Drive509 - Spokane CDL School - CDL Training - ELDT Research and Development Center

Signing up here was easily one of the best professional decisions I've made. I'm retired military and have had several jobs since leaving the service and finally found myself considering a CDL.

I started the class in early April and I just completed it on 3 May 24. I also took the additional HAZMAT class with Drive509 which is part of the requirement to get an endorsement for hazardous materials on your CDL.

I came into this class with absolutely no big rig experience and I was very nervous but I was very willing to learn. It did NOT all come easy to me, but I stuck with it anyway because if it were easy, then everyone would be doing it. There is an abundance of knowledge between all of the driving instructors and all of them are committed to sharing that knowledge with you in order to make you a safe, effective, and proficient operator. All of them have years upon years of driving experience under their belts and it shows. I am greatly appreciative of the knowledge that all of them shared with me because even though some of it was difficult for me, they managed to get me trained well. It was worth every bit of struggle to learn what they had to teach...and they are VERY GOOD at teaching you if you're willing to listen. When you arrive, take everything you think you know about big rigs and throw it out, and then listen to the instructors. They know what they're doing and you will too if you complete the training.

If you're even thinking about it, I encourage you to walk in and talk with Brenna, Olivia or Anna...just GO. Especially if you're a veteran with VA benefits. The enrollment process could not have been smoother. GO...get signed up and take the training. It will be the best investment in yourself and your career.

Truck drivers are in extremely high demand and getting trained to be one has to be one of the most assured routes to financial stability that I can think of today. I heard accounts of students having jobs waiting for them before they even finished the course. I raised an eyebrow at that and figured it was the exception rather than the norm...until I graduated. I finished the class on 3 May, I drive tested on the 4th, picked up my license from DoL on the 6th...and I interviewed for and obtained a job that I had applied for on 30 Apr. Yes...you read that right. I applied for a job on the 30th of Apr, and I got hired for the position on the 6th of May. And yes...they DID call the school to ask about me as a candidate. So, show up...do the work...listen to the instructors and you will leave with a skill that can land you a career very quickly.

Embrace the struggle...it will be worth it!!!

This amazing program deserves every bit of 5 stars. The owners really know what they are doing here at drive 509. I honestly can't say enough how thankful I am of everyone at 509. I took my state test today, passed and honestly I feel I was over prepared which was an amazing feeling going through the testing. I'd like to extend a very special thanks to a few instructors specifically: Larry, he's the funniest guy you'll ever meet, but at the same time he's very informative and tactful... Josh, he helped me conquer the offset and 90° backing maneuvers.. he always has a fantastic attitude and is up to the job. Cheryl, for taking me on an extra drive to do some more observations and understand back road truck driving. ALL the instructors at 509 are amazing and WANT to be there to help you. I'm so grateful for the experience it's something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Jason for founding a great program that really works with you. p.s the 3/25 class was the coolest class and that's just facts 😎

Drive 509 is awesome! From their office staff to their instructors. They don't train you to get a CDL, they train you to be knowledgeable of your truck, laws, mechanics, and most importantly how to be a safe driver on the road.
I had very little knowledge on engines and driving a manual semi. I just finished my class B and hazmat endorsement courses. I can now say I am confident that I can pass my CDL test and understand how to ensure myself and my truck are safe on the road.
I cannot recommend this school enough.
I will probably be back to upgrade to a Class A CDL in the future.

Huge shout out to the office ladies for all the help and making sure you have the tools to get all your stuff in and handled.
And to Cheryl for being one of the kindest instructors

Thank you Drive509 you all are awesome!

Phenomenal school with great instructors. I went in with absolutely zero experience driving a manual vehicle, backing trailers, etc. and I just took my Class A CDL state test today and passed. Drive509 prepares you extremely well, they go above and beyond industry standards. The class is challenging but definitely worth it!

Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way! From the ladies in the front office (Brenna, Olivia, and Anna) to the instructors (Andrew, Cheryl, and Larry were the ones I worked most with) you were all extremely helpful! Andrew is one of the best teachers I have ever had for any class hands down. I would highly recommend Drive509 to anyone looking to get their CDL!

Thank you 509. I have completed all my Jedi truck driver training. Thank you to all the office ladies. You are the BEST. Thank you Joe, Josh, Cherly, Chad, Rick, Bill, Andrew, Richard, Larry. For having the paitence with me. Without all of you I would not be able to take the state test. I'm am greatful for all of you. God Bless You all at Drive509. You are the Best Truck Driver Training School. Oh and a special thanks to Joe for making the cones smaller. Thank you.

I recently had to upgrade my class B to a class A and with new laws am required to do 80 hours of training. Being a small business owner my time is my most precious commodity from the time I called Drive 509 they were 110% in my corner and did whatever it took to get me my required training, and miss as Little work as possible. they will bend over backwards to accommodate everyone of their students in their educational journey and schedules. Everyone that works there is top notch from the owner all the way down to the shop dog and everyone in between. They truly care about their students and offer a great education at a fair value. All of their equipment is in good operating order so you will not have to learn on some junky old truck. Their facility is well-kept, and they take great pride in their program you will not find a better school to attend and not be disappointed that you did.

Drive 509 was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute there. The office staff was very friendly and helpful with any questions or concerns I had. All of the staff there was excellent and went above and beyond for their students. Andrew the night instructor was one of the best teachers I've ever had. I passed my test with ease because of this school's standards and values and I would recommend it to anyone.

