About Us
Founded in 2021, Sunnyside CDL School is a family-owned commercial driver's license (CDL) training school dedicated to helping students throughout the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, and Central Washington start rewarding careers in the trucking and transportation industry. Our mission is simple: create opportunities through quality CDL training. Whether you're looking to earn your Class A CDL, Class B CDL, School Bus, or Passenger endorsement, our experienced instructors provide hands-on training that prepares you for both the Washington State CDL skills test and a successful career. Since opening our doors, we've helped over 2,000 students take the next step toward higher-paying careers. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future, whether you're entering the workforce, changing careers, a military veteran, or returning after time away from driving. At Sunnyside CDL School, you'll find: • Flexible weekday and weekend training schedules • Experienced bilingual instructors • Small student-to-instructor ratios • Modern equipment and real-world driving experience • Job placement assistance with trucking companies and school districts • Financial aid and grant opportunities for qualified students Our commitment doesn't end when you earn your CDL. We continue supporting our graduates with refresher training, employer connections, and ongoing educational opportunities to help them succeed throughout their careers. If you're looking for one of Washington's most trusted CDL schools, we're ready to help you get behind the wheel and start your future.
Why Choose Sunnyside CDL School
Washington's Trusted CDL Training School
At Sunnyside CDL School, we're more than a truck driving school—we're a career training center committed to helping students throughout the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, and Central Washington earn their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and begin successful careers in the transportation industry.
Since opening in 2021, we've trained more than 2,000 students and continue to help individuals build rewarding careers through professional Class A CDL, Class B CDL, Passenger, and School Bus endorsement training.
Whether you're starting your first career or looking for a better-paying profession, we're committed to helping you succeed.
Experienced Instructors with Real Industry Experience
Our instructors don't simply teach from a book—they've spent years working in the trucking industry.
Students receive hands-on instruction covering:
- Vehicle inspections
- Backing maneuvers
- Highway driving
- Mountain driving
- Load securement
- Hours of Service
- Safety regulations
- Defensive driving
Our goal isn't simply helping you pass the CDL exam.
Our goal is preparing you to become a safe, confident, and employable professional driver.
Flexible Training Built Around Your Schedule
Life doesn't stop because you're earning your CDL.
That's why we offer flexible training schedules designed for:
- Working adults
- Parents
- Career changers
- Veterans
- Recent high school graduates
Students can choose training days that work best for their schedules while receiving the hours required by Washington State and FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations.
Multiple CDL Programs
We provide comprehensive commercial driver training including:
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- School Bus Endorsement
- Passenger Endorsement
- CDL Refresher Courses
- Employer Customized Training
Whether you want to drive tractor-trailers, dump trucks, buses, or delivery vehicles, we have a program designed for your career goals.
Financial Aid & Grant Opportunities
We believe finances shouldn't prevent someone from pursuing a better future.
Qualified students may be eligible for grant funding and workforce training assistance through our community partners.
Our admissions team helps students identify available funding opportunities whenever possible.
Job Placement Assistance
Our relationship with students doesn't end after graduation.
We maintain relationships with trucking companies, school districts, and transportation employers looking for qualified CDL drivers.
Our graduates receive assistance connecting with employers throughout Washington State and beyond.
Safety Is Our Highest Priority
Professional drivers carry tremendous responsibility.
Every lesson emphasizes:
- Defensive driving
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
- Accident prevention
- Vehicle inspections
- Safe backing techniques
- Professionalism
We believe safe drivers become successful drivers.
Family-Owned. Community Focused.
Sunnyside CDL School was founded with one mission:
Creating opportunities through CDL training.
We're proud to serve our local communities by helping students gain skills that lead to stable, rewarding careers while helping employers address the growing demand for qualified commercial drivers.
When you attend Sunnyside CDL School, you're not simply earning a license.
You're investing in your future.
Why Students Choose Sunnyside CDL School
- 2,000+ Graduates
- Family-Owned & Operated
- Experienced Professional Instructors
- Flexible Scheduling
- Bilingual Instruction Available
- Class A & Class B CDL Programs
- Passenger & School Bus Endorsements
- Grant Opportunities Available
- Job Placement Assistance
- Modern Equipment
- Hands-On Training
- Washington State Licensed
- ELDT Compliant
- Serving Sunnyside, Yakima, Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, Prosser, Grandview, Toppenish, Wapato, Moses Lake, and surrounding communities.
Meet Our Staff
Staff is here to help — don't hesitate to ask them questions. They are all friendly and happy to answer anything you may have.
Jorge Galvan
CEO
20+ years experience in the trucking industry
Adriana Luna
Admissions, Office & Student Support
Cris Cisneros
Head Instructor
5+ years experience
Alberto Melendrez
Instructor (aka "SARG")
3+ years experience
Cecilia Ramirez
Instructor
5+ years experience
Josh Grageda
Instructor
2+ years experience