instructor this week! Thanks for coaching and teaching this week...Thanks to you, I was able to pass all required class A written tests, to include bus and passenger, and endorsements for tanker, doubles, triples, and HAZMAT within the first week of school. I cant wait to write a review for week 2. read more

I had an excellent experience at this school, attending both the Auburn location for classroom instruction and the Lakewood training yard for hands-on practice. The first week was spent in the classroom with Instructor Al, who explained everything thoroughly and made complex topics easy to understand. Thanks to his guidance, I passed all three permit tests at the DMV, as well as my triples and doubles endorsement and tanker endorsement. The following three weeks were spent training at the Lakewood yard. Instructor Andy was extremely passionate about helping every student succeed and provided clear, calm instruction throughout the training. Craig, another instructor, had a great teaching style that helped me finally understand shifting and turning on the road. Joe was also an outstanding instructor--straightforward. He especially helped me improve my backing skills; even when I was nervous, he made the process manageable by guiding me through each maneuver step by step. Overall, I highly recommend this school to anyone pursuing their CDL. read more

More than just a school, CDS is family to me. Everyone there wanted to see me succeed and would help in any way posible. All the instructors have their personal style of teaching, but the material was the same across the board. They drew from their real-world experience and prepared me to problem solve on the fly. Even though we have a schedule, I was never pressured to test if I was not ready. I was exposed to different makes and models of equipment that are in use today. I trained to meet the DOT's testing requirements and also industry standard. They have a great partnership with local and OTR employers who will hire graduates upon completion of the program. This means more options for me... They even helped me with my resume with a resume class which cleared up a lot of the misconceptions about resume, applications the hiring process. I want to thank everyone at CDS for their support and their dedication to student success. We committed to seeing me complete the program and I have. Sincerely, Martin Trinidad CDS GRADUATE read more

I just finished my training and hours, and I feel very prepared for the test. The staff took care to make sure I understood the training process as well as required tests and paperwork needed, to acquire the instructional permit. They even scheduled my test dates for me. The instructors are all current Truck/Bus drivers, or have previously worked in the field. The patience and experience they bring to the table is a huge benefit. Shout out to Al, Adam, Andrew, and Darrell. The staff, and instructors were always available for the extra questions I had. I have been invited to come in for extra training, at no extra cost, while I await my test date. Student are encouraged to help each other with the studying. The impressive thing is that, while we were in training, at least 5 employers came and spoke to us about the need for drivers, and offering us employment, because, and I quote "we hire graduates from this school, because we know they are properly trained" I will recommend this school to anyone who asks me about my experience. read more

CDS was very accommodating with my schedule. They are very adamant in making sure every student succeeds in acquiring a permit. As for the Instrictor I personally had: Andrew, Andrew, Andrew... Andrew was absolutely the coolest Teacher/Instructor I have had in a classroom setting. Super awesome. Super Personable. Extremely funny. Guy kept the classroom lively with a plethora of dad jokes. On the business end of things, Andrew was extremely patient with students, made sure everyone was quite literally on the same page, and ensured success! The energy, the charisma, the passion that Andrew brings is absolutely intoxicating. He made me WANT to learn! Also, CDS helps you find jobs! How to make proper resumes! How to behave during an interview! Etc. Super awesome. This experience is one of the best decisions of my life and I will forever be grateful for those that have helped me along the way. Thank you, CDS. read more

I heard many great things about the school from friends that graduated. I am now in my 4th and last week at the school and I am very impressed myself. Everyone that works there from the very top down to the instructors are top notch. My in-class teacher was great getting us prepped to get our permit and other endorsements. The driving instructors are great. Very patient and will go out of their way to help you however they can. They even offer extra backing up instruction on Saturday's to help if you need it. They have a full time instructor that only helps prep you for your pre trip. After you graduate the will even help you with job placement. There is so much more they offer. I can't list everything but I got the most important things. Commercial driver school is everything I expected and so much more. I can not express how great this school is. I would highly recommend this school to anyone. Anthony read more

I just passed my Class A and my Class B Bus certification (CDL). My experience at Commercial Driver School was outstanding, the staff starting with the front office, driving instructors to the owner of the school were true professionals. All the instructors were very knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to help me and my fellow class mates to succeed and obtain our Commercial Driver License. Everyone in my class pass with flying colors. If you are a military vet this is the Commercial Driver school for you, please called and ask to speak to Dion, Wendy or Bryon. These guys can answer any of your questions about obtaining your Commercial Driver License at CDS. I want to recognize and thank some of the staff at CDS who were very helpful to me obtaining my CDL License. - Eric - Lauren - Dion - Pam - John (Port Orchard) - Randy - James - Wendy - Ellen - Clare - Juan read more