If you want to get your cld then drive509 is the place to go. Andrew is a great guy and teacher. Most the instructors were great and super helpful. Highly recommend

If you are looking for a trucking school, look no further. Drive 509 is very good with their students. They go above and beyond to make sure that you are not only ready to pass the state exam, but also make sure that you are ready for the real world. 100% amazing, 10 out of 10 would recommend to a friend.

My experience here turned out amazing. Instructors do a great job directing students to be working on just the right tasks in order to get everything done. Even with people at different experience levels, have all the available resources to suite your needs.

Badass school the instructors are really helpful and patient. I would recommend to anyone wanting there CDL.. joe, Josh,Jason, and all the other instructors are awesome they push you to do better and make sure your prepared for real life not just the state exam..

I wish I could give them 10 stars. I absolutely love this place. The staff really care about their students and want you to succeed. All of the instructors are absolutely helpful, especially the night instructor Andrew and day instructor Josh. The ladies in the office are sweet and welcoming and the dog is the absolute cutest. This school really is for their students and I recommend anyone wanting to get their cdl to try this place.

It was very professional I enjoyed learning from instructors driving and non driving. There was plenty of trucks to practice pretrip on and trucks with trailers to practice backing other students it helped learning other things if you missed something they could point that out to you.

I love Drive509, all of the instructors are the best!! Everyone there always had a smile on their face. Whether you are new to driving semi or have been driving semis for a job you will definitely learn more at drive509 then you would anywhere else. Perfect for all levels of experience. The instructors were great and no question went unanswered, Josh, Joe, Bill, Larry, Andrew and Jason were incredible teachers. Jason Boudreau you are awesome and I want to say thank you for opening a school that actually cares about teacher and making sure we the students have the best time learning. I passed my cdl state exam 1st shot and I couldn't have done it without all of the instruction from everyone at Drive509. I appreciate every one of the people there!!!

This School is absolutely astonishing. They thought me, someone who had no experience prior to, how to drive a manual truck. I was sent by my employer to get my class A CDL. I did the 4 week course. This school is so professional and knowledgeable that I honestly felt ready for my state test by the end of my 3 rd week. All of the office, people were wonderful and on top of things. All of the yard and drive instructors were absolutely helpful and knowledgeable. Their worked with you and where professional. They pushed us to be better than the industry standard. I had my CDL exam today and Passed on the first try! All because how well prepared this school got me!

Thanks Joe, Josh, Andrew Larry, Rich, bill, Sergio, and Jason. You all are absolutely the best of the best.

I researched all the spokane area cdl schools before calling this one. I am glad I did, the curriculum taught here is far above industry standards and the instructors and office staff are incredible. If you go to school here and fail it is because you're lacking. The information and lessons given here exceeded my expectations. I recommend anyone looking to get their cdl to come here first. The team here doesn't just teach you what is needed for your cdl, they teach you what is needed to be a safe and successful truck driver. Thank you Drive 509, you deserve any award possible for your business and teachings.

This place is phenomenal. Training objectives are aggressive yet get you where you need to be at each stage of the training. The office staff are great and very helpful/knowledgeable enough to answer any questions or correct any issues that may arise. Facility was nice, although the yard was dusty. Not for lack of trying of the staff that kept the sprinklers on the battle the dust. The best part I believe were the instructors. Jason, Tim, Joe, Bill, Rich, Richard, Joe, Josh, Sergio and Andrew were all instrumental in my success. Any other instructor that I didn’t drive with was still very nice and game me constructive criticism. I loved every day I spent there. Plenty of vehicles to practice backing, driving, uncoupling and coupling and even putting on and taking off chains. I feel very well prepared to get on the road. Be better than the industry standard! Much luck and success to the team and for anyone that attends the course and becomes part of the trucking community.

As someone who’s been to CDL school before, I have to say Drive509 is probably the best school in the country. I went to a CDL school in AZ (didn’t transfer my CDL right away when I moved, so I had to go through and get it again here in WA) and they weren’t anywhere near as thorough, hospitable, and knowledgeable as Drive509. The staff is so kind, flexible, and go out of their way to make sure you’re succeeding in school, but also won’t let you go hungry at night if you’re in that kind of situation. The instructors actually care about the students and what they’re teaching them. The adjust their teaching ways to cater to how some people learn (which is nice when you have ADHD like me). Every single person there is exceptional and does more than just ‘their job’. They’ll work with you. They’ll spend extra time with you. They won’t let you leave until you’re completely ready and that’s something awesome. 100/10 would recommend. Don’t be afraid to change into the trucking career, even if you don’t feel you won’t fit in, because they’ll make sure you learn all you need to learn and more.

The shop dog was my favorite part of going there every day. Love you, Groot!

Drive 509 is a phenomenal place to learn or further your truck driving knowledge and experience! The office staff was very efficient in getting paper work and everything in order during my enrollment and are very helpful whenever you need it. The instructors are also super cool people and you can tell they enjoy coming to work everyday to teach you and challenge you day to day until they see improvement. I 100% recommend Drive 509 to anyone looking to get their CDL for any reason! Thank you Drive 509 for the fun and eventful experience and knowledge 🤘🏽

Everything about Drive 509 is top notch. My schedule had specific needs. They worked with me without hesitation. The instructors take REAL intrest in your success. It was a great experience and I'd like to thank the entire staff for their professionalism. Hands down the best CDL school in Washington state and probably the entire nation.