Funding Your CDL Training

WorkSource WA is the gateway to federal workforce funding in Washington. Inside WorkSource, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary funding mechanism — a federal program for eligible adults and dislocated workers that pays tuition and fees directly to approved training providers like Taylor Made TDS.

Taylor Made is listed on Washington's Eligible Training Provider list (CareerBridge), which means we're pre-approved to receive WIOA funds on your behalf. The funding comes through an Individual Training Account (ITA) — WorkSource routes payment directly to the school once you're approved. You can verify our listing directly on CareerBridge.

The catch: funding is competitive and needs-based, not guaranteed. Living expenses are not covered. Start by enrolling as a job seeker at your local WorkSource office. Skagit County WorkSource: 315 S. First St, Mount Vernon WA · (360) 416-3600.

As of July 4, 2025, federal law expanded what 529 education savings plans can pay for. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, §70414), CDL training at WIOA-approved schools now qualifies as a Qualified Postsecondary Credentialing Expense — meaning 529 distributions for your training are federal-income-tax-free. Taylor Made TDS is listed on Washington's WIOA Eligible Training Provider list (CareerBridge), which qualifies us under this provision.

Eligible expenses include tuition, required fees, books, supplies, and required equipment. Room, board, and transportation are not covered. If you or a family member has a 529 earmarked for college, it may well apply here — check with your plan administrator to confirm your state plan is aligned with the new federal rules.

Washington's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) covers CDL training costs for students with qualifying disabilities who are seeking employment. We have students enrolled through DVR right now. If you have a documented disability and are looking for work, DVR is worth a call before you assume training isn't affordable.

Many employers — especially trucking and logistics companies — sponsor CDL training for drivers they plan to hire. If you have a job offer or employer commitment, ask them about sponsoring your training costs. We can work with employers directly.

Some regional carriers also offer signing bonuses large enough to cover training costs retroactively. That's not a scholarship — it's a paycheck with a head start.

As of 2025, Taylor Made TDS is an approved training provider under the IAM/Boeing Joint Programs Education Assistance program. If you're a Boeing employee and IAM District 751 member, CDL training may be covered — contact your Joint Programs Career Advisor to confirm current eligibility.

Washington State L&I offers vocational retraining programs for workers injured on the job. If you're currently on an L&I claim and are interested in CDL training as a retraining option, contact your L&I vocational counselor.

Prefer to pay directly? We accept major credit cards and PayPal. A processing fee applies: 3% for credit card payments, 3.5% for PayPal. Payment plans are available — a typical plan is structured as 1/3 due 10 days before class starts, 1/3 halfway through the program, and the final 1/3 at graduation. Payment plan arrangements must be made with the school prior to your start date.