Commercial Driver School (CDS) is amazing! As a retired Senior NCO and former over-the-road driver, I have had the opportunity to learn my craft from some of the finest instructors in the world. Those instructors understood that what (and how) they teach change lives; CDS understands this concept (and applies it). I can't say enough good things about this company. I would encourage ANY person desiring to obtain a Commercial Driver License to look no further than CDS for their training. I did not meet a single person at CDS that didn't stop what they were doing to answer a question, show me a technique, or explain each and every phase of the process and encourage me along the way. In conclusion, CDS has provided the training and skills I need to move forward as a professional commercial truck driver. They will do the same for you! read more

The restrooms have Charmin TP, need I say more...? Okay, yes I will. You will earn you CDL with CDS. The staff and instructors are there to help you. Many students in my class had issues that came up and CDS worked with them until the student was able to complete the training... that being said, you must communicate with them, if you have hidden expectations or problems it's going to make it unnecessarily complicated. There is room for improvement; a bit more communication about the entire process would've been helpful. Having a lead instructor or a go to person would be beneficial. I think we need to drive trucks with loads/weight. Build another week into the curriculum for real world driving after the test. I'm really appreciative to CDS for helping me obtain my CDL. They came through as promised in all areas. Thanks read more

I am a graduate of this School. The training I received was exceptional. The people involved have a passion for helping all of the students succeed in this chosen career field. They are heavily involved in each and every phase of your development into becoming a Professional Truck Driver. They help you to find where you may be weakest at and then help you to focus on the improvement needed to master that skill. They said that the graduates of this training get hired right away due to the relationships they have built with the Trucking Companies'. The Monday after I graduated I put out my resume. The following Monday I had an in person interview and got hired by my preferred company to work for. Have faith in the system. Have faith in the school. Have faith in the support personal that are there to help you succeed. read more

CDS Instructors and Staff at Lakewood, WA. Campus are very knowledgeable, respectful and courteous. The training is up-tempo and well executed. The CDS team understands that all students are not the same and may have a unique way of learning new things. The Instructors have so much experience that they find ways to get the lessons across to the individuals to where it is understood and retainable. The Staff will eagerly help restructure your dates so you will lose no training time when life's issues may keep you away from class. CDS newly graduated drivers are more qualified and confident heading out into their new careers. Several Major companies are always looking to hire CDS students because they know their getting a highly trained and motivated Truck Driver to represent their organization. read more

I had a great experience with this school. Melissa and Ashly helped me with my VA benefits. I have been to a different school before. These two ladies made dealing with the VA effortless. The classroom instruction was great. I'm the type of guy who likes to know everything about everything. The instructors would always have an answer for my questions. I never left the classroom not understanding anything over the knowledge being taught. I never had an issue with their trucks either. At first I would get a little nervous but the instructors would get me right over that. Some smooth operators! There job placement help is incredible. From helping me with my resumes to who were the good companies to work with. I had no problems whatsoever. I feel like a better person going through their program. read more

The best school I ever had. They go above and beyond the job description. They not only teach you to drive, they make sure you own it. Drive by heart and master all techniques and safety rules. I'm literally a beginner and fist on stick but they kept their word, they literally never gave up on me. Day in and day out they will make sure you become a professional. You get your moneys worth and more and they literally treat you like family. Its a school unlike any other school we know. I'm surprise they know every student by heart and you can't slack and shy away. The tinyest hint you hide or fear they can tell and they will work with you to get you your goal licence job and pride. They will never lie and you will learn a lot a lot lot lot more than you ever expect. read more

My experience with C.D.S has been nothing sort of AWESOME!!! It's my opinion that the ENTIRE staff at C.D.S. are top self. From the office staff to the instructors all very helpfull,knowledgeable, and always willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure that thier students get the skills they need to succeed. I personally have attended the Lakewood and Lacey campus' taking the Class A,Dump Truck,Cement truck. Also Class B passenger as well as forklift. So looking forward to starting my new career.Thank you so much Tammy,Dion,Bill,Clarence,Pam,Anthony, Dennis,Josh from the Lakewood Campus. And from the Lacey Campus BIG THANKS to Wendy,Tabitha,John,David,Mike,Dave CAN'T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH FOR WHAT YOU DONE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.. read more

This was a great school, the staff and instructors were knowledgeable. The instructors, Dora, Brett, Matt, Jamie, Rey, and John were fun to be around. Bill made the classroom portion easier to get through for the week of classroom training. They challenged me with different tasks regarding driving, which was great so I knew how to handle such situations once I got driving on my own. I highly recommend this school, especially for the military wanting to get their CDL. They also assist in getting you a job driving truck, whether it be local or over the road. The resume class that is part of the classroom portion is a big help in looking for a job as well. I'm glad I chose CDS. Feel like I'm part of their family now too. read more